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Accessing the target PC via the Windows Client requires the download and installation of a small 1.17MB file as shown in Figure 8 every time you attempt to access the target PC. According the manual, the file isn't actually installed on the PC, but "each time you use the Windows client, a fresh copy of the program will be down loaded." This was a bit of a nuisance, but took less than a minute even when accessing the GCN from a relatively slow wireless LAN across the country.

Figure 8: File that is downloaded upon each access to target PC

Once the program is downloaded and running, another application window appears as displayed in Figure 9. Clicking on "Switch" will then connect you to the desktop of your target PC. Users can also choose between Full Screen Mode and accessing the target PC in a smaller window.

Figure 9: Windows Client that allows you to choose connection options

As shown in Figure 10, the GCN provides full mouse control over your desktop, files, and applications on your target PC, albeit with some mouse lag depending on the speed of your connection to the GCN.

Figure 10: Desktop view when connected, showing handy OSD window

As stated in the IOGEAR manual, "due to net lag, there might be a delay before your keystrokes show up. You may also have to wait a bit for the remote mouse to catch up to your local mouse before you click." I spoke to IOGEAR engineering on this issue as well: they recommend setting the target computer video resolution to 1024x768 with a refresh rate of 60 Hz to minimize lag. This setting does improve the mouse lag, but it is still readily apparent.

IOGEAR recommends having at least 128 Kbps of bandwidth for accessing a target PC, yet I found issues with mouse lag even on my gigabit LAN. On my LAN, the lag was tolerable, but over a slower remote connection, such as from a hotel's wireless network, I found it difficult to work with.

Outside of the lag, target PC access is complete and all programs and files are available as if you were sitting in front of your target PC. The window of the target PC can be resized, allowing you to multi-task between your remote PC and the target PC.

Notice the small window at the bottom of my desktop with the title OSD (On Screen Display) Panel in Figure 10. This little window is easily moved and provides controls for configuring Video and Mouse settings, as well as Virtual Media and Messaging functions.