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PcAnywhere
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 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2014) |
| pcAnywhere | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Symantec Corporation |
| Initial release | 1986 (DOS), 1993 (Windows) |
| Final release | 12.6.65
/ 2012 |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac OS, Linux[1] |
| Available in | English |
| Type | Remote administration software |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | ca |
pcAnywhere is a discontinued suite of computer programs by Symantec which allowed a user of the pcAnywhere remote program on a computer to connect to a personal computer running the pcAnywhere host if both are connected to interconnected networks and the password is known. pcAnywhere runs on several platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Pocket PC.
History
[edit]The first version of pcAnywhere 1.0 for DOS was originally developed by Dynamic Microprocessor Associates (DMA) in 1986.[2] A few years later, in 1991, Dynamic Microprocessor Associates was acquired by Symantec and the program was renamed to Norton pcAnywhere. In March 1993, Symantec released Norton pcAnywhere 1.0 for Windows.[3]
Issues
[edit]In January 2012, Symantec, the maker of pcAnywhere, revealed a security breach and told users to stop using the software, pending a resolution of the problem and the creation of new secure code,[4] while on February 7, 2012 the software's source code was leaked and distributed through The Pirate Bay.[5] Symantec responded with a series of cumulative hot fixes to pcAnywhere versions 12.0.x, 12.1.x and 12.5.x. The hot fixes addressed immediate issues identified by Symantec's assessment of the code exposure. Symantec also released hot fixes for the pcAnywhere versions, 12.5.x and 12.6.x, bundled with Symantec Management Suites.[6] A full cumulative service pack patch was released on April 11, 2012.[7] Symantec gave out free upgrades to all customers that had a previous version of Symantec pcAnywhere dating back to the late 1990s.[8]
In May 2014, Symantec announced the end of life for Symantec pcAnywhere, and according to its FAQ "At this time, Symantec has no plans to introduce a replacement remote control product."[9] Symantec recommends users disable PC Anywhere,[10][11] and for its standalone version Bomgar as a replacement.[12]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "System requirements", PC Anywhere, Symantec.
- ^ "Remote device access office from "Anywhere"". InfoWorld, February 10, 1986. 10 February 1986.
- ^ "pcAnywhere remote package supports Windows". InfoWorld, March 22, 1993. 1993-03-22. p. 42.
{{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ "Symantec to Users: Stop Using pcAnywhere". Frequent business traveler. Jan 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
- ^ Epstein, Zach (7 Feb 2012). "Hackers tried to extort $50,000 from Symantec after stealing source code". BGR. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
- ^ "Security Advisories Relating to Symantec Products – Symantec pcAnywhere Multiple Security Updates". Symantec. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012.
- ^ "About the pcAnywhere 12.5 SP4 and pcAnywhere Solution 12.6.7 releases". Symantec. Archived from the original on October 31, 2012.
- ^ "Symantec says that pcAnywhere is safe to use again gives out free upgrades". The next Web. 30 Jan 2012.
- ^ "pcAnywhere End-of-Life Customer FAQ". Symantec. Archived from the original on May 21, 2014.
- ^ Finkle, Jim (25 Jan 2012), Lewis, Matthew (ed.), Symantec tells customers to disable pcAnywhere software, Boston: Reuters.
- ^ Constantin, Lucian, Symantec Recommends Disabling PcAnywhere and Waiting for Security Patches, IDG News Service.
- ^ N, Andy (1 Dec 2014), PC Anywhere EOL & Bomgar, Symantec.
External links
[edit]- PC Anywhere (product page), Symantec
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PcAnywhere
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Overview
Description and Purpose
pcAnywhere is a proprietary remote access software suite originally developed by Dynamic Microprocessor Associates, Inc. and acquired by Symantec in 1991, designed to connect a remote client computer to a host computer over networks, the internet, or modems.[4] This enables users to securely access and control the host system as if physically present, facilitating remote management of desktops, servers, and mobile devices.[1] The primary purposes of pcAnywhere include remote troubleshooting for help desk support, file access and transfer between connected systems, software deployment via integrated packaging tools, and collaborative work through multi-session management in enterprise environments.[1][8] It supports bidirectional file transfers and allows IT administrators to resolve issues quickly without on-site visits, enhancing efficiency in distributed workforces.[9] These capabilities make it particularly valuable for telecommuting and remote office support.[1] As one of the earliest commercial remote desktop solutions, pcAnywhere emerged in the mid-1980s, playing a pivotal role in IT management during the pre-internet dial-up era when modem connections were the norm for remote support.[10] It evolved from DOS-based origins to support broader connectivity.[11] The basic workflow involves running host mode on the target machine to accept incoming connections, while remote mode operates on the controlling device to forward inputs and share the host's screen in real time.[9] This setup allows seamless interaction, including running applications and editing files on the host.[12]Key Components
pcAnywhere's core architecture revolves around three primary modules: the Host, the Remote, and the pcAnywhere Manager. The Host module operates on the server-side, configuring the target computer to accept incoming remote connections and managing session parameters such as access controls and security settings.[12] It supports platforms including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, enabling features like remote control and file transfer while requiring integration with the Symantec Management Agent for enhanced functionality.[9] The Remote module functions as the client-side component, allowing users to initiate connections to a Host, take control of the remote desktop, and perform tasks such as input simulation and screen viewing.[12] Meanwhile, the pcAnywhere Manager serves as the administrative interface for enterprise environments, facilitating the deployment, configuration, and monitoring of multiple Host and Remote instances across networks.[9] This module enables centralized management of settings, including docking policies and credential handling for up to 1,000 hosts.[9] User interface elements in pcAnywhere are designed for intuitive operation and session oversight. The Connection Wizard provides a step-by-step guide for setting up and initiating connections, simplifying the process of linking Remote to Host over protocols like TCP/IP.[12] During active sessions, the session toolbar offers quick-access controls, including options for full control mode, view-only access, file transfer initiation, and keyboard/mouse locking to enhance security.[9] Logging features capture detailed audit trails of events, such as connection attempts and actions performed, stored in files like AW.PL9 for troubleshooting and compliance purposes.[12] Supporting utilities extend pcAnywhere's capabilities for efficient management and automation. The Address Book utility allows users to save and organize connection profiles, including host details and caller accounts, streamlining repeated access to remote systems.[12] Scripting tools, such as AutoTransfer files (.atf) and command queues, enable automated tasks like batch file movements or predefined session sequences, reducing manual intervention in routine operations.[9] Additionally, pcAnywhere integrates with Symantec's broader ecosystem, supporting protocols like VNC and RDP, as well as compatibility with tools from the Symantec Management Platform for unified endpoint management.[9] The licensing model for pcAnywhere emphasizes flexibility for various deployment scales. It offers perpetual licenses, where a single copy is required per computer, with network deployments necessitating a license for each accessing machine to ensure compliance.[12] Maintenance contracts provide access to updates and support, accommodating single-user setups as well as enterprise-wide installations via custom packages created with the pcAnywhere Packager tool.[12] This structure supports docking to Access Servers for concurrent sessions, limited to 30 per instance in larger environments.[9]History
Early Development
pcAnywhere was first released in 1985 by Dynamic Microprocessor Associates (DMA) as version 1.0 for MS-DOS, designed specifically for modem-based remote access to early IBM PCs and compatible systems. It was one of the earliest commercial remote desktop/remote access software programs and a pioneer in remote control software for IBM PC-compatible computers. This initial iteration addressed the growing need for remote connectivity in the burgeoning personal computer market, enabling users to control a host computer from a remote location over telephone lines.[13] Early marketing for pcAnywhere and similar early remote access tools (such as Carbon Copy by Microcom or Close-Up) primarily consisted of print advertisements in computer magazines like PC Magazine, Byte, and InfoWorld, as well as trade show promotions. There are no well-documented TV commercials for the very first versions of pcAnywhere or comparable early remote desktop software in the mid-1980s, as these were niche business/IT products rather than consumer items targeted at broad TV audiences. A key innovation of pcAnywhere 1.0 was its capability as one of the first commercial software packages to provide full remote control through asynchronous modems, incorporating features such as keyboard and mouse emulation along with file transfer capabilities over slow 300-1200 baud connections. It required compatibility with Hayes-compatible modems, which were standard at the time, but was constrained by text-mode interfaces that limited its use primarily to character-based applications like databases and spreadsheets. Early adoption was strong among IT professionals, who valued pcAnywhere for enabling troubleshooting and maintenance without requiring physical access to the target machine, a significant advantage in the pre-internet era of distributed computing. By 1988, version 3.0 introduced basic graphics support, expanding its utility beyond pure text environments while maintaining focus on modem-driven remote sessions.[14]Symantec Acquisition
In August 1991, Symantec Corporation announced its acquisition of Dynamic Microprocessor Associates Inc. (DMA), the developer of pcAnywhere, a leading remote control communications software for connecting remote personal computers to networks.[3] The deal was structured as a stock swap valued at approximately $22 million, with DMA based in Huntington, New York, and Symantec headquartered in Cupertino, California.[3] This purchase expanded Symantec's portfolio beyond core utilities, incorporating pcAnywhere to address growing demand for remote access solutions in the early PC era.[3] Following the acquisition, Symantec integrated pcAnywhere into its utility software lineup, positioning it alongside established products like Norton Utilities to create synergies in PC maintenance, diagnostics, and connectivity.[3] The company planned to market the software under the Norton brand, rebranding it as Norton pcAnywhere to leverage brand recognition and streamline its consumer and business offerings.[3] This rebranding occurred promptly, with early post-acquisition releases such as version 4.5 appearing under the Norton name by late 1991.[15] The acquisition influenced pcAnywhere's market positioning by shifting focus toward enterprise applications, emphasizing its utility as a core IT tool for remote support and troubleshooting.[16] Symantec's broader distribution channels facilitated wider adoption, contributing to overall company revenue growth from $75 million in fiscal 1990 to over $116 million in fiscal 1991, as acquisitions like DMA diversified its communications software segment.[16] In 1992, Symantec released DOS version 7.0, which enabled bundled sales configurations to appeal to business users seeking scalable remote access; separate Windows support was introduced the following year with version 1.0 for Windows 3.1.Major Version Milestones
pcAnywhere's major version milestones reflect its evolution from basic modem-based remote access to advanced, cross-platform solutions supporting enterprise networks and enhanced security. In 1998, version 8.0 introduced full support for Windows NT and TCP/IP networking, shifting from serial modem connections to more reliable IP-based access over local area networks.[17][18] This update enabled pcAnywhere to leverage emerging TCP/IP protocols for faster and more scalable remote control, marking a key transition to broadband-compatible operations.[19] Version 10.0, released around 2000, added Linux host compatibility, allowing remote connections to Linux systems and broadening interoperability beyond Windows environments.[20][21] The mid-2000s saw further enterprise-focused enhancements. Version 11.0, launched in 2003, added management tools for streamlined remote communication, facilitating secure access in large Windows domains.[22][23] Version 12.0, announced in 2006, incorporated Windows Vista compatibility and initial mobile device access, enabling connections from handheld devices to desktop hosts.[24][25] The final major releases emphasized security upgrades. Version 12.5, released in 2009, enhanced encryption to 256-bit AES, meeting FIPS 140-2 standards for data protection during sessions.[1][26] Version 12.6 followed in 2010, with the last update—hotfix 12.6.7 (also referenced as 12.6.65 in some documentation)—issued in 2012, incorporating cumulative security fixes before the product's discontinuation.[27][28]| Version | Release Year | Primary Additions |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 1998 | Windows NT support, TCP/IP networking (modem to IP shift) |
| 10.0 | ~2000 | Linux host compatibility |
| 11.0 | 2003 | Management tools for remote communication |
| 12.0 | 2006 | Windows Vista support, mobile device access |
| 12.5 | 2009 | 256-bit AES encryption (FIPS 140-2 validated) |
| 12.6 | 2010 (with 2012 hotfix) | Final security updates and hotfix 12.6.7 |