Being away from your computer doesn't mean you can't use it. The best remote access software we've tested lets you control your machine or someone else's from afar.

Dubbed “remote PC repair centers,” these Internet-based tech support Web sites are fast becoming an oasis for computer users and small companies that lack IT departments.

AT&T is upgrading its remote PC repair service that will allow technicians to resolve issues without a customer fully booting a computer, the company said on Thursday.

But most remote-access software available today needs to be pre-configured on both the client PC and remote PC. Additionally, on a corporate, office or home network, firewalls need to be configured.

AT&T has gone a step ahead with its remote PC repair service, announcing a service upgrade to fix PCs before system boots.