To use DHCP is so straightforward that only excuse for not using it is lack of knowledge. You create a DHCP server - depending upon size of your network this can be added to an existing server (the network traffic is not usually very high) or you may need to use a dedicated system. Some people use DHCP server that comes with Windows NT or whatever operating system they happen to be running. We found best solution was to purchase a "DHCP appliance" - a small computer intended to host DHCP and only DHCP.

Once you've got your DHCP server installed, you use an interface of some kind (often just any browser such as Internet Explorer) to define your network parameters. These include range of available TCP/IP addresses, gateway address, addresses (primary and secondary) of your DNS or name servers, and any of dozens of other parameters.

Now comes really cool part. From this point forward, any machine on your network can, if told to do so, get all of TCP/IP information from this DHCP server. This means you no longer need to enter and/or change any of this data. It's all handled for you. Windows 2000 Professional systems even use DHCP by default, which means new workstations practically work out of box.

To make this all easy for home users as well, many hardware firewalls include a DHCP server as part of package. This means if you get one of these firewalls (and it will tell you on box or instructions if it has a DHCP server built-in) you can just plug computers in at home and not worry very much about TCP/IP.

The bottom line is there is no reason not to use DHCP for your workstations, laptops and handheld devices (it's not a good idea in general to use it for servers). You can even use it at home if you get proper firewall.

You can use file download and upload facility to transfer files easily and quickly, which is handy for grabbing files and performing installations. You can even chat with person on monitor in a separate window (I've never done this but saw it in documentation).

PcAnywhere works whether or not machine is logged in, and it works very well on Windows NT, 2000 and XP (and I assume at least more advanced Windows 9x operating systems). You have some special buttons to issue CONTROL-ALT-DELETE sequence when necessary, and you can even reboot or shutdown machine if desired.

Another feature that works very well is many security options. You can tighten down program (and it's very powerful so you probably want to restrict it very well) as much as you want, and you have choice of several different encryption schemes and security models. Choose what fits your requirements best.

On downside, PcAnywhere does use a few resources, and when it is active (used remotely) user may very well notice a slowdown. The older versions were a little unstable, but since version 9 we have noticed no problems of any kind with program. One caution: PcAnywhere must be made very secure as it truly gives someone control over a system. Choose your security well and be sure it is enforced.

I could go on for hours about usefulness of this program in corporate environment. It has so many useful features that it really boggles mind. I would highly recommend it if you have a need for remote control.