Remote access

Marc

Marc

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I'm not exactly a genius when it comes to computers but my father makes me look like Bill Gates. He often phones be with problems which I can't resolve as I can't see what he's seeing nd he struggles to describe things.

I've seen IT people remote accessing other peoples' computers at work and I can do the same here between 2 macs but I was wondering if it's possible to do this between 2 computers in 2 different locations. Can anyone explain how it can be done and, preferably, in a way I can understand?
 
something like logmein (website where both partys log in and can remote control) is quite popular, i dont use it myself but it aways has good things said about it. and is probably the easiest option with no hardware config needed.
 
Gotomypc is another one. I do not think there is a free option.
 
Logmein - just choose the free option. Really easy to use and quicker than the likes of VNC with none of the setup hassles. You just install it on his machine and then log onto it through the logmein website.... :thumbs:
 
Take a look at Teamviewer - also free and easy to setup.
 
Yes this can be done without installing any software. Most operating system have an option for remote desktop connections.

On XP this is under Start > Accessories > Communication > Remote Desktop connection.

The computer you are trying to connect to has to be configured to allow remote connections. This is done via the "Remote" tab in system properties. (Right click on "my computer", click on "properties" and then "Remote" tab. Check the option to allow remote connections. (Note when it fails to connect 9 times out of 10 its the firewall as it will need to be configured to allow the port number)

There is also a less techie option if you use MSN messenger. The MSN messenger application has an option to connect to the pc of the person you are talking to.

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See the following link for more info on using MSN for remote access http://www.ehow.com/how_2030978_use-remote-assistance.html

Hope that helps :)
 
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LogMeIn would be the better option I think as, IIRC, TeamViewer needs the remote machine to log in to the system so that you can access it, which may be an issue for your father.

LogMeIn however can be left running on his machine and you can access from yours without any need for intervention from him (provided it is on of course! :lol:)
 
Teamviewer is widely used by professionals and can be set for limited (ie only when authorised) access.
 
Simmotino said:
LogMeIn would be the better option I think as, IIRC, TeamViewer needs the remote machine to log in to the system so that you can access it, which may be an issue for your father.
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Teamviewer can run in the background for easy access or double click on an icon and give you the password (id is constant on each machine)

We looked at all options at work and went with teamviewer.
 
If you need to get through firewall, use teamviewer. It's extremely good at getting through and needs no configuration. We remote into schools and have to get through various security aerups and teamviewer has the higher success rate.
 
was going to suggest msn - as i used that once with my Father.......... the words freaked and out don't come close.........
 
crossloop is free..........

i often use this.
 
You soon learn to stop offering support to people :lol:
 
fabs said:
Anything's better tan trying to understand what he's trying to describe on the phone! :bang:
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Been there done that.... :eek: :runaway:
 
fabs said:
Anything's better tan trying to understand what he's trying to describe on the phone! :bang:
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So its not just me that gets those kind of calls - :lol:

And I let my mum talk me into getting him a laptop for his 70th which I'm regretting already. He thinks everything should just move over and work despite the new one having Windows 7 (old one is XP).

I decided a long time ago against remote access as then there is no escape - at the moment I can just say it will have to wait until I next see them to fix it (usually a couple of months :D )
 
latercomer2 said:
I decided a long time ago against remote access as then there is no escape - at the moment I can just say it will have to wait until I next see them to fix it (usually a couple of months :D )
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Unfortunately, I don't get over there as often as I'd like so he gets the window cleaner (A computer whiz apparently) to look at it. The guy downloaded a load of crap to his last PC and it ended up riddled with viruses! :bang:
 
If it's Windows, you don't need to waste your money on all that commercial software that does what is already built into Windows.

Only thing is the home editions of Windows require you to initiate a remote desktop request. The professional and server editions just need remote desktop and/or terminal services enabling.

Though you need to be opening up holes in firewalls and so on, and need the IP of your network, and better still set up a VPN or SSH connection ;). That's where the commercial stuff makes it easier. It's just I object to paying for something I already have (plus I hate those "go to my PC" adverts).
 
Ive used teamviewer, logmein and msn/windows help in the past.

For simple easy to use no hassle option i would recommend logmein out of the three.
Its easy enough to get the user to create there own free logmein account, install it on there pc then email you the account details so you can access it.

Teamviewer raised more questions than answers, msn/windows help is really slow when compared to logmein imo.
 
Teamviewer is the tool of choice in my opinion. We have used many solutions at work and Teamviewer is the one we've stuck with. The partner list allows for us to track and have available over 700 client's PCs a couple of clicks away.

Performance is good - need very little bandwidth really (like 10kb/s max upload for general use).

Also you can get iphone and android versions. I can happily sit in the pub or on the sofa, remoted into my home pc to check the web or IRC. Once you get used to being able to access your home pc from wherever you are - it makes everything so much simpler.
 
I'm going to have a looka t Logmein because my Mum often rings me up with computer problems and she always has difficulty in telling me what she's seeing on her screen and what the problem is so this way I'll be able to help a bit easier.

I'm also hoping it'll let me access my home computer from work.
 
JCoquillon said:
Teamviewer is the tool of choice in my opinion. We have used many solutions at work and Teamviewer is the one we've stuck with. The partner list allows for us to track and have available over 700 client's PCs a couple of clicks away.

Performance is good - need very little bandwidth really (like 10kb/s max upload for general use).

Also you can get iphone and android versions. I can happily sit in the pub or on the sofa, remoted into my home pc to check the web or IRC. Once you get used to being able to access your home pc from wherever you are - it makes everything so much simpler.
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:plusone: my choice as well.
 
I've used UltraVNC on Windows to control machine on LAN and WAN. Now I'm running Macs and wanting to do the same. Is anyone doing so using a free solution?

Just configured my iMac sharing as per here and installed the free Mocha VNC app onto my iPad. Now controlling my iMac from my iPad on the local network!
 
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