Support tools for remote desktopping :)

[arnljot]

My parents from time to time have problems with their computer.

I need a tool to securely log in to their desktop from my computer.

I used to have their computer connected to my dynamic host, and then I'd set up opensso with a vnc tunnel on that machine.

But it proved to be too brittle.

Now, I don't want to set up a plain vnc on their computer, as I've read that the authentication method there is too weak.

I've heard about logmein, but I think the name sucks - LOL.

However, I need a tool to help out the folks.

What does the hive mind reccomend?

 

[bazzaq]

www.teamviewer.com

i use this regularly for remote support.

 

[TheoryBoy]

Logmein is fine, even the free version.

http://www.teamviewer.com/ is another one I use a lot.

Third for something a little more robust and less client intervention, I use openvpn (through a dd-wrt supported router) and RDP.


Or you can use windows Remote Assistance but they will have to send a ticket by email to you. I never use Remote assistance though.

---------- Post added at 20:17 ---------- Previous post was at 20:17 ----------

*SNAP*

 

[arnljot]

That one looks promising

*snap* indeed. I meant teamviewer. Seems good from it's sales blurb

 

[imnogeek]

My parents from time to time have problems with their computer.

I need a tool to securely log in to their desktop from my computer.

I used to have their computer connected to my dynamic host, and then I'd set up opensso with a vnc tunnel on that machine.

But it proved to be too brittle.

Now, I don't want to set up a plain vnc on their computer, as I've read that the authentication method there is too weak.

I've heard about logmein, but I think the name sucks - LOL.

However, I need a tool to help out the folks.

What does the hive mind reccomend?

I use logmein alot both pro and free, I have been using it now for 2-3 years and never had a problem.

Connected to 2003 servers, XP home & Pro, Vista and W7 (about 30 machines in all)

Gary

 

[Ed.D]

I've used Crossloop to sort out my brothers' and sister's PC issues. Free or licensed options.

http://www.crossloop.com/

 

[gazcbm]

I can recommend Teamviewer, use it exclusively.

The product can be run on demand or installed as a service, can be customised for security, file transfers built in, machines can be accessible through a webbrowser or the iphone app.

It also has built in VOIP but have never had the need to use it.

:nod:

 

[MeetDKing]

Or you can use windows Remote Assistance but they will have to send a ticket by email to you. I never use Remote assistance though.

Depending on how often you need to connect remotely this could be the easiest solution. That's what I use for parental support and it works well enough.

 

[status]

How about TinyVNC?

Teamviewer is FINE but after the "trial" expires it limits you to 5' or less of use and the price for the full version is high enough to cause a heart attack (given the features is fine, but in corporate level) for a single user.

 

[moijk]

My parents from time to time have problems with their computer.

I need a tool to securely log in to their desktop from my computer.

I'd say teamviewer too. my favorite tool for remote help. Perfect for me who doesn't run windows, so I get to see what they see (since I can't replicate it locally).

 

[Tomse]

Teamviewer is perfect for home users (and corp as well).

if you want more control then pchelpware that uses UltraVNC (which in my opinion is the best free VNC client/server out there, with secure connection, filecopy and the mirror driver which improves working on the remote desk).

pchelpware needs configuration in your own router/firewall, a portmapping to the guest computer.

it's basically a reverse dial-up. the Guest starts up her/his client and awaiting a call, and the remote starts the server and clicks connect to make the connection to the guest.

the server can be preprogrammed into connecting to 1 or more IP's, if one IP, the interface can be programmed into having a single button "Login"

there is a pretty nice guide to how to pre-program the server.

like teamviewer, pchelpware can also connect the a remote server for which you both connect, and no router/firewall configuration is needed.

I've used pchelpware extensively myself, though very slow, one can actually play DX games through it xD not recommended though.

 

[SkydivinGirl]

I know the name isn't great, but I tend to use LogMeIn for remote assistance on relative's computers. It's free and easy to use. No dynamic DNS needed and no router configuration either.

Heather

 

[HonestFlames]

Another vote for logmein.com. I only use the free version. I'm currently supporting 5 PC's/laptops and regularly use it to connect to my home PC to check email and bypass my employer's web blocking.

 

[arnljot]

So, it comes down to teamviewer vs logmein?

Does teamviewer really expire? It doesn't say anything but "free" on the webpage for personal use.

Maybe it's time for a poll

 

[gazcbm]

It does expire if you install it as a commercial use. Make sure you ALWAYS install as non commercial and you will have no problems at all. (Unless of course you are using it for commercial use).

Whenever you finish a session, it will pop up a message on the remote computer saying something like

"This session was enabled by Teamviewer for Non-Commercial Use - Please read more at www.teamviewer.com"