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Comments: 454 +- Ask Slashdot: Simple, Free Web Remote PC Control? on Sunday November 22, @04:42PM
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MeatballCB writes "Hey folks. Being the 'technical' guy of the family, I often get calls from friends and family members when they're having PC issues. Most of these folks are not technical, so trying to troubleshoot problems over the phone can often be a challenge. Anyone know of a simple-to-use and (preferably) free service that would allow for remote viewing/control of their PCs? I know there's WebEx and GoToMyPC, but I hate to pay for something I'd use once every two months. I also know about VNC, but trying to walk someone through opening up ports on their router that thinks their Internet is broken when their homepage gets changed is not realistic. Anyone know of anything that would be easy to set up and use?"
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logmein.com (Score:5, Informative)
It's a free service for home use. QED.
Re:logmein.com (Score:4, Informative)
It's a free service for home use. QED.
It works well, too, but can be a bit slow. Also like most VNCs there is no audio support but for remote troubleshooting it should be fine. Give it a go. Find it here [logmein.com]
Parent
Re:logmein.com (Score:5, Funny)
Do you guys REALLY dislike the idea of going upstairs to help your parents with their computer so much that you need to use some complicated remote control setup instead?
And the exercise from climbing the stairs will do you good as well!
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
He was attempting to be funny.
Re:logmein.com (Score:4, Informative)
Also, OP stated that he gets calls from 'friends and family members'
While this would work fine for family, installing logmein that allows you access whenever you want is probably not a good idea for friends, and they would probably dislike it.
If they are running Windows 7, its extremely easy to walk them through
- Hitting the start button,
- Typing 'Windows Remote Assistance' in the search bar
- Clicking 'Invite someone you trust to help you,'
- Clicking Easy Connect and having them recite the letters on their screen.
Works in Vista too, but the added option of Easy Connect in Windows 7 that gives a a password for connection instead of using an invitation file makes it really easy for the technologically illiterate to allow you to connect. Just another very easy-to-use option.
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
While this would work fine for family, installing logmein that allows you access whenever you want is probably not a good idea for friends, and they would probably dislike it.
Then they can PAY ME for support. if they dont like it then they can go find someone else for FREE support.
I have a couple of friends that whined about it, I said, sure, you pay for this other service monthly. They instantly stopped whining when they realized I was not going to spend money monthly for them.
Try Mikogo (Score:4, Informative)
www.mikogo.com . owned by Skype. I use it all the time.
Parent
Re:Try Mikogo (Score:5, Informative)
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
I've used Echogent's EchoVNC. The Windows server is easy to use. The Linux one isn't quite as easy unfortunately. Pretty much set up a server somewhere public, and then both ends (me and the customer) can be behind most firewalls and get connected quickly. I don't know what feature differences are between their free trial and their pay version are, but if folks are really interested, they'll find out.
The client lets you encode the username, password, and server right into i
Re:If you're so good with IT (Score:4, Informative)
I also use reverse VNC, which is nice. You have to open up a port on our own router, have the VNC viewer listening on the right port, and then setup the reverse VNC binary to connect to your computer (ultravnc has easy programs for this), but it's reliable and pretty simple for end-users... one download, one click, done.
I've done remote support for years through my business. I've used a custom MSI of TightVNC with the password already set, along with OpenVPN. That allows the customer to connect securely to my network, without worrying about a router and port forwarding.
Just download the software, install, and it works. OpenVPN also eliminates the security problem of having unencrypted VNC running over the Internet.
The UltraVNC SingleClick, though, I've just started looking at as a replacement. Built in encryption, easier install for the end user, and complete uninstall when it's finished.
Security is still an issue, though, even with the built in encryption, because it's a static key, rather than PKI. Anybody who can download the SingleClick installer (which is anybody with an IP address) can also get the encryption key used. So it would be easy for anybody to eavesdrop on a connection and intercept all traffic.
OpenVPN with custom certificates eliminates this (which you can generate on the fly from a PHP script, so every single customer is using their own encryption), so I'll still be using it for a lot of customers, even if I completely move over to UltraVNC SC.
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Google for "free MSI packager".
Pick one you like, and go to it.
I use this one:
http://www.scalable.com/softwaredownload/ledownload [scalable.com]
It's got some idiosyncracies, but I'm used to it.
Basically, you do a "before" snapshot, install the VNC server, set your password and anything else you want to configure, then do the "after" snapshot.
It pretty much just runs a diff on the filesystem and registry, and puts the diff file into an .msi.
There are a few things you'll need to take out, that are false positives, but it do
LogMeIn (Score:5, Informative)
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Re:LogMeIn (Score:5, Funny)
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
I use Logmein for this purpose too (and agree that it's really good software), but it's a little early to close the discussion. Installing the free version on every machine you want to support is a pain, especially if you have to talk somebody else through it over the phone. There's a simpler "rescue" version, but it's not free, or even cheap.
The latest version Skype has a desktop sharing feature. No remote control, but if you can see the other screen it's easy to talk people through most tasks. Still a pai
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Deployment link? Have you actually used this software? To use the free version of logmein, the person you're trying to help has to log in using your password, then download and configure the client to work in your account. It's doable, but it requires some non-trivial handholding.
Perhaps you're thinking of LogMeIn Rescue. I've never used it, but it's probably as simple as they claim it is. (This company appears to have pretty high standards.) One little problem: it's not cheap [logmeinrescue.com].
Teamviewer (Score:4, Informative)
I've found that teamviewer is the easiest way to connect without having to go through setting up port forwarding
Re:Teamviewer (Score:4, Informative)
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
i concur, teamviewer is simply the best.
Free remote control software (Score:2, Informative)
UltraVNC single-click (Score:5, Informative)
UltraVNC single click. Its a reverse VNC, designed for this purpose. They double click the executable, and then automatically connects to your listening client.
Its customizable so you can make it look professional if needed. They only have to run the file, it does everything else.
$125.00 per hour (Score:5, Insightful)
It fixed my problems instantly when I quoted them my rate. I got tired of being abused by people who refused to learn how the system worked. This was a directed refusal they take pride in. I made my point that I was not longer their slave. Now they get to pay someone who likes the abuse. I would point out the relationship has a whiff of BDSM but they'd not understand that either.
Parent
Re:$125.00 per hour (Score:5, Insightful)
What if I like my family?
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
April the 1st has already been, your a few months late.
Re:$125.00 per hour (Score:5, Insightful)
$40.00 / hr.
Parent
Re:$125.00 per hour (Score:5, Insightful)
It's no problem if it's an occaisonal question, but the learned helplessness that many people demonstrate is just insulting.
When I find them a fix it usually involves a few minutes of googleing, why can't they at least do the same?
Once a freind asked me to come over for some help and I told him to do a very simple task with clear instructions which he was perfectly capable of. He couldn't be bothered to do it.
Am I supposed to waste my time just because that's their easiest way out?
In future I'm just going to send them this link http://xkcd.com/627/ [xkcd.com]
Parent
Re:$125.00 per hour (Score:4, Informative)
One great way to avoid being nagged for favors is to take extra time to do them, then do them in a way the recipient won't ask again.
I solve most such Windows problems with a format/reinstall/no data rescue (I suspect teh virus ate it). Be nice to those who deserve nice, barter or get monies from nice folks who want too much work for free, but fuck the hell out of anyone who wants to take advantage of you. Fuck 'em with a snarl or with a smile as appropriate, but fuck 'em.
You'll find it quite satisfying. There is a reason BOFH is so popular. It reflects things many of us would like to do. You only live once, so have some fun.
Parent
Re:$125.00 per hour (Score:4, Insightful)
Parent
Re:$125.00 per hour (Score:5, Insightful)
Here is the thing. My "extended support network" (myself included) prides itself on being able to do things on their own. We noticed some problems with that. Me trying to fix my car and fucking it up worse, friends trying to fix simple computer problems and ending with a computer that won't boot, etc.... I'm pretty lucky actually, much of my "extended support network" has skills that I do not and that are more expensive than computer fixing. My mechanic buddy calls me? I'll drop practically everything to help him. The guy I know that does HVAC, electrical wiring, and some plumbing? I'll help him in a snap. That guy that does drywall and other home remodeling? Sure! I'm called upon more often...but I come out ahead in the end. ;)
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Format the drives, damage the install disks and walk away because strangling the ability of drama queens to get on the internet is a social responsibility.
Re:$125.00 per hour (Score:5, Insightful)
Parent
Definitely use Logmein. (Score:2)
I can go through my nasty work proxy and get to my PC at home with it, not as fast as RDP but that is understandable.
The feature set is pretty good, does multiple monitors, you can adjust the quality and resolution all in the free version, just requires you sign up for an account. Also seems to be no limit how many machines you can add.
Crossloop or Teamviewer (Score:2, Informative)
I've used Crossloop (http://www.crossloop.com/) and TeamViewer (http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx) with good success. The client only has to run an exe, give you their address code over the phone, and accept your session. Simple enough for my mom.
VNC is the way ... (Score:5, Informative)
... you just need to know that your friends (and family members) DO NOT need to mess with their routers. Just YOUR router needs to open a single port (5500/tcp) and forward it to your workstation. Make your friends run the VNC server as usual, start the VNC client on your workstation in LISTENER mode, tell your friends to select "add new client" from the VNC server icon context menu, and make them enter your IP or dyndns address into the popup dialog.
(Technically, this swaps the roles of client and server on the TCP level, but VNC still behaves as expected.)
Tux2000
Reverse VNC? (Score:2, Redundant)
Why don't you just use Reverse VNC so you're the one who has to setup ports? RealVNC provides an easy option for Windows users to "Add a New Client":
Using WinVNC [realvnc.com]
Crossloop (Score:2, Informative)
Crossloop. Seriously. You don't need to create an account, you can just close the login window and still use the application. It's free, never had any spyware or adware in the past. (I haven't checked it recently)
We used this at work and I use this at home. It's secure because the application doesn't run as a service, you need a unique code every time you connect to a client and they need to authorize you. It's based on VNC.
If you can't get someone to install Crossloop to help them, you might as well them
UltraVNC Single-Click (Score:2, Informative)
http://forum.ultravnc.info/viewtopic.php?t=15865&sid=b6c0c94c99f3095d318eace245e09b49 [ultravnc.info]
The single-click program could be easier to use, though...
VNC SC...so easy, my parents can do it! (Score:2, Informative)
Check it out here! [uvnc.com]
If you're doing this over your residential connection or if you might be in different locations, set yourself up with a dynamic DNS service (such as www.dyndns.org) and create yourself a hostname on there. Build your VNC-SC download to point to that address.
I have mine set up on my family website where they can download it easily so I don't have to drive over to their house every time they can't print.
LMI and Mikogo (Score:2)
SSH port forwarding (Score:2)
ShowMyPC.com (Score:2)
Completely free VNC-based service. You both download a Windows program. Your remote user runs the show my pc part of the program; you use the view remote pc part. The remote party gets a key generated that you use on your side, which then opens a VNC session between the computers. No muss, no fuss at all. Delete the little downloaded app on either side when you're done.
Remote Assistance (Score:5, Informative)
For a couple of family members I support I find the Remote Assistance function (essentially Remote Desktop with a different make-up job) works fine. They have MSN Messenger (or Live Messenger, or what-ever it is branded as today) accounts as do I so all they have to do is click select "request remote assistance" from the "activity" menu. You will need to have port 3389 pointing open at your firewall and pointing to the machine you will be answering the call on though, which is a disadvantage (make sure all your passwords are well chosen!), but the other end doesn't need any open ports.
Pre XP I had OpenVPN and VNC installed on their machines. All they had to do was open the VPN and I could take/share control via VNC. RDC/RA works better though, as it is more responsive over slow ADSL lines and does not require any setup on the machine the person is asking for support on, though for family members who I have built machines for still have the VPN installed so I can connect it if I want/need to try interact with the machine by anything other than the RA connection (accessing fileshares directly for instance, if the problem being reported is "I can see the MP3s on the main machine from my laptop" or such), but I've not needed to do that for some time.
This is the one (Score:3, Insightful)
Mod parent up!
Remote Assistance comes with all versions of windows, so you don't have to worry about sketchy third-party apps or waste time downloading and installing something. It's a little more tricky to do with the home edition, but I've helped family members using XP home on both ends. As long as you follow the directions, it's not too much of a hassle.
Other operating systems have similar functionality as well under different names. (OS X, for instance calls it "screen sharing", offers several ways
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Crossloop plus an audio tool (Score:3, Informative)
Crossloop is simple (Score:3, Informative)
I like Crossloop. It is setup as a Support site, but you/they don't pay anything unless you charge for support. There is a simple website to point the people to to request support.
A wrap up of sorts... (Score:5, Informative)
Okay seems like everyone and their brother has a different idea and since this interests me I tried to roll up as many of the interesting looking ones as possible into one posting :-) Did I miss any?
http://www.teamviewer.com/ [teamviewer.com]
https://secure.logmein.com/products/free/ [logmein.com]
http://www.copilot.com/ [copilot.com]
http://skype.com/ [skype.com]
http://www.uvnc.com/addons/singleclick.html [uvnc.com] (reverse VNC)
http://www.crossloop.com/ [crossloop.com]
http://www.mikogo.com/en/ [mikogo.com]
http://showmypc.com/ [showmypc.com]
https://www.ntrconnect.com/ [ntrconnect.com]
http://www.zolved.com/remote_control [zolved.com]
http://www.wippien.com/ [wippien.com] (VPN)
http://code.google.com/p/gitso/ [google.com] (reverse VNC)
CrossLoop (Score:3, Informative)
Not Free But... (Score:3, Informative)
GoTo Assist Express offers different levels of pricing. $660 per year, $69 per month, or $9.95 per incident. If they are just friends and family and want to get their stuff fixed, I think the $9.95 per incident wouldn't be that big of a deal. Explain to them that if they want their computer fixed right then, they are going to have to give you $10 next time you see them (or mail it/Paypal it to you later). I actually signed up for it when it was in beta (it was free) and ended up getting a discounted price of something like $450 a year, which my company pays for. It is a good program. I have not had any problems with users installing it....well....users that are using Internet Explorer. Firefox has some issues with installing the applet that makes it confusing for some users.
Re: (Score:2)
I came here to suggest LogMeIn. I can't get Back To My Mac to work from behind my router, but LogMeIn works like a charm.