Computer Question: Remote Access and GoToMyPC Type of Tool, What Options are there?

[DonDavis]

Dear Pelican Brain Trust,

While I was on vacation in east Tennessee last month, I set up a new computer for my Mom. Her PC knowledge is absolutely minimal. Kind of like giving her a track car and trying to tell her how to approach an apex over the phone. She's only using it for email, solitaire and some web surfing but it's still quite a challenge when I'm trying to walk her through some steps. It would be great if I could access her computer from here in AZ.
I was looking into GoToMyPC.com and it looks like it costs about $180 for a year of remote access. Is there an alternative way to connect to her PC? What about any free tools or tricks to which I am not privy?

Thanks!

[HardDrive]

http://www.realvnc.com/products/download.html

Been around for at least a decade.

[Danny_Ocean]

I believe Windows has a built-in remote access program, but I don't think it's "hands-free" on the opposite end. I use "LogMeIn" Pro. $36/yr. You can use LogMeIn for free if you just need access (no transferring files).

[DonDavis]

Oh yeah, she has a Vista and I'm on an XP.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I use Logmein Free with Vista and XP. Works very well.

[Don Plumley]

I've used Logmein to control my father in law's PC to figure out problems before. Worked well.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by DonDavis

Oh yeah, she has a Vista and I'm on an XP.

I think remote desktop only comes on XP Pro.

[Mule]

Pretty cool piece. Super easy.
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/itdojo/?p=136&tag=nl.e099.dl070208&tag=nl.e099

[DonDavis]

Using LogMeIn now. Very cool and thanks!

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by DonDavis

Using LogMeIn now. Very cool and thanks!

Are you using the free version? I never tried it...went straight to the Pro because I had to transfer files. Would be nice to know the "free" version doesn't have any "snags" for future reference.

[DonDavis]

Using the free version. Works fine but there's a slight delay and the video is a little sketchy. However, it fit my needs exactly.

[968rz]

UltraVNC - full control, transfer files and free.

http://www.uvnc.com/

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by DonDavis

Using the free version. Works fine but there's a slight delay and the video is a little sketchy. However, it fit my needs exactly.

Unless both ends have very high speed connections & fast computers, you will see some delay. You can experiment with the video resolution to get the best results (I set mine to black/white & 640x480).

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by 968rz

UltraVNC - full control, transfer files and free.

http://www.uvnc.com/

I tried that initially, but it was way over my head. A lot of the IT guys I know use it/swear by it, but for us "simpletons", it's a little too complicated.

[DonDavis]

High speed cable on both ends and mine is 9Mbps. I'll play with it.

[Eric Coffey]

Our IT guy uses Citrix GoToAssist (www.gotoassist.com) and has helped me out on numerous issues using it. Very easy to use, especially from the "client" side.

[89911]

I've been using PCAnywhere for a few years to remote access my work computer. It is pretty reliable. Windows has a built in remote access also.

[Oracle]

This one is expensive but I don't know if there's anything better:
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/KVM_Over_IP/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=A1487169

The problems with the software solutions is that you're exposed to the internet.. If I was going to do it I'd buy a couple of Linksys BEFSX41 (I'm thinking home usage) and open a tunnel between the two LANs that way you can use vnc or RDP or whatever totally confident that nobody will hack you. Besides that Linksys is a solid state Firewall so you're as protected as possible.