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

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. :eek: 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.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/suppo...eys/yltype.gif
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!SmileWavy

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

Been around for at least a decade.

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).

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

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

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

I think remote desktop only comes on XP Pro.

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

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.

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.

UltraVNC - full control, transfer files and free.

http://www.uvnc.com/

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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=A 1487169

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.