Best software for remote desktop to support family/friends?

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gman3042

Junior Member
Feb 24, 2013
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(wasn't sure where to post this since it's multi-OS related, mods, move it appropriately if this is the wrong spot)

OK, here is the issue. I am the IT guy in the family, and with that, comes a lot of random tech support issues. i recently moved into my own place thats about an hour away from being that have random (usually stupid/easy questions). Anyway, is there decent software that I can install on their machines so that I can remote into the machines? The catch is, that they all aren't on Windows. Some are on MACs. Perhaps something web based that I can add all of the computers to a list and remote to any of them? I don't mind paying $$$.. just curious on all your thoughts..
 
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lxskllr

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
58,445
8,732
126
I use Teamviewer cause it works with GNU/Linux. I was gonna try piecing together a homemade system, but never got to it. When something works, it's hard getting around to fixing it :^D

For Windows only, I prefer LogMeIn.
 
Printer Bandit

Printer Bandit

Lifer
Mar 16, 2005
13,856
109
106
icon.asordered.png
 
yhelothar

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
Net said:
"Remote Desktop Connection" that comes with Windows (check if your version of Windows has it). You can search for it in the start bar.

their ip address will change so get: http://dyn.com/dns/dyndns-pro/ $20 per year

follow these steps:

http://www.overclock.net/t/305677/how-to-remote-desktop-and-routers-dyndns
Click to expand...
This is basically what I've been using for years. The built in Windows one works great. I'd imagine macs would have an equivalent.

Also I've been using http://www.no-ip.com for the dynamic DNS. They have a free service, but you have to verify a catchpca with them monthly.
It beats paying money IMO.
 
Kaido

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
49,176
5,733
136
gman3042 said:
(wasn't sure where to post this since it's multi-OS related, mods, move it appropriately if this is the wrong spot)

OK, here is the issue. I am the IT guy in the family, and with that, comes a lot of random tech support issues. i recently moved into my own place thats about an hour away from being that have random (usually stupid/easy questions). Anyway, is there decent software that I can install on their machines so that I can remote into the machines? The catch is, that they all aren't on Windows. Some are on MACs. Perhaps something web based that I can add all of the computers to a list and remote to any of them? I don't mind paying $$$.. just curious on all your thoughts..
Click to expand...

I use LogMeIn (free version) and install the client on each computer with an access code. That way I can pop in for remote desktop sharing without having to have them click or install anything every time. It works on both Windows and Macs. You can use it over the web (through a browser) and there are also browser plugins available that offer better performance.

I also set them up with file backup software - Time Machine for Macs and Genie Timeline for Windows. When I first setup their computer, I use SuperDuper for Macs and Macrium Reflect for Windows to do a system image clone, just in case I ever need to restore their computers to "factory stock". So that covers most of the bases...a factory image for emergencies, automatic file backup for file recovery, and LogMeIn for remote support.

I have 10 or 20 comps hooked up this way for family & close friends, works really well! The only pain is those with laptops, since they never hook up their USB drives for backup. In that case, I either set them up with Backblaze (online unlimited file backup for $5 a month) or get one of those $10 CD-ROM bay HDD adapters and replace their DVD drive with a backup drive, then get a >$40 USB-powered DVD burner. Not everyone likes replacing their DVD drive with an external drive, but not everyone likes paying for backup either, and pretty much nobody remembers to plug in a USB backup drive, so the laptop thing is really the biggest hassle in setting this up. But the benefits of a factory image clone, continuous automatic file backup, and remote support is too good to pass up...
 
Ichinisan

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
1,235
136
sdifox said:
join.me works fine too.
Click to expand...

Yes. For someone that doesn't have anything installed, this is the fastest way to get connected and view their screen.

I direct the user to the join.me web site, then have them click Basic ("because you just want to run it without registering or installing anything"), then click the circle next to it.

I prefer to have the user download it with Internet Explorer.
  • The download dialog usually appears front-and-center
  • Users often have a hard time noticing the downloaded file in Chrome (where it appears at the bottom)
  • Users have the run / open option in the download dialog
  • I believe IE has fewer security warnings since it's a signed executable.
  • Users just seem to have less trouble getting it to run with IE.
  • When you choose open/run, IE doesn't leave the exe file in a place where users will see it (I tell them join.me doesn't leave anything behind unless you tell it to).

...I'm talking about clueless users who have no idea how to find downloads in Chrome or IE.

Once it's running, I ask the user if something has appeared at the top of the screen with a 9-digit number. They read it to me, I go to join.me/XXX-XXX-XXX and I can see the screen right away and click "request control."

There are limitations. It runs in user mode, so process isolation in Vista/7/8 makes it so you can't interact with processes that run elevated (anything that causes a UAC prompt). In fact, you might think it froze up because there's a UAC prompt on the screen and you can't see it. The user has to click continue / allow / cancel. When the elevated program appears after dismissing a UAC prompt, you can't interact with it. Only the user can. It's really strange when you can click things on the screen like the Start Menu, but can't click the "Next" button on an uninstall dialog.

Anyway, it's a really useful tool and, compared to other options, it's much easier for a "noob" to get it running.
 
Ichinisan

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
1,235
136
Net said:
"Remote Desktop Connection" that comes with Windows (check if your version of Windows has it). You can search for it in the start bar.

their ip address will change so get: http://dyn.com/dns/dyndns-pro/ $20 per year

follow these steps:

http://www.overclock.net/t/305677/how-to-remote-desktop-and-routers-dyndns
Click to expand...

Not good for remotely supporting someone else's computer.
  1. It only comes with Pro / Ultimate versions of Windows (maybe "business" versions too...I'm not sure).
  2. When you log-in through RDC, it boots the user off (back to the Welcome screen).
  3. The user can't show you anything and can't see anything that you do.
  4. It requires the user to have a Windows user password and share it with you.
  5. It might require port forwarding in the user's router.

That said, I use RDC every day to access my own computer at home. For that purpose, it's great.
 
X

Xee

Junior Member
Dec 15, 2004
19
0
0
Here's another one for Teamviewer. It used to be that it was not backwards compatible with older versions which was a headache since you couldn't connect to older version to update them. However, I've heard that the latest version has corrected that particular bug, though I have yet to try it.
 
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