Remote connections for maintenance?

[ddrueding]

In the past, I've always walked people through setting up RDC, then forwarding ports in their router, then finding their external IP, just so I can remote in.

There are a bunch of websites that allow an easier way in. Any recommendations? Free is good, but not necessary. Compatible with different kinds of computers would be great (OSX?).

Thanks!

 

[Mercutio]

If I need to look at someone's PC and haven't done anything else, I usually tell them to do Crossloop. I can walk them through the install and the connection process is painless.

It's not cross platform, but it's free and it's easy.
If I have to remote in to something else besides Windows, there are just better ways to do it.

 

[udaman]

In the past, I've always walked people through setting up RDC, then forwarding ports in their router, then finding their external IP, just so I can remote in.

There are a [*URL="https://www.gotomypc.com/en_US/entry.tmpl?Action=rgoto&_sf=2"]bunch[/URL] [*URL="http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/"]of[/URL] [*URL="https://secure.logmein.com/"]websites[/URL] that allow an easier way in. Any recommendations? Free is good, but not necessary. Compatible with different kinds of computers would be great (OSX?).

Thanks!

You want Vista, W7 & 64 & 32bit older versions, along with *all* OS X versions for years back, lol? (vetting )

http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx

^was released a year ago, so probably flaws/deficiencies have been corrected?

LogMeIn, in the list @link below

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2007070718491787

 

[Will Rickards]

windows and osx with fog creek's copilot
https://www.copilot.com/
Can't say I've used it myself though.

 

[ddrueding]

Great tip on Crossloop. I just gave them the URL and an hour to figure it out while I was at dinner. They had a connection code for me by the time I got back. And it even supports Macs.

Thanks!

 

[Chewy509]

At work, we use LogMeIn (actually LogMeIn Rescue w/Techinician Desktop).

We tell them to go to a website, give them a 6 digit code, it downloads the applet, and you can connect to their PC.

We use the full paid version (with unlimited client connections, file transfer, direct registery editing, remote printing, etc), but there are free versions as well.

PS. IIRC LogMeIn is based on Citrix ICA, so is bandwidth friendly for those on dial-up.

 

[ddrueding]

Crossloop appears to be based on VNC, which I consider a good thing.

 

[Mercutio]

Crossloop is a bandwidth pig. Typical for VNC.
But I can use it anyplace, and the setup is quick and even morons can handle the install and setup.

If I could afford to use something like LogMeIn technician desktop, I would, gladly.