Letting someone remote access your computer

I need customer support for a computer unrelated issue. The technician said he will need to remotely go into my computer to fix a device.

Is it advisable to let someone go into your computer? Anything that I should do before I let him do that?

Thank you.

 

If it is not a computer related issue why does he need this access?

 

It is related to an internet phone service. And the device for the phone service is not functioning. So the technician said he will have to remotely access my PC to try to fix the device.

 

You need to realise that remote access gives the caller-in the same access as you yourself have. It's probably OK but I wouldn't allow it myself. I'd ask him to send me the manual and fix it myself. Otherwise he would need to visit.

 

I agree with Earthling and LauraR.

The "tech" should be able to walk you through what needs to be done. If he can't a visit from the company is in order with you present throughout the process.

 

I agree with the first part. He should be able to walk you through the process over the phone.

As long as he is with a reputable company I don't see the problem with him remotely accessing your machine though. More than likely he will be using something like Citrix or Join.me which can be uninstalled after he is done. You will see everything he is doing as long as you don't allow him to blank out your screen. Stay on the phone during the process and its basically the same thing as him driving to your location, charging you a hefty onsite fee and physically sitting in front of your computer.

I do this on a daily basis with clients that don't want me to walk them through the process over the phone.