remote access help needed, Please.

Aggh, we bought my father in law a new laptop, wish we hadnt bothered!

The problem lies in the fact he lives in the States and we live in Australia.

Talking him through issues on the phone is killing me.......

I need to work out how i can remotely access his computer in america from my comp here in australia.

He has managed to get a virus on his comp, talking him through even running an anti-virus program is like pulling teeth.

I need to get on and somehow do it all for him.

A local store has offered to fix it for $200! I know i can do it if i can gain access.

I havent used remote access since college 4 yrs ago so am rather rusty to say the least.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Very frustrated!!

Zoe