Remote Access Programs

Hey all,

I'm trying to find a free program that allows me to connect to someone else's computer, but doesn't automatically give them access to mine or each others. Logmein seems to be a virtual network that allows each computer on the virtual network access to every other. TeamViewer looked perfect until I discovered that both computers were given a "Switch Sides" option. Both those programs have proprietary versions that do sound like they meet my requirements, but they're not free! Ultimately I may be prepared to purchase a version that works, but I'd certainly like to exhaust all the free options first.

Essentially I want to be able to get a call from my gran or auntie or whomever, telling me they have a problem doing something on their computer. I then have them run the remote access software, allowing me to access their comp and get to work fixing the problem. What I don't want is to expose my computer to their access, or (worse) expose any one of them to anyone else's computers!

Does anyone know of such a program, or a way to make Logmein/TeamViewer work the way I need it to?

 

Here are some free software programs.

1) http://www.freeremotesupport.com/ Not sure if you want this one.

2)http://majorgeeks.com/CrossLoop_d5800.html
How to use CrossLoop: http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/1...otely-connect-to-view-and-control-another-pc/

3) http://www.majorgeeks.com/download5911.html
Some info about Teamviewer, click on this link: http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx

Hope you'll find what you need by reading through their help topics carefully.

 

Use http://www.uvnc.com/ or any other VNC clone. The other side run the VNC server giving you a full access to their computer. You run VNC viewer which does not allow them to access your machine.

 

Thank you both for your suggestions!

Unfortunately none of them quite worked for me. I tried each for a while and did some test scenarios but I was never able to achieve what I needed.

However a link on one of the pages Oma linked (I think the first one) led me to a solution I was happy with. In case others are wanting a similar setup, I'm writing the system I'm going to use.

1. For one-off or instant access, tell the other person to run ShowMyPC
They can download the exe file directly from http://download3.showmypc.com/ShowMyPC3050.exe, or of course you can host it and make the URL easier to type. Then they just need to click "Show My PC Now", and give you the password. Now you're able to make any changes or investigate the problem as normal.

The utility is a little rough around the edges, but it's small to download (1.5 mb), and doesn't require any installation or setup. Significantly it assumes the remote access is one-way, and one-off so you don't have to worry about them accidentally accessing your comp at a later date, and they needn't worry about anyone else being able to access theirs.

2. For repeated use and for a better overall service, use LogMeIn.
For simplicity's sake you can actually upload the Installation file to their comp via ShowMyPC which saves them any of the setup difficulty. This also allows you to set them a password yourself to avoid them forgetting it or making it too obvious. To make this work though, you have to log into your LogMeIn account at an earlier date (on your own computer) and select Add Computer in the My Computers section. This leads you to a download executable page which will be unique to your account, so I can't offer the link here. Once downloaded, it looks like you can have any computer run that file to have that computer added to your network, although it's possible you need a fresh exe for each comp?

In any case, by doing it this way they still won't have access to your LogMeIn account, and therefore can't mess around with other computers you have LogMeIn installed on. In addition you didn't have to access the LogMeIn website via their computer, so you don't have to worry about the security of your admin password in case they have keylogger spyware infecting their comp.

LogMeIn is a great utility. It does require installation, does require the other person to keep the utility running in their taskbar, but doesn't require they be present while you fix things. It also allows you to wake their comp up on request, although you have to make some changes in their BIOS and possibly their network card settings beforehand.

Also both programs are free!

I really like TeamViewer but not being able to turn off the Switch Sides option is a deal-breaker for me. I did consider utilizing the option to disable their mouse/keyboard (and screen) to prevent them hitting that option, but I think that's liable to scare a lot of people and there has to be some hidden loopholes.

So in short:
ShowMyPC - immediate, simple remote access
LogMeIn - regular, anytime, multi-featured remote access
TeamViewer - remote access for trusted people working in collaboration

 

94dgrif. I'm glad that you found the software that you wanted and thank you for sharing on how each one of them works.