remote computer access

[Zippy]

Afternoon.

I am just installing broadband for my mum on her new Laptop. problem is i know whe is going to have trouble getting used to a computer and would like the ability to help without traveling 50 miles to do it in person.

Does anyone have any experience of free software that would allow me to log into her computer from my house and fix any problems??

Thanks.
Howard.

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Afternoon.

I am just installing broadband for my mum on her new Laptop. problem is i know whe is going to have trouble getting used to a computer and would like the ability to help without traveling 50 miles to do it in person.

Does anyone have any experience of free software that would allow me to log into her computer from my house and fix any problems??

Thanks.
Howard.

Whats the O/S ? as you can set up a virtual Private Network for free with XP, so you can work from your terminal but looking onto her desktop

[Zippy]

its vista. (on hers and mine)

[DJL]

VNC might be worth a look - http://www.realvnc.com

The free version doesn't work on Vista yet, but the Personal edition, which is only £14 does. Very easy to use and it works pretty well.

[Simon Hawkins]

I use logmein.com. I have used VNC, PCanywhere and others and have found this application to be the best. It is also free, unless you want FTP capability.

Simon

[RAD]

Zippy

VNC and others work using an IP address to connect you up. This is great but when you log off and log on again, it drops the connection and the IP address changes.

There is an even easier way. MSN Messanger has a function to invite someone to control your computer by requesting "Remote assistance". You basically send a file, it then connects you up and saves the hassle of a possible hacker gaining access when you least expect. MSN works on XP as well as Vista. One thing to do though is to get both machines in the same location just in case the Firewall built into the OS is blocking access.

Have seen Vista haven't played with it, but on XP, in the Control Panel, within the option System there is a tab called Remote. Check the box to allow access. (there may be another option within the OS to send Remote assitance)

I have managed to control a PC (G'f laptop) when she was on dialup and I was on broadband. It worked and was really quite interesting, however slow!

There is nothing to loose and I am sure it is going to work well.

[Bigmuz7]

I've not used vista yet because I cant be bothered with the driver updates etc.. but the procedure should be the same.... ask both yours and hers service providers to give you static ip adresses for your broad band connections (should be free and done there and then but essential for this to work) assuming you have a router at each end of the connection (best for security) all you need to do is configure each one to have the correct ip and pass word of the other router, (so each one will know who is trying to connect to it securely) and then use microsoft terminal services client by typing mstsc in your 'start' then 'run' and connect to the ip address of her machine and you will connect to her pc... easy,.. you dont need any extra software, but you must have you routers configured correctly. Its a secure connection so it cant be hacked, and you will have control of her machine albeit a little more slowly than if it was your own, but you will see her desktop on your pc and will be able to work from there

[Biggles]

Do you need static IP addresses for this. I'm thinking of addressing a home PC from a wireless modem on a laptop at work. Will be starting to experiment next week.

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by Biggles

Do you need static IP addresses for this. I'm thinking of addressing a home PC from a wireless modem on a laptop at work. Will be starting to experiment next week.

To have a secure Virtual Private Network ..yes

[UKPOWERBOAT]

We use this, it works brilliantly. We just spent 10 days in Egypt, we were able to log in and control the computers and printers in the office, exactly as if we were in the office itself. Have been using this for over 2 years now and not had one issue.