Remote computer repair is a useful tool for helping family and friends with their computer problems. Third-party software like PCAnywhere or VNC can be used, but a simpler option is to use a web-based service like LogMeIn Free, which allows for remote access to a computer’s desktop over the internet. This method is secure and private, and can save time and effort.
Most households today have one or more computer-savvy members who help friends and family with their systems and gadgets. In many cases, BaBoomers’ aging parents are just now learning with computers and need help updating software, installing programs, or troubleshooting a glitch. Computer-savvy children or grandchildren could be counties, states, or even oceans apart. But you can still help your loved ones using something network administrators have known about for a long time: remote computer repair.
Some tools will allow you to view and control a computer’s desktop over the Internet, allowing you to perform maintenance, install programs, or do any task that needs to be done as if you were sitting in front of the computer. Popular operating systems from Microsoft®, Apple® and Linux® each have the ability to use some type of remote desktop software, but this solution requires configuration on both ends.
Another option for remote computer repair is third-party software. The longest-lived is PCAnywhere® from Symantec®, but it is a sophisticated program oriented towards remote network administration. A better choice for helping family and friends would be a simpler program like VNC Free or a paid program like VNC Personal Edition. Even then, the remote party would still need to configure the software before they could connect.
So what’s the alternative? Thankfully, there is one. The simplest remote computer repair method is to use a web-based service to act as an encrypted conduit between your computer and the one you are monitoring. While this solution requires a small program to be installed on the computer you want to monitor, installation is simple and requires no configuration. However, the remote party will need to set up an account on the support website, although this is a simple process.
If necessary, you can be on the phone with the remote party to guide them through the account creation process. An email address and password are all that is commonly required. A verification email will be sent which you must click to complete your registration. The website then adds the remote computer name to the account. The party will click a button to download the required software. No interaction is required in the installation process. The party logs out of the website and their part is done.
To access the remote computer you need to access the secure website using the credentials you just set up and click on the computer name. If the remote computer is turned on and has Internet access, a secure connection can be established. You will be prompted to provide login credentials to access the operating system. For example, in Windows operating systems, this is the login name and password needed to access the system.
Once connected, you’ll see the remote computer’s desktop fill the web page. All communications are end-to-end encrypted, making them completely private and secure. Using this method, you can remotely fix a computer, update its operating system, restart it, install software, browse and download files, or do anything else, just as if you were sitting at the computer alone.
Most web-based services charge a monthly fee to host such an account, but LogMeIn® Free is the notable exception. There are some restrictions with the free service, as opposed to the upgraded services. LogMeIn Free does not allow file transfers between the remote computer and the one controlling it, although files can always be downloaded from the Internet to the remote computer. The advanced services also include extras such as the ability to have a multi-party Net Meeting.
Remote computer repair is a great tool that can save you time, money and effort. Even if the computer is a few blocks away, when you fix it remotely you can work on it when it’s convenient, even in the middle of the night. If you’re sick you can fix a computer remotely without exposing family or friends to germs, and you can even do it in your pajamas out of bed.
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