Remote Access software for a family PC?

[Rob_B]

I've just setup my parents' new PC (an all in one Compaq, very nice actually even though it's only an Atom D410 with 1GB RAM & Win7...)

anyway...

I'm always getting the phone calls we all know and love asking 'what's going on?' or 'is this a virus' blah blah so I thought its time for a remote access program to help ease my It Support line burden.

I recall Techradar mentioning logmein recently but I can no longer find the article, I thought the free version let you share desktop but it seems not after looking on the logmein website?

I've tried using the windows remote assistance tool before but with no luck, both PCs run Win7 so have they made it easier to do (was trying to us Win7 > XP before)

So any suggestions for FREE software or is the Win7 thing now decent enough on its own?

As a side point whats the deal with a virus laden PC getting logged into from my PC, what are the chances of infection by doing so?

Cheers guys!

Rob

[GoNz0]

i have shown dad how to request remote assistance, helped lots of times.

otherwise teamviewer.

[dave87]

Logmein Free does all the things you want as far as I recall?

https://secure.logmein.com/products/free/

[Rob_B]

I thought so but the comparison says no remote desktop (unless I'm confusing that with what I need?) https://secure.logmein.com/UK/compar...arisonFPP.aspx

[kasavien]

I have log me in free set up on my dad's pc and it works a treat, gives me full control over his pc through a browser. So this should be what you need.

[dave87]

I thought so but the comparison says no remote desktop (unless I'm confusing that with what I need?) https://secure.logmein.com/UK/compar...arisonFPP.aspx

Desktop sharing is such that you can show multiple people - ie a tech demo/training.

Remote Access to the PC is all you need (and LogMeIn free does it)

[blueball]

Logmein works really well for me (free version). Use it to teach Dad how to use his laptop so remote desktop is fine.

[freedomzero]

May I suggest Windows Live Mesh, which provides remote connection and file sharing. You don't need to install the entire suite, just the Live Mesh app. To use it you need a Hotmail/Live account.

[Rob_B]

I ended up just using the inbuilt one, worked a treat

[djnaff]

Teamviewer

can chat send files can even swap desktops works really well and is free for non commercial use

[patrickdsouza]

Try using gosupportnow remote support tool. It is very easy to use and costs only $19.95 / month.