Free & Simple Remote Desktop Software

Are there any free (and relatively) simple programs that will allow me to take over my Dad's desktop to help him out with something?

 

Windows Live Messenger has the share desktop feature. You can try Teamviewer. Hamachi would also work in combination with Windows Remote Desktop.

 

logmein.com is by far the easiest to use, it does have to be installed on every computer you want to control. After that, you can log in on the remote computer at the same time as the local user is logged in, the other person doesn't have to do anythig. You use a web interface, which means that you can control all your remote desktops from any computer with internet connection.

Remote assistance is also an alternative.

 

Doesn't it require the friend in need to actually do something every time it's used (unlike logmein)?

 

Well for one or a few assistances I guess the built in function is great.
However, logmein is superior in the long run, his dad doesn't have to do anything but leave the computer on.

 

Remote assistance can indeed be used to send unsolicited requests for access. It must first be enabled in the users GP settings How to use the "Offer Remote Assistance" policy setting

Then, all you have to do is type this into explorer, or the Run box:

hcp://CN=Microsoft%20Corporation,L=Redmond,S=Washington,
C=US/Remote%20Assistance/Escalation/unsolicited/unsolicitedrcui.htm

I can only verify this works in an XP environment though (we use this at work all the time, since users never know how to request assistance through the messenger service).

 

I have been using team-viewer for a while now... it works great for remote support when I need to fix customers machines....I need some more business though (lol)

 

Thanks, Team Viewer worked perfectly. We didn't even have to install it because of the 'run' feature.

Windows Live Messenger (Request for Remote assistance) did not work, even after using different computers, operating systems, emails, it still said the version was not up to date. And of course when you go to the microsoft windows live website... they tell us we're both up to date...

logmein.com didn't seem as quick and simple as teamviewer and their website is really pushing the pro version (aka. buy this product version), registration, etc..... too much time and effort.

Teamviewer works right from a CNET download with no installation: http://download.cnet.com/TeamViewer/3000-7240_4-10398150.html

+1 Teamviewer

 

That doesn't work with Home versions since they lack gpedit.msc.

 

I remeber hearing on a review website of a laptop that the microsoft beta works has a program for that basacily does the same job as the remote desktop on win 7 pro and up excepet its free.
Anyone know what it is? Had a funky name.

 

VNC but does not work on W7 as far as i know

 

we use teamviewer as well .... but DONT need more business or I need another tech

 

Live MESH?

 

Windows Live Essential 2011 which has Sync and it is free.


Start a new thread, if you want more suggestions...this one is quite old.