How to diy remote assistance

OK,
I'm a toughbook junkie, and occasionally have the need to access someone's computer(s) from a remote location, in order to perform trouble shooting and maintenance. Mostly family who don't know how to fix stuff'

How do I virtually sit in front of thier computer from where ever I am. So, what is the easiest* way to do this? I need to be able to send them a link with *simple* non computer dork instructions to install/configure to allow me access. (I am vaguely familiar with several methods, but want to get your opinion).

*easiest being defined as least amount of participation/need to know stuff on their behalf. I"m not trying to be deceitful here, they just need stuff fixed.
Requirements: small footprint and low operating overhead. My laptop is centrino 1.2ghz single core and 1.25gb ram.

 

you could install logmein on their system and login from your pc, iphone or android phone. free version has limitations though like no copy and paste or file transfer (iphone/android remote client is a paid app, while for the pc you just need to login on their website to control other pcs).

 

Logmein is great.
I personally use TeamViewer.
Have it on my Android phone too. Very easy to use and never had a connectivity problem.

Another good thing is that you don't have to install it to use it.

 

I agree with Katalin, I use team viewer on all my systems. It's free to use. I even installed it on my Android, and can remote into my computers from my phone to install/uninstall apps and such. I personall use it to monitor all my rigs running Folding@home since I'm constantly out of town.

 

TeamViewer seems expensive at $700+.

 

From their website:

700$+ is for businesses

 

Cool,
thanks ya'll, I'll have to check that out...