Current best "remote control" software to help relative with their computer remotely
 

Can anyone advise what is the best current software that could let me remotely access my relative's laptop (with their permission) whilst I am travelling to help them with their laptop problems?

The software whose name I can't recall used for this previously worked like this. I have my relative's IP address. Using this IP address the software I am looking for would send a request to my relative's laptop asking for permission for me to access the laptop remotely. When my relative clicks to give permission I am able to type commands on her laptop that she does not have the skills to know, to help her solve problems she is experiencing using the laptop.

Is there a safe piece of software that I can either free download or pay a reasonable cost for that will enable me to help my relative in this way when I not there please?

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

we use logmein, and have used it internationally with a VPN from China, so it works ok.

I tried splashtop but I was underwhelmed

http://www.splashtop.com/home

You probably mean 'Ask user permission' feature
http://www.remoteutilities.com/featu...ser_permission

Remote Utilities is free for personal use.

Hope that helps.

Another + for log me in.

The free version allows me to provide tech support to the inlaws and has done away with "What does it say now", "Click the OK Box", "No, the other OK Box".... conversations.

The free version of Logmein works great.

+1 for logmein

+1 for logmein (free version) ^

I've been pretty happy with Skype's built-in screen sharing. It's not as capable as logmein, but most people already have Skype installed, so it's a quicker way to deal with one-time support, or helping someone who wouldn't be able to install the logmein client themselves.

I haven't used any of the others, but using the Windows built-in Remote Assistance function worked fine with my in-laws. They are elderly and not computer savvy, so, iirc, I just needed to have them click a few buttons from within Windows and it emailed me an invitation file which I used to connect. No software to download, install, etc., etc.

You might try the web service join.me, it is from the company that does Logmein, but very easy to use.

I use LogMeIn, but the free version doesn't allow for file transfers or rebooting in safe mode. Another free software for personal use that I use is Teamviewer and does more than LogMeIn Free. It also has a VPN.

Thank you
 

Thanks for all the suggestions! I can see how many of you must be having the same conversations with your relatives to try to help them on their computer, as I am having with mine!

I'm going to take a look at whether I can use the suggested feature in Windows first then will try Logmein then other software including Teamviewer and join.me which sound very interesting. I'm very grateful to you all for taking the trouble to make suggestions and am sure this will help me help my relative.

Many thanks.

I tried the free version of TeamViewer. It seems to work for me.

I tried screen sharing with iChat before. TeamViewer does allow file transfers. I've used it to drop pictures onto my parents computer. My brother has used it from Australia.

http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx

fuzz

+1 for Teamviewer. No firewall requirement and you do not have to install program, just run it.

Logmein. Has never failed me.

I've used the free version of Teamviewer. Something seems a bit off in it's security handling as it sometimes refuses saying it's a commercial use but just retry and it's fine.

+1 for logmein. even works from iphone (but not too usable)

Teamviewer! I can control all my computers at home or 8000 miles away. Saves me a lot of tech support headache when my folks are stuck.

These softwares are useless when your other party's wireless card/ethernet is bonkered though. Which I'm facing right now! So I have to resort to using facetime and having them point their ipad at the laptop....

i use logmein. always works. downside is if you're on a phone or ipad, logmein ignition costs $$

But you can log in using the webpage for free. Ignition is a paid-for app. I am happy to put something back for such a useful tool, so bought the app. It is a valuable asset and one should not just freeload - even if they allow it!

Another +1 for TeamViewer. Very handy application!

Same here. TeamViewer has always served me well.

I've always found Yuuguu workable. Some years ago, set up up b/c it was cross-platform between Macs and PCs and I, as tech adviser/help desk for the 'rents and others, found it workable to view screens and control computers remotely to help fix problems (e.g. "The internet disappeared" = Firefox icon accidentally deleted). Thankfully, the tech questions are becoming fewer and far between so it's been a few months since I've had to use it.

I'll throw in a vote for LogMeIn - I've been using it for about 5 years, and it's been great. The iPad app is great as well, and I grabbed it a few months ago when they were running a special and offering it for free.

LogMeIn unfortunately has started removing some features from their free version, like the Desktop Shortcut (where you could create a shortcut that would take you directly to a particular machine on your account). I loved this feature and had shortcuts for my most frequently accessed machines, but they've taken away that feature from their free version :(

There are now three IOS products:

Ignition which is paid.

LogMeIn which is free.

join.me also free.

LogMeIn.Com
 

By and far, LogMeIn.com, I use it for all of my relatives and friends that tend to need remote support assistance. It is easy to install, easy to use, no muss, no fuss.

-Patrick

Interesting - I didn't realize that LogMeIn had both a free and a paid version. The free version works GREAT from my iPad, even over 3G.

My banch
 

Can recommend to use a VNC (desktop view and control) and NetRCM (everything else: process manager, usb flash block, file transfer, console and so on).:D

Welcome to FT, SonicD, feel free to stick around and contribute ^

Teamviewer works great for me as well, from my laptop or Droid tablet into my desktop at home.

I use teamviewer to help my dad and a few other computer-challenged friends. It works pretty well. I also like that I can pull up my home computer on my phone when I am at work.

You can even download TeamViewer as a portable app.

Is there a client for Logmein or is there only the browser?

Try using gosupportnow remote support tool. It is very easy to use and provides guaranteed remote connection.