TeamViewer Remote Access Software

Free Remote Access With TeamViewer

TeamViewer is an open source, cross-platform remote access program. Before getting into TeamViewer's features, let's discuss what remote access software is, and the pros and cons of using it.

Remote access software allows one computer to control another connected to the Internet. To the user, the remote computer's mouse, display and resources are available just as if he was sitting in front of the remote computer. The user can point and click, run applications on the remote computer; debug problems; erase files; alter the remote computer's registry; install software; and just about anything else that he can do on his own computer.

Remote access software is often used for tech support in multi-branch companies. Instead of traveling to another city to fix a user's problem, a tech support rep can connect to the problematic computer using remote access software and debug it. Other applications include training of remote partners and sharing of presentations or other documents.

But remote access can be dangerous. The remote user is effectively giving over control of everything on his system to someone he can't see. Bad guys typically gain remote access to victims' computers through social engineering or phishing. For example, you might get a phone call purportedly from Microsoft, with a "security rep" telling you that your system is infected with a virus and you must install remote access software so he can remove it. (Yes, people have actually fallen for that one.) Remote access software may also be installed on your computer without your knowledge when you download and install unknown software that purports to be something else.

That said, TeamViewer (http://www.TeamViewer.com) is a full-featured remote access and file sharing program that operates with Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Apple iOS, and Android. The software is free for personal use, but commercial users must pay a one-time license fee. To use TeamViewer, both computers must be running the program. But they don't necessarily have to install the TeamViewer software; it can be run through a browser with the TeamViewer Web Connector, on almost any browser or operating system.

One benefit of TeamViewer's architecture is that it enables remote access even through firewalls. TeamViewer uses secure data channels and 256-bit AES encryption to ensure security. Unlike some other remote access programs that sell separate modules for support, desktop sharing, sales and other applications, TeamViewer is a complete remote access solution in one package.

TeamViewer supports file transfers between connected machines. You can choose to show your desktop to a connected partner, display documents within applications, or remotely control your partner's computer. You don't even need a partner. An unattended computer can be controlled with TeamViewer if the software is left running on it and it has a live Internet connection. This is particularly useful if you're away from your computer, and need to access something on it.

There are other free remote access tools you can try. See my article Free Alternatives to GoToMyPC, for the scoop on LogMeIn, Crossloop and a couple others that will do the job.

Recently, I was out of town and desperately needed to login to a website which required a password. I couldn't remember the password, because I use a password manager on my home computer that automatically logs me in. I started the remote access app on my Android tablet, enabling me to open the web browser on my home computer, and login to the desired website from there. Nobody was home but the dog, but if he watching my computer, it must have been puzzling to see the mouse cursor moving around, websites opening, and an unseen hand typing on the screen.

Do you use remote access software to provide tech support? Post a comment and tell me which solution you like best.