TeamViewer: Free Tech Support Software - Comments Page 1

Yuppers! I am constantly using some form of remote control to help others. For work and or income, I use RDP and of course firewalls restricting that, so IF I did not have access to remote control tools, there is no way I could get the work done in any day that I do today.

Honestly, I did not know about the team viewer, but very well may check them out. I had been using the free version of LogMeIn, but now that they restrict access to 10 clients, I have to use multiple accounts, but I am still trying to get that ironed out and reinstalled on those that need it.

They all seem to have pro's and con's where there is no single one product that covers all the bases. I've even used some commercial products like VNC and Remote Admin which at one time was my favorite.

Remote access tools rock, and allow me to earn a living, so that said, the one thing I NEVER use them for is what most people want them for, and that is improper use such as spying tools. I take pride in my work, and would never scoop that low, as again, this is how I earn a living and I do not (never will) abuse my tools, but I sure love them!
Robert

Windows 7 also has an app called "windows remote assistance" that allows you to control a PC remotely. By the way you never mentioned Teamviewer had a phone app and that you had to leave your PC at home running the app before you could gain access to it.
GREAT POSTING! Thanks for your valuable information as usual! You are the best and we all depend on you to further our knowledge in computer and the the good free software available as well as input to know which sites are safe to download the software.
Again Thanks!

I've used logmein but it doesn't work on ubuntu; and I found the other remote programs for ubuntu too complicated to connect; with teamviewer I'm able to setup my own permanent password by clicking against the password and choosing "set personal password" so the remote user doesn't have to send me the random teamviewer one that only lasts one hour; it is faster than logmein to connect too; however both pc's must have the same teamviewer version so my version 7 now is redundant and so far I'm unable to uninstall from ubuntu but otherwise an excellent program.

Thank you very much for this posting. There have been times when I could have used a tool like this and didn't even think to check and see if anything existed. That is why I keep getting your newsletter!

If nobody was home bob, how did you manage to switch on the computer.

Teamviewer requires a computer to be on and launched on the other side before you can remote it. ( we are on the 2nd April ;) )

EDITOR'S NOTE: My computers are always on and ready!

I know these two Magix screen share and logMein. I have used these tools in solving computer problems for friends.

Also Symantec support had used remote access to solve problem on my computer but when I found out something dirty since then I did not allow any one to access my computer through remote access.

I use Crossloop for remote tech support.

As for private VPN access to my home computer, I used to use Logmein Hamachi (free version), but they removed the 'run as a service' feature from the free version, so now I run Comodo Unite.

I've tried TeamViewer and found it clunky, and much prefer using LogMeIn (I have a number of machines setup with it, including my parents machines so I can connect any time and fix them as long as they can get on the internet).

Honestly, if I'm going to connect to the machine all the time/try to get actual work done on it remotely, I just setup the firewall/router to forward RDP connections to the machine. I still usually set them up with LogMeIn so I can get to them even if there is something wonky about the firewall settings, and it tends to work when other things don't. I guess it's the former boyscout in me, always prepared and have an extra connection (pair of underwear ;-) ) just in case...

Any thoughts on why I get ! An add on for this website failed to run. I know how to fix it but it seems odd. Best regards, john.

As I understand teamviewer, a screen appears on the "target" computer with user id and pw. This is given [phone call?] to the second person for access.

This method eliminates the fear that once established, the viewer can access it 24/7 if turned on, such as gotmypc.

Do I have it right?

I have used Teamviewer for remote support for years. I have family in remote locations, and it is great to be able to fix problems for them, and show them what to do as well. I also use it for remote access to my own computers. I don't use it commercially, but know of a couple of companies that do so very effectively. it cuts down on a lot of travel.

Yes, I'm always providing tech support to my family members, one of whom is not very computer literate. I've been using TeamViewer and I really love it. It's very easy to use and in my opinion, is very fast. I've seen tech support at work use remote software, but there's quite a lag. I've personally tried a few others myself that we're also very slow and laggy. So I think TeamViewer is pretty quick, at least compared to others I've seen and/or used. Plus it's free for personal use, that's another plus.

I have used Teamviewer for years and have found it to be an excellent tool. Used it just this morning to help my son download and install a driver for his wi-fi card on a laptop. Would highly recommend this program.

I would be interested in knowing what Ari found out about something being "dirty" with Samantec as I've had them remote my computer also.

My younger sister is ALWAYS having problems with her W7 machine. She has to fetch me at least twice a week. TeamViewer will save her a lot of gas and frustrations and let me get more sleep.

Logmein has worked very well for me. However a new feature that Avast!!! recently added to their program also allows remote control. Businesswise (I'm a computer repair technician)it's a huge help. I give all my customers Avast!!! antivirus, and now am able to remotely control their computers if they need me. Activation is similar to Team Viewer and is so simple even computer illiterate people can easily activate it.

On a not so related side note, due to Avasts! recommendation rewards, they have given me their more advanced security system for free. It's a great (free) antivirus software, that includes a whole lot of new features including REMOTE CONTROLS.

PS: Thank You Bob for all the tips you've been posting throughout the years. I've learned more from you than any other person or book I've read regarding tech. You're a Legend in my book. And I look forward to reading more of your articles for many more years. If you are ever in Vegas, I'd like to take you out to lunch in one of the BEST Buffets in the country. The least I can do for all you have done for me.

Have used Teamviewer often to support family members' computer problems. Saves everyone involved a lot of driving time, fuel and money. Much easier than trying to have them describe the problem over the phone. Works very well. No need to spend money on other similar software.

Unless the helper is being paid as a source of income or main source of earning a living, perhaps it would be better to teach the users how to solve computer problems themselves rather than spoon feeding them. Almost 23/7 the admins in PC Tech in Paltalk have spent the last 13 years helping users fix and learn how to solve issues with their pc's and do not resort to the use of Team Viewer. However, recently, joinme has been a nice tool to see exactly what the user sees so he can be directed toward the correct method to solve a problem but the remote ability is not used by the PC Tech room.
It still is amazing as to how many issues are solved when offering "blind" assistance over the years.

I have been using Teamviewer to provide PC support to family members for more than 5 years and swear by this product. It has saved me countless hours. For simultaneous voice support I used Skype but now use Teamviewer for voice communication as well.

I am also using Teamviewer to help my friends with updates and virus removals. I tried others but none are as good. Here are my observations on using this fantastic remote control tool: It is fast and very reliable. The password they give you to access their computer changes each time you connect. You can use video or V.O.I.P. and talk to your friends, you can teach people who are intimidated by computers to understand and use their equipment properly. You can transfer files from your PC to theirs. Best of all, it is free! I recently moved to Europe and most of my friends are in the USA. They are so happy that I can still help them although I live thousands of miles away. Teamviewer is also available in several languages. Did I mention it is free? Thanks Bob for your excellent articles, although I have been repairing and updating computers for over 20 years, I still learn a lot from your newsletters.