I did find UltraVNC, but walking through that installation is almost impossible for even me. These open source projects are sometimes prohibitively difficult. There’s not even a file named Setup so you know where to start. It actually makes you grateful for MS and other companies that automate the install and setup process.
So: what’s the consensus on low cost remote control of computers? It would save us some real hassle. Thanks.
Go to Ammyy.com. You each download the ammyy program. She tells you her computer’s number in the programs window and clicks Start. You type in her number and click Connect. Boom! You are now in control of her desktop.
I use it all the time to work on the in-laws computer. Do you have two computers at home? Download it at home and try it out. It is as simple as possible.
I absolutely love LogMeIn and use it to manage my parents’ computer remotely. The only thing with it is you do need physical access to the other machine for initial setup. You sign up for a free account, and then you install a browser plugin on each machine. It’ll ask you to assign a secure password for each machine (so there’s the initial account login, and then to access an individual computer there’s another password). It walks you through the entire process. It’s like remote desktop for dummies.
People are going to come in here and talk about advanced VNC setups and crazy stuff. I spend half my day instructing tech-illiterate clients how to do things on the internet. LogMeIn? It just works.* Occasionally you need to update the browser plugin, but other than that, it’s gold.
Another vote for Logmein. We use it corporate-wide, on a paid subscription for the management, and couldn’t be happier with it.
if you have to install it on your mom’s computer, its relatively simple to get her to go to the website, type in a username and password, and then have her click on the “install” button. After that, its all gravy for you!
We evaluated about four other software packages, but Logmein came in the best for functionality, ease of use, and price.
I, personally, use the free version to manage family computers.
I use GoToAssist - It allows a day pass. I use it at work and at home - you send a link - they download a client and your in.
If she has XP she can go to Start - Help and Support then “Remote Assistance”. For 7 and I assume Vista, can type “Remote Assistance” in the start menu search box to find it.
This allows her to send you an email assistance request then get a VNC-like connection to her machine, where you’re ultimately able to control it.
No installation required.
If you want convenient access any time you need to get in there without stressing mom out about how to facilitate it each time, LogMeIn is best for this, hands-down.
Wow this solves a problem I have with my mother’s computer, I feel like thanking the OP and those who suggest Log Me In!
I highly recommend TeamViewer which is free for non-commercial use. I use it to help my grandparents all the time.
http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx
Edited to say that you don’t need any sort of account or physical access to their machine to set it up, which is why I like it better some of the others.