Opensource Program for Remote Computer Maintenance?

Factual Questions
1

My parents are having trouble with their computer. They had a virus and while the computer guy came and fixed the computer, everything is kind of weird and they are now lacking certain programs.

Is there an opensource program that I could use to access their computer and fix things. They live halfway across the world and I am going to visit for Christmas, but I would like to help now.

They have a broadband connection and the computer is about a year old. It runs Windows XP. Dad uses outlook, Firefox*, and Skype. One of the issues is that Skype isn’t working quite right, but I need to take a look at it to make sure it is working right.

  • Mom could care less, she only uses the thing for Skype.
2

LogMeIn is an outstanding program and very easy to install. The basic version that sounds like what you need is free. I work in IT and there are other ones like it, but they aren’t quite the same. You can access their computer from any web browser in the world. It is fast and choosing the full-screen option can trick other and maybe even yourself that you are just working on your own computer.

3

I should add that if they are willing to follow the most basic of steps, you could be on their computer in minutes.

4

Thanks!

That sounds like it might work. I’ll talk to Dad tommorow and see if I can walk him through the setup. From there, hopefully, I’ll be able to access the computer and maybe fix the problems.

5

Personally I like UltraVNC SC. You set up an executable package that’s small enough to email. When the person runs it, it connects back to your computer and gives you the option to remote control theirs. Since they’re initiating the connection it will go through NAT on their end with no problem; you just have to forward a single port on your router.

It supports 128-bit encryption, file transfer, and various other handy features. Best of all it’s totally free.

There are two principal drawbacks. One is that it’s a little tricky to set up the first time. The other is that the process runs under the user’s context; if they log off then the remote sessions ends. This means that if they don’t have administrative rights on the machine then you have to use Run As a lot. This probably isn’t an issue for home users though.

6

Have you ever used XP’s built-in feature Remote Assistance?

If you both have MSN Messenger set up and running, they can simply click “Start Remote Assistance” to get you connected.

Just another option.

7

I second this; if you can get it to connect (I’ve had problems even for machines with MSN messenger running at both ends), it’s a really good solution because it combines remote desktop control and file access.

8

I’ve used both Logmein and Remote Assistance; Logmein is slightly easier to use, but both work just fine in taking over a remote computer.

I’ve also used Logmein to transfer files from my home computer (left on) and my office computer.

9

I use an app similar to what Number mentioned called RealVNC. It’s quite easy to set up with a password (recommended), and will run as a service on 2k, XP, etc.

10

I’ve heard good reports about Fog Creek CoPilot (https://www.copilot.com/). It’s designed especially for this kind of thing: “allows people to help their friends, relatives, and customers fix their computer problems by connecting to their computers via the Internet.”

In particular, it does NOT require your parents to install any software to start the process.

Plus it’s secure, and is pretty cheap – free trial, or 25¢/minute, or one day (24 hours) use for $10, or various monthly plans if you use it a lot. And it’s started by them (they must authorize you to access their computer) so usually they are the ones to pay!