Ashwood
22nd January 2008, 03:52 PM
I just found out about a remote admin software which I though I'd share with you guys. Well, it's not new but I just learned about it.
Prior to this, I've known about PC-anywhere & Real VNC, which allows one to control & view a computer located far away, via the internet. However, questions arose as to security breaches / risk of being hacked; given that you normally need to close your firewalls and set fixed passwords.
I recently tried teamviewer3 (www.teamviewer.com (http://www.teamviewer.com)) which has a free download for personal use.
All you do is have both ends (eg. your PC in Melbourne & your brother's PC in London) download and install Teamviewer. When you install, DON'T tick "launch when Windows starts" and DON'T type in a fixed password.
When each side launches Teamviewer (via icon on desktop), an ID & password will be generated randomly at both ends. The PC to be admin'ed, [say your brother] tells (via phone or email) the administrator PC [yourself] what he sees, and you type in both his ID & password.
Lo and behold, no need for IP addresses/network IDs/dialups, a window showing his exact screen miraculously appears on your monitor, and you then operate his PC as if you are there. There is a bit of lag & the image isn't the best. But I find it great as it is super easy to use and is secure - works even behind firewalls, you manually control/launch the software when you want, and the ID/passwords are both dynamic and temporary.
I did some troubleshooting/housekeeping for my dad's PC far away overseas. Brilliant!
Prior to this, I've known about PC-anywhere & Real VNC, which allows one to control & view a computer located far away, via the internet. However, questions arose as to security breaches / risk of being hacked; given that you normally need to close your firewalls and set fixed passwords.
I recently tried teamviewer3 (www.teamviewer.com (http://www.teamviewer.com)) which has a free download for personal use.
All you do is have both ends (eg. your PC in Melbourne & your brother's PC in London) download and install Teamviewer. When you install, DON'T tick "launch when Windows starts" and DON'T type in a fixed password.
When each side launches Teamviewer (via icon on desktop), an ID & password will be generated randomly at both ends. The PC to be admin'ed, [say your brother] tells (via phone or email) the administrator PC [yourself] what he sees, and you type in both his ID & password.
Lo and behold, no need for IP addresses/network IDs/dialups, a window showing his exact screen miraculously appears on your monitor, and you then operate his PC as if you are there. There is a bit of lag & the image isn't the best. But I find it great as it is super easy to use and is secure - works even behind firewalls, you manually control/launch the software when you want, and the ID/passwords are both dynamic and temporary.
I did some troubleshooting/housekeeping for my dad's PC far away overseas. Brilliant!