-=PCTechTalk=- Re: remote pc access programs

Jan, I never tried GoToMyPC, but have heard it to be one of the better ones.
I have, however, used VNC almost religiously on a ton of computers I work on
for people, and all without fuss or problems. I gotta tell you, for a free
and easy solution, VNC is the way to go. But, of course, how easy can it be
if you say you were having some difficulty with it. I think maybe you need a
little push in the right direction. 

First of all, VNC is like FTP in terms of what program to use. It's a
protocol, with several different VNC programs. There's RealVNC, StrongVNC,
TightVNC, etc. I would suggest RealVNC (realvnc.com). Just go to the site,
and download the app. Obviously, you need it installed on each computer.
When installing, there's two parts to program. There's the server and
there's the viewer. On YOUR computer, you only need the viewer (but having
the server available but not running could be helpful for yourself when you
want to toy with the options). The other's computers need to have the server
installed, and definitely not the viewer. Once installed, you can leave all
the options on as default. The only thing that should be changed is the
password. By default, there is no password. Go ahead and put a password in
on the server-end (the other's computers). And, if you want, you can use the
same password for all there computers, so its easier to remember (of course,
for security, a different pass is always recommended). And, that's it.
You'll know the server is running because you'll see it on the bottom right
of their computer by the clock (little white box with the words VNC) and
whenever you connect the white box turns black. All you need to do is use
the viewer to enter the person's IP address. While you can play with the
ports, there's no need. Use the defaults. So, on the viewer, when you try to
connect, you just enter the IP address (none of that colon and
channel/view/port necessary). You'll connect and be able to operate their
system just as if you were right there. Very easy to use.

Bashful Bob mentioned Windows XP built-in option. If you wish, sure you can
use that one. To further Bob's response, the viewer (your computer) must
have WinXP Pro or higher. The server (the others' computers) need to be
running Win98, WinXP Home, or WinXP Pro. The easiest way to activate it in
XP is go to the XP help screen and the first option on the top right is
"Invite a friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance". Select
that and it'll walk you thru. Of course, you can ask questions here, if you
like. Me, personally, I've tried the Remote Assistance on XP, and I gotta
tell you, I thought it was slow. But, that's me. VNC does have its slow
moments too. But, I prefer VNC over the Remote Assistance.

---Troth


-----Original Message-----
From: pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jan Robey
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2005 8:16 AM
To: PCTechTalk
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- remote pc access programs

I am working with 20 to 30 seniors in a community & every time they need a
little something moved, removed or changed in their pc they call me.  Most
of the time it is something very simple or possibly just an update to one of
their programs.  I thought it might be better for me if I used one of the
remote pc access programs.
Someone recommended Vnc....documentation was unclear & it was difficult to
even get through the software download.  Then I looked into PC Anywhere as
well as GoToMyPC.  And I'm not certain either one will be able to do what I
want.  My understanding is GoToMyPC does not work with dial up connections
(uncertain) & one host computer can be viewed from as many other computers
that I choose.  But I want to view from one computer & look at many.

Anybody familiar with any of these programs?  If so, any thoughts would be
helpful.

Thanks
Jan


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