April 11, 201115 yr My 92 year old grandmother has a laptop and uses it to email & shop. For her age she is surprisingly good at using the computer for the most part. I set it up for her about 1 1/2 years ago, made sure she had anti-virus/malware protection and a fire wall. Also wrote her a pretty detailed guide to internet security & safety, which she follows to the letter. But, sometimes she opens something on the pc and doesn't know if she can just close it or, she gets confused with what to allow to update etc. SO she calls me as her 24/7 tech. support(which I usually dont mind as I can have her fix it just by describing what she sees on the screen). But it gets really frustrating when she doesn't know how to explain something or does explain it incorrectly. Since I live 1,000 miles away I can't pop in and fix it for her. Is there any software out there (preferably free) for public use that would allow me to remotly access her computer, and see what she see's? This would make troubleshooting her problems infinitly easier. I know at my work IT uses something to do it if you call them will a problem. I did a couple google searches, but wasn't sure what to look for, or what I can trust for that matter. Hopefully some knowledgable Tifer's might be able to help me out here. Thanks for any advice!
April 11, 201115 yr I believe Windows 7 has remote access, but I've never tried it out. It may only come with Professional. EDIT - In Win7, go accessories -> Remote Desktop Connection. I have no clue how to use it though.
April 11, 201115 yr Windows has a program that's called Remote Assistance that does exactly what you're asking. XP to 7, not sure about versions before XP. You both need MSN accounts.
April 11, 201115 yr Or you can use a program like TeamViewer (which is free for personal use, not companies) for which neither of you need a MSN account, you just need the access codes that you see when you open the program. This way you can remotely control her computer while still explaining what you do on the phone. Or I've once used skype with my parents sharing their screen and explaining them what to do while seeing what they were doing.
April 11, 201115 yr Support teamviewer. It's free, easy to use, and can be setup in about 2 minutes. I use it all the time and haven't had any problems. Owner of the Quest Point Cape
April 12, 201115 yr Author Thanks everyone for the replies and advice! I looked into teamviewer and think that is perfect for what I need! Thanks again everybody :thumbsup:
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