If you’re a geek like I am, you are always getting calls for help from your tech-confused friends. TeamViewer Remote Access is one of my favorite apps for fixing someone’s computer via remote access. And it’s free.
TeamViewer is a remote-access software package that lets you access other computers online. Unlike the Remote Desktop application that ships with Windows, TeamViewer works across other platforms.
Run or install TeamViewer — your choice. You also are able to configure it to run when you start your computer. Once the application is running, the person who needs computer assistance just needs the ID number and password the app generates.
Once you enter and accept all credentials remote support begins. The beauty of TeamViewer is you never need to configure your router for port forwarding. TeamViewer uses the World Wide Web http port by default, so it works in the same way it would as if you were supporting the user via a browser.
A window opens to display your user’s desktop. The screen capture shows the remote Linux computer I’ve connected to via my Windows XP computer. It’s seamless cross-platform access.
Other features of TeamViewer include keystroke commands such as:
- Ctrl-Alt-Delete
- Remote reboot
- Remote screen recording
- File transfer protocol
- VPN
- Chatting
- VOIP
TeamViewer also offers mobile applications for Android and iOS devices. The mobile application is only good for offering support — not for remote access to your mobile device. This is free in applicable mobile application stores. I use the mobile version quite regularly to access my home PC as well as those of my parents, who need help the most.
Check out my DroidX screen. Here you see I’m accessing the Linux PC via TeamViewer.
The best benefit of this application is the price. TeamViewer is free for personal non-commercial use. If you attempt to use it over a corporate network and corporate MAC address, you need to register for a paid license.
TeamViewer Remote Access is my choice for Freeware Friday.
As a complement to TeamViewer, I recommend Soluto (www.soluto.com). It’s a resident app (which I normally don’t care for), but it monitors the health of the remote PC, and allows the “admin” to remotely make changes to startup apps, browser extensions, apply Windows and app updates, etc.
Hey that sounds like something to look into. Thanks for sharing, Carey!
-RAP, II
Any family computer I work on gets TeamViewer installed on it. The chatting is nice, but the VOIP is sweet.
It’s funny. I get vmails saying “can you Teamviewer my pc today? ”
my regulars tend to say that.
Thnx for reading and commenting, Robert!
-RAP, II
this program has saved me many hours of pulling out my hair when the parents computer breaks but they are hundreds and hundreds of miles away.
Parents make you want to pull your hair out when it comes to supporting their pc??? That’s so unheard of! (jk) :)
Thnx for reading, Ashley!
-RAP, II
I have used TeamViewer on many occastions since you first introduced me to it. It has also saved me several hours of travel time to clients and friends on simple installs and adjustments.
Hey Mike. Do you have your clients install it or just run it? Is it part of your builds going forward?
thnx for reading!
-RAP, II
Teamviewer is only free for personal use. For business users, I recommend GoSupportNow (http://www.gosupportnow.com/). It is UAC friendly and allows unattended support, remote screen recording, mini-web conferencing.
Thnx, Janet, for reading and your recommendation!
Their corp version is much cheaper, but our main focus was for freebies our squadron of geek readers could utilize. I know I will look further into the product myself for business purposes.
-RAP, II
Trying to win this.