OT: What remote desktop service have you used?
My in-laws' computer is on the verge of dying, and I'm trying to help make sure they don't lose all their files if this happens before they're able to get a replacement computer. They are getting an external hard drive to back up all of their files to, but they are pretty computer illiterate, so I'm going to need to help them with the process. Since they are in northern Michigan and I'm in Ohio, I'll need some sort of remote desktop service so I can connect to their desktop. I'm looking for something that is free (no biggie) and requires no downloads (that's where I'm not so sure)? I thought I had heard of totally web-based services like this, but I haven't been able to find one - maybe I'm mistaken? I use TeamViewer extensively where I work, but that's no good for this since that would require a download. If it comes down to it, I suppose we'll just have to work through a download, but I would prefer to avoid that if an alternative exists.
Any recommendations?
I've used most of them. LogMeIn should work. Join.me is a pretty easy deal for a one time session as well.
Since they have Internet connection, why not use Dropbox or google drive to upload docs to as a holding place?
Was just about to post this as well. Remote Desktop is already baked in and has gotten much easier to use with each new Windows OS version.
Join.me and the like are good if you need a two way connection (they can see what you're doing) but if you just need to throw some files onto the cloud for them, use remote desktop.
Don't you need a LAN for that?
Some things: you need to forward a port on the router, 3389 by default, you can change it if you want. RDP without network level authentication (NLA) is pretty insecure, and I don't think windows below windows 7 have NLA in their RDP server.
To get a secure RDP without windows 7+ then you can tunnel it over SSH. This is probably out of your wheelhouse though, so I'm going to leave it at that.
Over internet, you should be able to just give an internet-facing IP after you forward the port. (go to www.whatismyip.com on the one you're trying to share, or remote login to)
You could email them the link, guide them through downloading it, and if they are using Win 7, all they have to do is click the start button, and type teamviewer in the search bar. It does not have to be installed. All they will have to do is give you the ID & PW.
Many of my friends in my age group are semi-literate when it comes to confusers. I have used this method more than once.
Good luck!
If you don't want them to download anything because that is too hard for them, you could guide them through the download via Skype if you get them to "share their screen" with you. That's if they have Skype installed already, of course.
Chrome Remote Desktop is the best easy one I've used. Get at your machines from anywhere with the Chrome browser installed.
I should note: there is a small installer for the PC that will be viewed, but it literally takes < 5 minutes to get set up.
As a Chrome user, I would love to go this route...unfortunately, I don't think they even know what Chrome is.
Both require a download & showmypc.com isn't super user friendly but join.me is pretty darn easy (I say this as someone who used to do technical support for 50, 60, 70, 80, and even 90 year olds who hate technology). Both are free, too.
I think join.me is the easiest one I've used. You generate a code on the sharing computer and then give that to the remote user, who enters the code. It then "just works."
Chrome remote desktop will make you log in to chrome with your google account, which, if it's not your computer, sucks because then that chrome installation (for the windows account) will be tied to your account until you logout in chrome (not just logout of google web account).
RDP (built-in) is ok in that most windows computers have it but it is fiddly.
also, if their "computer" is "dying" it would probably be best to just pull the hard drive and take files off it when it's not booted on that drive.
It could be that their hard drive is starting to get corrupted and throw bad sector errors, in which case, DON'T BOOT THE COMPUTER. Pull the drive and hook it up to a newer, stable computer as a non-booted hard drive and transfer the files to another hard drive.
If the power supply is unstable or the computer is just too slow, you should pull the hard drive.
Have them pull the hard drive and send it to you (well-packed and cushioned) and do the work on it that way. Less headache for you, more secure, better chance of recovering files.
Used LogMeIn for awhile, then ran into some issues......I use TeamViewer on a regular basis and it works great.
Cross Loop. About as easy as it gets.
A couple free ones that will let you at least see their screen and instruct them (no remote control on these): Join.me and screenleap.com
Just download the free Google Chrome Remote Desktop extension. It is brower based and you will be prompted the "passcode" on login. It will require Chrome on both computers. You can find it here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/search/remote%20desktop?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-sk-ext&utm_medium=ha