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Topic: Log-Me-In and alternatives for remote access? |
Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 10:19 am |
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Trying to find some low-cost method to access my Dad's computer from a distance and try to debug stuff for him instead of having to go there personally every time.
I think Log Me In does it but is pretty pricey. Anyone know of lower-cost alternatives?
Thanks,
JC
_________________
www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 12:45 pm
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| Wiz Feinberg wrote: |
| In the past I've done remote servicing using LogMeIn and GoToMyPC. |
LogMeIn is over $400 a year. Too much for this situation... hoping for a lower cost alternative
_________________
www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 1:17 pm
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I just looked up the pricing for GoToMeeting. The starter plan is $19/month, billed annually. This plan allows for up to 10 participants at 10 devices.
Are you and your Dad Facebook users? If so, you can both use Facebook Messenger for 2 way video chats. There is no extra cost for this feature which can be used on most any computer or mobile device that has a mic and front facing camera.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 1:24 pm
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Wiz, I must not have made myself clear. I am not looking for video chat. I am looking to take control of his mouse remotely. As far as I know, unless you are telling me differently, Facebook and Messenger do not allow that (thank God!)
_________________
www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 2:00 pm
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Sorry about my cornfusion. I have used GoToMyPC to do that for a client when I moved out of State for a while. I was able to remote in to the PC, run updates, reboot and log back in without any other help than calling him to make sure the computer was on. This program is for mouse and keyboard use. The lowest cost plan is about $20 a month.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 2:05 pm
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If you are running Windows (version) Professional, it comes with a remote connection Wizard that allows you to connect to another remote PC running a home edition of Windows. The other person must be present to accept the request (to my recollection). It is called Remote Desktop Connection. Read about it here.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Robert McDaniel
From:
White Oak Texas, USA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 5:06 pm
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| As an IT professional, I have used them all at some point. Most of the old free standbys now come with a price tag. However, I have to second George's suggestion. Teamviewer is still free for personal use, and it is one of the best. I use it almost daily. I find it best to create an account and add the computer to it. That way you can log in and access the computer without having to know the ever-changing access code. If anyone wants to try it and has issues, I would be glad to help. |
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Earnest Bovine
From:
Los Angeles CA USA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 5:54 pm
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| Wiz Feinberg wrote: |
| The other person must be present to accept the request |
I should certainly hope so! |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 6:09 pm
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| Robert McDaniel wrote: |
| Teamviewer is still free for personal use,... |
Robert, I'm not seeing where it is offering it free for personal use. I only see a free 14-day trial after which it costs a minimum of $49/month ($600/year), too steep for my purposes. But perhaps I just can't find this free offer and it's hiding in plain sight (or they don't want to make it too easy to find?) Help? Thx.
_________________
www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com |
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Robert McDaniel
From:
White Oak Texas, USA
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Posted 19 Apr 2018 7:03 pm
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Jim,
Go to https://www.teamviewer.us/
There is a large, Green "Download" button close to the middle of the page. Click on this (just below it is the explanation for free "personal use").
This will open a second page and should automatically begin a download for a file named "TeamViewer_Setup.exe". You may be prompted to save or run the file. Definitely save it.
If it doesn't automatically begin the download, click on the text in the orange bar that says "click here for direct download".
When the download is done, double click to install and follow the instructions.
If you want to access the computer while you are away, choose the "installation to access this computer remotely" option.
Make sure you select Personal/Non-commercial use and click accept. There are some advanced options, but you can enable them later if you wish and many do not need them.
You will then be prompted with the "Unattended access" setup dialog. Click next, fill out a password and confirm it (you can change the computer name to something more descriptive if you want).
You will then be asked if you want to create a free TeamViewer account. I recommend it. It is much easier to access your remote machine by logging into your account. If you don't set one up, you run the risk of the "Partner ID" changing on your remote machine and you won't be able to access it until you or someone else can give the new one to you.
Once you finish this step you are good to go!! If anyone has further questions, I will be watching this thread.
Rob |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 20 Apr 2018 2:47 am
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| FWIW: I have used upgraded versions of TeamViewer for free for years. That's how I and my friends on both sides of the pond help each other getting things right when problems occur on any of our devices. Have never needed any other (paid for or free) remote control solution. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 2 Jul 2018 8:42 am
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Rob,
I'm finally getting around to putting TeamViewer onto my Dad's computer so I can fix stuff for him remotely in the future. Am I correct that I need to download and install it on HIS laptop, rather than on mine? (Well, that would make sense since he is the one giving permission for me to access it remotely). But do I create the account from his machine too, and do I have to install anything on my machine too?
Thanks for your help
Jim
_________________
www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 2 Jul 2018 10:14 am
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| Must install Teamviewer on both machines. |
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Robert McDaniel
From:
White Oak Texas, USA
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Posted 2 Jul 2018 10:14 am
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Jim,
I sent you a PM with instructions. Let me know if you receive it. If anyone else is interested also let me know.
Rob |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Don Poland
From:
Hanover, PA.
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Posted 2 Jul 2018 1:12 pm
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| Jim, you shouldn't have any problems with Teamviewer. I have used it for years for personal and professional reasons and it has never failed me. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 2 Jul 2018 2:32 pm
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OK! Just loaded it on my computer and Dad's, came home and accessed his computer swiftly and without problem. Yay! Thanks to everyone, especially Rob, for the help. 
Signed,
A Happy Camper
p.s. A followup question: when he moves later this month and has a different wifi service, will I need to change anything in the setup or will it all travel with him, no matter how he gets his access?
_________________
www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com |
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Robert McDaniel
From:
White Oak Texas, USA
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Posted 2 Jul 2018 3:06 pm
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It will stay the same no matter where he connects to the Internet. The only thing that can change is the remote control "Password" field.
That is why I set up an account and add the computer. Then, even if the ID or password changes, you can still access it via your account without someone providing you the new password. You only use the password you set up in your account for "unattended access". |
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