Remote desktop access question

[Tim Frank]

Watching some of the computer equipment and software discussions that go on in here (watch....not necessarily understand.... ) , I suspect that I am going to be flooded with so many options that the toughest part of implementation will be making a choice.

My 91 YO Dad is in a retirement home. They have one common computer that is shared.
I have set him up with a very basic Windows 7 PC in his room with a wireless router that gets him on the net for e-mail and a bit of limited browsing, which is all he has any intention of doing. We'll never make a gamer out of him....
But....he is still a bit of an analogue guy in a digital world.
He calls from time to time with problems that I am usually able to walk him though over the telephone.
When I can't diagnose from his description, I sometimes drive across town and usually need ~ 10 seconds to restore order and discipline to the system.
We are not talking about freezes or anything significant, just not recognising when he has opened a window that needs a response or some action....that type of thing.

The question: Any suggestions on how I could "dial-in/connect" remotely to his desktop as some tech support help desks do, just to fix what he has accidentally done? Do I need special software? Is there a Chevrolet version....i sure don't need the Maserati. Free would also work.

Thanks in advance.

 

[sam am I]

This might be what you're after.....

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...tion=windows-7

 

[Tim Frank]

Looks promising....will check it out.
Many thanks.

 

[bruceb58]

Problem is, you will need Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise on the remote computer for Remote Desktop to work. I use Remote Desktop all the time to get on my computers at work.

Here are other options. I use to use LogMeIn all the time back when it was free to access my home computer.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/20918...pc-access.html

 

[boatman37]

i use Teamviewer to remote into my home network. i can even remote in from my phone. very easy to set up. just not sure if you may be behind a firewall there that may restrict certain ports. worth a try though.

 

[bruceb58]

I have use Teamviewer as well. It might be your best option.

 

[oldjeep]

I also use Teamviewer to help my dad out with his numerous computer questions. I just use the 1 shot type install each time and don't leave it on any computers long term.

 

[thumpar]

I usually setup Teamviewer when I am working on a computer. That way I can get in remotely as long as it has an internet connection. It is free too for personal use.

 

[Tim Frank]

Update:
We both have Win 7 Pro as OS.
Any reason not to try with the "built-in"?

 

[sam am I]

http://lifehacker.com/5902654/use-yo...olling-your-pc


The user comments are always good to read/consider as well..........

 

[bruceb58]

Update:
We both have Win 7 Pro as OS.
Any reason not to try with the "built-in"?

Only your father's computer needs to be Pro.

Nope except that is more complicated. You will have to get into the router and enable a port to forward. The router will have to have DDNS enabled and have the internal ip address mapped to a hostname with a DDNS service...other than that is a piece of cake.

I would use Teamviewer if you aren't comfortable with all that. I personally would probably go through all of that and use Remote Desktop. It's up to your skill level and how much you like to play with stuff like that.

 

[NYBo]

Another vote for TeamViewer. I used it to help out my mother-in-law before she moved in with us. Now I just walk across the room to assist.

 

[Tim Frank]

Teamviewer it is.
Already downloaded at my end, will drop in and set up Dad's PC this afternoon.

Thanks everyone. I'll close the loop if this works.

 

[Tim Frank]

Only your father's computer needs to be Pro.

Nope except that is more complicated. You will have to get into the router and enable a port to forward. The router will have to have DDNS enabled and have the internal ip address mapped to a hostname with a DDNS service...other than that is a piece of cake.

I would use Teamviewer if you aren't comfortable with all that. I personally would probably go through all of that and use Remote Desktop. It's up to your skill level and how much you like to play with stuff like that.

I know I'd be able to muddle through, but not enjoying it all that much.
Based mostly on the narrow application here, I'll go with Teamviewer.
We are only likely to be doing this at most once a week.
I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.

 

[Tim Frank]

Works beautifully.
He got in a jam yesterday, I was at the cottage, but was able to download TeamViewer to my old wood-burning, steam-powered laptop that lives here and fix the problem.....and it is an XP OS machine!

Thanks for the suggestions Folks, and best of the season.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Long live steam power.

 

[boatman37]

awesome. glad to hear it worked for you. you can even set it up on your phone and remote in from there too.