Handy Programs

[AndyP]

A workmate recently put me onto a program called LogMeIn (http://www.logmein.com).

You install this program on any PC, and you can then remote control this PC from anywhere via a web interface. I've been using it for my home PC. You could also remotely control or watch someone else's PC like an IT helpdesk to help out a computer dummy, like parents. Copying and pasting text between the two PCs is a function too.

The paid version allows you to transfer files and print from the remote PC also.

Feel free to share any other cool programs you've come across.

[markTHEblake]

Interested to know what is the difference between that and Remote Desktop Assistance that is built into windows and 99% of users dont know its there.

Although the negative with RD is if remote user has an external firewall like nearly all ADSL users have, he will have to configure port forwarding. Now thats a joke if they need remote assistance in the first place.

Have you tested this with a bunny yet?

[AndyP]

I've only used it on the home PC. I've had a couple of minor firewall issues (when I installed a new program), and I'm unable to control ZoneAlarm.

I was unable to put a DVD in the drive too, but I got the missus to do that. I was able to see her moving the mouse around and tell her where to click when I had the firewall problems.

Does Remote Desktop Assistance work via a web page interface? I'm able to see my home desktop via my browser.
It's a little clunky, but that would only be because I have a relatively low upload speed. I quite often can't get in when I'm seeding torrents too.

[markTHEblake]

Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Assistance are slightly different animals. The former is take over the desktop, the latter is sharing, thats the one you want.

RD assistance can be initiated through MSN Messenger. Its as simple as clickng Tools and then Invite.

But yes, Remote Desktop can be accessed by browser.


Zonealarm and other software firewalls are usually pretty brainless to configure, however its the external firewall that is going to be a barrier. for most people the actual concept of logging into it and editing settings is just too much

[mikezone13]

I use PCAnywhere for this... find it works better than Remote Assistance, but there's so many different tools that can be used.. I also used to use VNC many years ago as a good lightweight remote tool.

[Fishman Dan]

Mike - there's another one called Dameware that has a remote control element that's much more efficient than PCA. If you have a slow-speed connection to the remote machine, change the colour depth (greyscale for instance) and it makes a huge difference.

[Eag's]

Here are a couple of handy security Programs.
http://www.ccleaner.com/
Very good for clearing out all kinds of crap you leave behind from general browsing like temp files, url history, etc...

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
This is one of the better Spyware programs I have used, great for browser hijackers, dialers, & tracking cookies.
Both programs are freeware which make them even better :smt023

[peter_rs]

Dame ware is good. because it can installs itself on the remote pc if it does not exist. without the remote users approval.

Ap try ultraVNC.

It open source... so free

It supports TCP Port or Http or https with a java login.

works well of slow connections.

LogmeIn has big security holes.

[peter_rs]

UltraVNC also includes ftp transfers and a chat window.

[Courty]

UltraVNC also includes ftp transfers and a chat window.

So he can chat to the burglars while they're ransacking his house? :lol:

[Courty]

Most people would be aware of this stuff, but Google offers a stack of free, online apps & utilities when you sign up for a Gmail account:

Gmail (www.gmail.com) (webmail, obviously)
Google Calendar (www.google.com/calendar) (scheduling appointments/ reminders etc)
Google Reader (http://www.google.com/reader/view/) (RSS feed manager)
Google Documents (https://docs.google.com/) (Word & Excel compatible tools)
Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/home) photo hosting
Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps) compatible with Google Earth services
Google Blogging (https://www.blogger.com/start)
and heaps more (http://labs.google.com/).

[AndyP]

LogmeIn has big security holes.That's a concern. I'll look at UltraVNC.

[AndyP]

Are you sure this UltraVNC is good? It doesn't seem very intuitive, and I think I would have to install something on the work PC, which is something I don't want to do.
LogMeIn was really easy.

[wavemaker]

atfcleaner from atribune is a handy one for cleaning out the closet.

[peter_rs]

Are you sure this UltraVNC is good? It doesn't seem very intuitive, and I think I would have to install something on the work PC, which is something I don't want to do.
LogMeIn was really easy.


You do have to install some thing ( a vnc server). however logmein does the same thing without telling you. unless you connect with remote desktop you have to install something on the host pc.

When you say UltraVnc is not intuitive do you me the setup or running the program.

I don't any issuse with it and I can get non it staff to setup over the phone for me.:mrgreen:

[AndyP]

You do have to install some thing ( a vnc server). however logmein does the same thing without telling you. unless you connect with remote desktop you have to install something on the host pc.The only thing I did on the work PC with LogMeIn was to go to a webpage. I installed the LogMeIn software on the home PC.


When you say UltraVnc is not intuitive do you me the setup or running the program.Both. I installed, but I haven't come across any instructions (although I haven't looked really hard).

[markTHEblake]

VNC you only need to install on the machine you want to remote connect to. You can access it from your browser, so you dont have to install anything on your work PC. (uses Java)

THe VNC app is both server and a client. After installation you need to go into the settings and activate the Server part, as obviously this is not active by default.

I havent used VNC for donkeys, but for a half clever bloke like yourself\, shouldnt be too hard.......

[peter_rs]

so you are using your work PC to connect to your home PC?

the way i understand logmein to work is- logmein opens a port on the host PC then leaves a continuous connect to the logmein "domain". the remote PC connects to the logmein "domain" via the website and then is linked to the already open host PC.

the security hole is that the link between the host and logmein is always up transferring data even when your no connected. its the constant link that can come under attack.

For vnc you need to add port forward rules to the router either 80 or 5900. vnc only transfers data when connected.

Any remote access can open security holes.