Needed - a way to log onto my Dad's computer

Hi guys

I need to know if there's a (reasonable plug and play) way for me to gain remote access to my Dad's computer. Dad and Mom often run into little snags and they are always phoning me for help. If I could log into their machine I could just do a show and tell as opposed to trying to figure out what they are looking at over the phone.

Is Telnet a way to do this? Is there an easier way. I should say that I am not a networking guy at all. My computer knowledge is ok - I just built my first computer from scratch with a lot of help from you guys.

My sister is going to their home for the holidays so she could do whatever work is necessary on that end, on my instructions.

Thanks for any comments.

PS - All I need is a nudge in the right direction - I am willing to do my own research and figure out the details.

Nik

Netmeeting or remote desktop/remote assistance is what you're looking for

Ok - remote desktop.

I'm off to do a search on that term right now. I'll also check on the NetMeeting product. Thanks for that.

EDIT: Hey!! Could it be that the s/w I need is already installed in WIN XP? Seems like that might be the case.

Start--> Programs--> Accessories--> Communications-->Remote Desktop Connection

Unfortunately, when you open this and click on the Help, all it says is this, in terms of how to set a computer up to accept these connections

"To enable your computer to accept remote connections, check Help for your operating platform".

"Check Help for my operating platform"... hmmmm. Operating platform? Does that mean operating system? I hate WIN XP help - why wouldn't they just link me to the relevant help document in Windows itself?

Ah well... this seems do-able, which is great.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scr.../cscre002.mspx

Hmmm.. not great for someone who isn't a computer head.

www.logmein.com

thanks flyer.

Originally Posted by Flyer

www.logmein.com

Wow... could it be that easy?

I just opened a test account for my own machine. Tomorrow I'll go to an internet cafe and see if I can gain access.

If I can, that is just totally seamless and easy.

remote desktop is nice

Remote desktop but they won't be able to see what is going on and you also have to open ports on routers/firewalls


Windows Assistance through MSN would let them see what you are doing but they have to send you an invite first.

I say remote desktop. Thats how I log into my computer from anywhere on the world

Take a look at VNC ... http://www.realvnc.com/products/features.html

I can vouch for logmein.com. I've used it for about 6 months without any problems. Just note that after 30 days of free trial, you lose some features if you don't pay (e.g. file sharing), but the remote desktop function still works like a charm.

I now use Symantec's PCAnywhere. Great interface, easy to use. You need to do some router configuration (provides step by step instructions). After that, everything should be good.

Correct me if im wrong, but i think MSN has remote desktop as well.
About 2 years ago, i asked for help and someone fixed something for me on MSN.

Originally Posted by Flyer

www.logmein.com

second thumbs up from me on logmein. I use it every day from work to access my home PC, or my parents PC if they are having problems that need to be fixed. Fantastic interface, great support, and best of all it's free and easy to install.

Originally Posted by cereal83

Remote desktop but they won't be able to see what is going on and you also have to open ports on routers/firewalls


Windows Assistance through MSN would let them see what you are doing but they have to send you an invite first.

I say remote desktop. Thats how I log into my computer from anywhere on the world

Ok, I tested the Log Me In system today. Went to an internet cafe and presto - logged in to my rig at home! Amazingly easy.

The only thing I would like to know from Log Me In users is this - does anyone know if my parents will be able to see my mouse moving around on their desktop if I use Log Me In to remotely access their computer?

cereal points out that Windows Assistance will allow them to see exactly what I am doing. As I mentioned, my sister is out there so she can follow my instructions for sending an invitation (I did a WIN XP help search for 'Remote Assistance' and I saw the beginning of that process). I am assuming that the Remote Assistance process does NOT involves manually opening ports? Is this right?

Any comments on these two issue would be appreciated

1. Will Log Me In allow my parents to see my mouse movements on their desktop when I log in to their machine remotely (of course I can just try it and find out; I'm trying to save some time and effort for my sister), and

2. Does WIN XP Remote Assistance require manual opening and closing of ports?

Thanks guys, for any further comments.

VNC will allow you to see the mouse movement. I run a few websites with some other administrators, and VNC allows them access, no problem. I just sit here and watch the curser move around while they browse my rig.

Its easier to set up then it sounds too.