How to Fix Computers With a Computer in Another State

Provide remote computer support over the Internet.

Supporting computers from a distance is getting easier with time. This task used to require intimate knowledge of everything about the remote computer, including all of the hardware and specific software configurations. Today, little knowledge is needed about the underlying hardware, and the software information is discovered in the process of supporting and troubleshooting. Supporting computers in a distance requires a remote desktop software package and access to the computer over the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Remote Desktop Software.

Instructions

1. Download and install remote desktop software on the remote computer needing support, such as LogMeIn, TightVNC or ShowMyPC. LogMeIn requires a free account and ShowMyPC requires a user at the remote computer.

2. Configure the remote desktop client software. LogMeIn only requires a computer access code. ShowMyPC must be run, when support is needed, by somebody at the remote computer. TightVNC requires a password setting. ShowMyPC generates a number to give to the person providing remote support, which enables the software to work.

3. Connect to the remote computer requiring support from the computer providing support. LogMeIn provides this access through its web site. For TightVNC, use the free TightVNC client to connect to the remote computer's IP address. For ShowMyPC, enter the number provided by the user at the remote computer into the ShowMyPC client.

4. Control the remote user's computer. At this step, full access is granted to the remote computer's screen, mouse and keyboard as if you were in front of the actual computer.

Tips & Warnings

• LogMeIn requires minimal configuration and no user intervention.

• TightVNC requires specific configuration and open firewall access.

• ShowMyPC requires the remote user to provide a different code each time support is needed.

Resources

• LogMeIn
• TightVNC
• ShowMyPC