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Remote Support Solutions

#1

saguaro

saguaro

So after all these months of pandemic, I'm finally looking at some remote support options. I need something for "casual" consulting purposes, so paid, but not too much. Need a ongoing access to a few machines. One tech license.

Some months ago, i'd narrowed down to Splashtop and Zoho Assist. I noticed @Steve 's recommendation of Remote Utilities. I had considered them before, but discarded because their parent company is based in Russia. Hmmm.

Any recommendations out there or other thoughts on these options?


#2

A

AlanD

Have you looked at Anydesk? Cross platform support, and pricing is not too bad for one concurrent session at EUR8.49 per month.

anydesk.com

The Fast Remote Desktop Application – AnyDesk

Discover AnyDesk, the secure and intuitive remote desktop app with innovative features, perfect for seamless remote desktop application across devices.
anydesk.com anydesk.com


#3

J

JimWilliamson

www.ShowMyPC.com/

I have been using Show My PC for a few years and I'm generally satisfied. My end is via a Windows OS while clients are primarily Windows with a few MAC's. If I recall, TightVNC is at the core of the service.

I take the host EXE from my ShowMyPC account page and place it on my web server in an easy location for a client to visit, download, run (while I'm on the phone).

The host software can run in single session or always on / reboot capable.

I'm interested in this thread as I wish to expand to be able to remote into IOS and Android mobile devices - possibly from a mobile device - something I do not think SMPC yet handles.


#4

rfrazier

rfrazier

TeamViewer is cool. Be ware it tries to install a service in the PC that's always waiting for connections. I prefer to kill that and only initiate connections manually. It's free for non commercial use. Don't know about the paid part. GoToMyPC which I think is owned by LogMeIn and Citrix are big names in the biz. Haven't tried them though.

I think Zoom can be used for this purpose but I'm not sure I trust it for that. Haven't tried though.

Ron


#5

P

PHolder

Windows 10 has the "Allow Remote Assistance" feature... I don't know if that is limited to Home/Pro or not. It's theoretically free, at least.

One of your considerations needs to be how easy the service is to use for clients. If they need to have exceptions in the router or firewall, then that makes it much more difficult to make that connection (either initially or subsequently.) On the other hand, having something always running and potentially accepting a connection is a bit of a security nightmare. I suspect some of the tools out there may use UPnP but that has its risks also. A more secure option would be some service that uses a 3rd party proxy server which requires both ends to run a tool that makes an outbound connection to the proxy.


#6

Cozmo

Cozmo

Both of the last comments are part of why I LOOOOVE TeamViewer. Yes, I pay for a licensed version. But I also spend about 1h to 1h30m PER DAY on there with clients. It works great. I DO use the unattended feature on some machines, not all of them.

Some times, you just need a tool that lets you quickly connect and disconnect. Even letting the user have the power to let you in (or not) by terminating the application.

I was thinking back and found that TeamViewer was one of the rare applications I haven't heard @Steve mention about having disastrous or nightmarish security messes


#7

rfrazier

rfrazier

I don't trust Windows built in RDP. Didn't @Steve say that's insecure? After so many podcasts, it's hard to remember.

Ron


#8

I

irishdave

I use Quick Assist, the inbuilt Windows support tool. However as my users aren't local admins I run into an issue with assisting remote user when I need to enter admin credentials - Windows doesn't allow this, I get a blanked out screen on my side. I have the same issue with Any Desk.

Any suggestions on a tool that will allow me to do this - not Logmein (I have a 3rd party Vendor that already uses this)


#9

T

TTLNow

rfrazier said:
TeamViewer is cool. Be ware it tries to install a service in the PC that's always waiting for connections. I prefer to kill that and only initiate connections manually. It's free for non commercial use. Don't know about the paid part. GoToMyPC which I think is owned by LogMeIn and Citrix are big names in the biz. Haven't tried them though.

I think Zoom can be used for this purpose but I'm not sure I trust it for that. Haven't tried though.

Ron
Click to expand...
I agree Ron that TeamViewer is cool in as much as I was able to provide full remote support for my 102 year old father's win 10 pc even in manual mode where he had to pass me a code over the phone, i.e. secure but simple.


#10

saguaro

saguaro

rfrazier said:
TeamViewer is cool. Be ware it tries to install a service in the PC that's always waiting for connections. I prefer to kill that and only initiate connections manually. It's free for non commercial use. Don't know about the paid part. GoToMyPC which I think is owned by LogMeIn and Citrix are big names in the biz. Haven't tried them though.
Click to expand...
Cozmo said:
Both of the last comments are part of why I LOOOOVE TeamViewer. Yes, I pay for a licensed version. But I also spend about 1h to 1h30m PER DAY on there with clients. It works great. I DO use the unattended feature on some machines, not all of them.
Click to expand...
Some colleagues recommended TeamViewer in the past--like many years ago. I discarded it because the $50/mo entry price is a little steep for my level of use. Do you know of any discounts for single user plan?

Appreciate the many responses here. But again, this needs to be a paid plan for business use. (Wow, connectWise has a free, biz-use 3-device unattended plan! worth trying.) And not a windows (-only) solution... And I need both remote support functions (starting sessions) and the ability to install a management component, or at least unattended support. A lot of solutions at lower price points offer one or the other.


#11

R

rowdy

The best i've found so far is an open source solution by an engineer at Intel expanding on their work with Intel AMT/VPro technology it's called Meshcentral and is fully open source and in active development with new features almost daily.
Meshcentral and Mesh Commander Blog site https://meshcentral2.blogspot.com/
Github Page https://github.com/Ylianst/MeshCentral

well worth a look at.


#12

D

dmot

rfrazier said:
I don't trust Windows built in RDP. Didn't @Steve say that's insecure? After so many podcasts, it's hard to remember.

Ron
Click to expand...

Steve uses RDP to connect to his servers, but he does it over a VPN. Exposing RDP to the internet is what I think you are referring to which obviously should not be done, but is.


#13

D

dmot

I remember when LogMeIn was free, I had about 60 computers in the 'free' portal, then it became paid. I switched to Splashtop and I am very happy with Splashtop. I like that different packages can be deployed, my default package is a basic splashtop installer with the ability for me to NOT require logon creds. The remote computers have credentials, but I am able to login w/o the user granting permission on their end. If I am doing one time support, I tell the client to delete the splashtop streamer app from their computer, which removes it from my dashboard and that if they decide not to delete it, I will delete it on my end. I can always send them another URL if another connection is needed in the future.

I am not a fan of team viewer, it seemed that I always needed to update my end or downgrade my end to match the client. Not a fan of that and I'm not sure why TV thought that was a good idea.


#14

D

dmot

For personal machines I use TighVNC to access on my LAN or over VPN (IPSEC between two homes, for example, or OpenVPN if I'm away from home).


#15

saguaro

saguaro

rowdy said:
The best i've found so far is an open source solution by an engineer at Intel expanding on their work with Intel AMT/VPro technology it's called Meshcentral and is fully open source and in active development with new features almost daily.
Meshcentral and Mesh Commander Blog site https://meshcentral2.blogspot.com/
Click to expand...
Thank you. I am looking. But this seems to be limited in the remote support session area. Already working with Apple Silicon though.


#16

MichaelRSorg

MichaelRSorg

I used TeamViewer a lot and would not recommend it. Long stories. Also used GoToMyPC and that would be my last choice. RealVNC is fine, there is both a free and commercial version. The commercial version is either inny (open a port in firewall) or outty (controlled pc phones home to RealVNC). The free version is only outty. It does well with UAC prompts, one of my ongoing issues with TeamViewer. RealVNC can also run un-attended or require a person at each end. Its flexible.


#17

MrObvious

MrObvious

TeamViewer has a bad reputation about security. There was a thread this week about users possibly being hacked. They had a "breach" or something in 2016 and they didn't immediately acknowledge it but only did when called out by the media (IIRC Bleeping Computer).

The Remote Utilities that Steve mentioned in the podcast seems to be a good piece of software. I have yet to have a chance to use it, but it seems like a good deal.


#18

saguaro

saguaro

MrObvious said:
TeamViewer has a bad reputation about security. There was a thread this week about users possibly being hacked. They had a "breach" or something in 2016 and they didn't immediately acknowledge it but only did when called out by the media (IIRC Bleeping Computer).

The Remote Utilities that Steve mentioned in the podcast seems to be a good piece of software. I have yet to have a chance to use it, but it seems like a good deal.
Click to expand...
Not that everything Russia is bad, but that's where Remote Utilities is based.


#19

Warwagon

Warwagon

The one i use is "Screen connect" by connectwise. Been using it for over 3 years now. I came from Gotoassist, and this is so much better. The Price is $500 a year so I don't know if that is more than you want to spend.


#20

I

Intuit

RemoteDesktop.Google.Com

-----
Pros:
-----
  • Trusted well known source.
  • No fees.
  • Client access from any browser with no software installation requirement. (no client-software install available or needed)
  • Can be setup for non-interactive access; intended only for use with personally owned Desktops/Laptops but can be used for others via shared account.
  • Very lightweight server program.
  • Very reliable/stable server program.
  • Individual PCs are assigned GUIDs in the URL, so can be bookmarked for quicker access.
  • Not currently flagged by anti-malware software. (that I'm aware/exprienced)
  • Features for matching remote display to your Window and resizing your window to remote display.
  • Integrated file send/retrieve feature. (tool is limited in scope)
  • Operates through NAT without issue; with realization that this requires Google as the middleman.

-----
Cons:
-----
  • Must create outbound rule for web browser client; allowing UDP over multiple ports.**
  • Individuals receiving/giving support must have a Google Account. (helps deal with and prevent abuse of the tool)
  • Non-techies still have trouble understanding how to retrieve the code; ESPECIALLY if they miss or deny the one-time browser extension prompt. (ChrEdge wisely disables extensions by default; requires more steps to enable.)
  • "Give Support" mode, server program (browser extension) on remote computer doesn't allow easy elevation. (Windows UAC has always wisely prevented non-elevated interaction with elevated.)
  • Doesn't warn you when remote display is reconfigured and post disconnect, doesn't always undo config change on remote display.
  • Under "Remote Access", "Set up remote access", begins by forcing install of unnecessary/limited browser extension instead of presenting option of extension or/and OS-server.
  • Impossible to eliminate Google as the middleman; with realization that this helps limit potential for abuse.
  • No ability to setup non-interactive access to third-party devices.
  • Server can only be accessed from one client at a time; no notification as to reason for a drop.


Unconfirmed:
  • Server doesn't stick to TCP over 443 which may create issue in some special cases. (after authentication, UDP is the more efficient protocol though)
  • No clipboard sharing for Windows/OS-X.
  • Doesn't leave port open to port-scans. (shouldn't need to given how it functions)
  • Only works with Windows and OS-X; no Android and iOS support. (???)



During the pandemic, we (family) were kicked out of the extended care facility where my Nephew stays. He has ALS and can only move his eyes at this point. (his mind is all there but can't move his body) So I installed Google's Remote Desktop tool to the computer in his room and are able to pop-in at any given time. To check on him and communicate, we do things such as turn on the Windows Camera app and put up Notepad. I also set Skype to auto-answer and being multi-platform, can be called from any Windows/OS-X computer or Android/Apple/Windows phone.

I've also used the tool for remote support with a handful of people. TeamViewer does have Android and iOS support.


** I generally only want to allow browsers access to TCP 80, 443, 21 and 22 on IPs outside of LAN.


#21

MichaelRSorg

MichaelRSorg

So, on the Feb 9th show, Steve again praised Remote Utilities. So, I went to their website to see who they are and they go OUT OF THEIR WAY to say nothing about the company. Not one peep. I had to look in this file
to see they are based in Moscow which explains their avoiding the topic. I had not seen the earlier comment on this thread about the company.

Too bad. Steve seems to have fallen for a classic mistake: does the software work, vs. is it secure. Somewhat ironic since his plug for RU came right after the story of new flaws in the Solar Winds software. I have no doubt the software works, Steve gave many examples of this. But how much can we trust a Russian company especially since they are hiding their identity. Kaspersky does not hide their identity.

There are two broad schemes for architecting remote software, which I call inny and outty. The inny scheme requires opening a port in the firewall fronting the server machine and the client connects in to the server. The outty scheme has a middleman cloud service make the connection between the client and the server. Both computers phone out, so no firewall rules need to be created. If RU supports the inny scheme then it may be safe, we would have to trace its activity. If RU works on the outty scheme, I would avoid it.


#22

MrObvious

MrObvious

MichaelRSorg said:
So, on the Feb 9th show, Steve again praised Remote Utilities. So, I went to their website to see who they are and they go OUT OF THEIR WAY to say nothing about the company. Not one peep. I had to look in this file
to see they are based in Moscow which explains their avoiding the topic. I had not seen the earlier comment on this thread about the company.

Too bad. Steve seems to have fallen for a classic mistake: does the software work, vs. is it secure. Somewhat ironic since his plug for RU came right after the story of new flaws in the Solar Winds software. I have no doubt the software works, Steve gave many examples of this. But how much can we trust a Russian company especially since they are hiding their identity. Kaspersky does not hide their identity.

There are two broad schemes for architecting remote software, which I call inny and outty. The inny scheme requires opening a port in the firewall fronting the server machine and the client connects in to the server. The outty scheme has a middleman cloud service make the connection between the client and the server. Both computers phone out, so no firewall rules need to be created. If RU supports the inny scheme then it may be safe, we would have to trace its activity. If RU works on the outty scheme, I would avoid it.
Click to expand...
Steve may very well have worked with them for a long time. He no doubt vetted them. Perhaps Steve can comment?


#23

P

PHolder

www.bleepingcomputer.com

Is RemoteUtilities safe? - General Security

Is RemoteUtilities safe? - posted in General Security: The RemoteUtilities remote access tool by the Usoris company is commonly reported by antimalware tools. Today i ran Hitman Pro and ESET Online Scanner and both reported it. Obviously, any remote access software is inherently risky. And...
www.bleepingcomputer.com www.bleepingcomputer.com

Based on what I cannot find and what I can, you couldn't pay me to install this software. I sure hope @Steve knows what he's doing.


#24

saguaro

saguaro

MrObvious said:
Steve may very well have worked with them for a long time. He no doubt vetted them. Perhaps Steve can comment?
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, I don't think he will. The Russia connection has been brought up several times and, well, "crickets." (It's kinda funny that the company abbreviation is "RU". Maybe they should register ru.ru?)


#25

saguaro

saguaro

MichaelRSorg said:
So, on the Feb 9th show, Steve again praised Remote Utilities. So, I went to their website to see who they are and they go OUT OF THEIR WAY to say nothing about the company. Not one peep. I had to look in this file
to see they are based in Moscow which explains their avoiding the topic. I had not seen the earlier comment on this thread about the company.

Too bad. Steve seems to have fallen for a classic mistake: does the software work, vs. is it secure. Somewhat ironic since his plug for RU came right after the story of new flaws in the Solar Winds software. I have no doubt the software works, Steve gave many examples of this. But how much can we trust a Russian company especially since they are hiding their identity. Kaspersky does not hide their identity.

There are two broad schemes for architecting remote software, which I call inny and outty. The inny scheme requires opening a port in the firewall fronting the server machine and the client connects in to the server. The outty scheme has a middleman cloud service make the connection between the client and the server. Both computers phone out, so no firewall rules need to be created. If RU supports the inny scheme then it may be safe, we would have to trace its activity. If RU works on the outty scheme, I would avoid it.
Click to expand...
I looked them up some months ago because RU is recommended on some sysadmin sites, and found the same thing. You have to Google the company to see the parent location Reddit, too, has discussions of Russia origin. Asked arounds here the first time Steve mentioned them. Of course the RU connection isn't evidence that the software is compromised, but absense of evidence is not evidence of absence!

Also, the RU connection isn't exactly "hidden" but it is odd they are silent on their website. Maybe a business decision. Probably a good one, from their view.

Remote Utilities Pricing, Alternatives & More 2022 - Capterra

With the help of Capterra, learn about Remote Utilities, its features, pricing information, popular comparisons to other Remote Support products and more. Still not sure about Remote Utilities? Check out alternatives and read real reviews from real users.
www.capterra.com
www.crunchbase.com

Remote Utilities LLC - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding

Remote Utilities is a software firm specializes in developing remote access software for system administrators and helpdesk companies.
www.crunchbase.com www.crunchbase.com

PS: have referenced your sites from time to time; well done. Nice to make your acquaintance.


#26

I

Intuit

Not familiar with the alleged referral. My observation is, assuming he reads these posts, he usually doesn't comment unless he has time to complete a detailed, informative response. (which I can understand because it helps deal with our human tendency to misspeak about something or other)


#27

P

PHolder

In a country where they will throw you out a 10 story window if you don't do what they want, there is absolutely no chance that they wouldn't secretly/silently backdoor this software if they had the need/excuse.

reference: https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/04/europe/russia-medical-workers-windows-intl/index.html


#28

Ceyarrecks

Ceyarrecks

rfrazier said:
TeamViewer is cool. Be ware it tries to install a service in the PC that's always waiting for connections. I prefer to kill that and only initiate connections manually. It's free for non commercial use. Don't know about the paid part. GoToMyPC which I think is owned by LogMeIn and Citrix are big names in the biz. Haven't tried them though.

I think Zoom can be used for this purpose but I'm not sure I trust it for that. Haven't tried though.

Ron
Click to expand...
one might want to AVOID TeamViewer, as I had been using their service for many years, but of late, I discovered if one does NOT have a PAID version, there is a DISCONNECT after ~5min.


#29

Ceyarrecks

Ceyarrecks

has anyone more thorough experience with REMOTE UTILITIES? https://www.remoteutilities.com/ Mr. Gibson on SN#781 https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-781.htm referenced the utility. I did some preliminary testing, and what is NICE is that this does NOT require a third-party to coordinate connections. I had some subtle problems using the .3 DNS (anti-porn, anti-malware version of Cloudflare DNS) but RU worked fine with the .1 CloudFlare. The .3 problem was well identified and tested with RU staff, and they stated they did have a running dialog with Cloudflare to resolve the .3 problem. I have, however, not returned to said testing for many months.


#30

rfrazier

rfrazier

Ceyarrecks said:
one might want to AVOID TeamViewer, as I had been using their service for many years, but of late, I discovered if one does NOT have a PAID version, there is a DISCONNECT after ~5min.
Click to expand...
@Ceyarrecks Interesting. Not being controversial, but I used TeamViewer on my end and TeamViewer Quick Support on the remote end to help a family member within the last 2 weeks. We were on much more than 5 minutes. Maybe it only does that if you're not active.

May your bits be stable and your interfaces be fast. :cool: Ron


#31

J

JimWilliamson

Ceyarrecks said:
has anyone more thorough experience with REMOTE UTILITIES? https://www.remoteutilities.com/
Click to expand...
Since there has been no specific reply to your question in a few days, I'll jump in with this one tidbit. My only experience with Remote Utilities was wiping it off of a client computer after they were scammed via phishing. The scammer installed it / talked the client into installing it onto their WinOS system. For that first experience with it, Remote Utilities didn't start off on the correct foot with me. This isn't saying it's a bad tool - just my only experience with it to date.


#32

P

PHolder

Barry Wallis said:
I miss getting these calls.
Click to expand...
Hi Barry:

This is Windows calling about the errors on your system. It's really urgent that I empty your bank account immediately to make all the problems on your system mysteriously disappear. Please may I know your admin password and have you install this remote access utility to allow me in to your life[bs][bs][bs][bs] system.


#33

rfrazier

rfrazier

Yeah, problem is the scammers wouldn't do this if it didn't work. They are scum. Waste of oxygen. I shouldn't HAVE to worry about whether my Dad, Aunt, Grandmother (if she was here) would get trapped by this.

May your bits be stable and your interfaces be fast. :cool: Ron


#34

rfrazier

rfrazier

Here's something important about TeamViewer more recent editions I thought you all should know. They now start up the TeamViewer service whenever the computer starts - in case I want someone to automatically connect. I HATE that and I DIDN'T ask for it. Every time I update the version, I have to start the Services app with Admin rights, stop the TeamViewer service, and set it to manual startup mode. It will start up if I start TeamViewer. Then I have to go to the icon in the system tray and shut it down when I'm done. I still use the system when needed though. Since the remote (family) PC is using TeamViewer Quick Support, which is for being controlled, not doing the controlling, I don't think the service keeps running on their end.

By the way, the very last thing I'm going to do is poke holes in the firewall on either end. I'm glad for TeamViewer to stitch the connections together.

May your bits be stable and your interfaces be fast. :cool: Ron


#35

P

PHolder

Dave said:
There are 4 - 8 running up to 3 different os's at any given time
Click to expand...
That would just get the scammer going "gold mine"!! ;) It would be funny to audit them to see how skilled they are at adapting. "I haven't been able to upgrade my Windows 3.1 machine... did you call to help?"


#36

rfrazier

rfrazier

How about this? I don't answer ANY phone calls for which I don't know the caller ID. If it's a scammer and they're stupid enough to leave a message, I wish a silent curse on them as I delete it.

May your bits be stable and your interfaces be fast. :cool: Ron


#37

I

Intuit

Re TeamViewer's five minute limitation, this applies to cases where they believe that the user is in violation of their 'free use' service agreement; for example, a single install accessing a dozen different systems.


#38

P

PHolder

JimWilliamson said:
Clients often ask - What's the best antivirus for my computer? My answer... You!
Click to expand...
What's the second best antivirus for your computer? ;) My answer: a tie between "your self-control" (knowing to say no to almost everything offered) and "a defense in depth." (Running untrusted code in a sandbox, for example.)


#39

jkboyett2

jkboyett2

I use a service called FixMe.IT. It costs about $30 per month, and it works great. No special setup stuff to do. I've got a page on my web site that links to a customized FixMe.IT page with my logo and everything on it. The customer downloads a small file and runs it, and it gives them a client ID. They give that to me and I can then use it to connect to their computer. It also has the option of installing a persistent client on the pc which I can then use to access that computer whether there is anyone home or not. (It of course requires the customer to give permission by clicking a button, so it's not like I could just install it on whatever I want without customer consent.) There's no special firewall stuff to do and it's really easy to get started. Check out www.techinline.com.


#40

MichaelRSorg

MichaelRSorg

rfrazier said:
Here's something important about TeamViewer more recent editions I thought you all should know. They now start up the TeamViewer service whenever the computer starts - in case I want someone to automatically connect. I HATE that and I DIDN'T ask for it. Every time I update the version, I have to start the Services app with Admin rights, stop the TeamViewer service, and set it to manual startup mode...
Click to expand...

When I started using TeamViewer one of the things I liked about it was that it did not start itself automatically on Windows PCs. Over time, I grew to dislike TeamViewer and gave up on it. The fatal blow (not the only issue) for me was when a remote machine had an old version of the software and TV refused to connect to it for that reason.


#41

MichaelRSorg

MichaelRSorg

saguaro said:
PS: have referenced your sites from time to time; well done. Nice to make your acquaintance.
Click to expand...
Same here. Hope the sites helped in some way.


#42

M

muthashipp

saguaro said:
So after all these months of pandemic, I'm finally looking at some remote support options. I need something for "casual" consulting purposes, so paid, but not too much. Need a ongoing access to a few machines. One tech license.

Some months ago, i'd narrowed down to Splashtop and Zoho Assist. I noticed @Steve 's recommendation of Remote Utilities. I had considered them before, but discarded because their parent company is based in Russia. Hmmm.

Any recommendations out there or other thoughts on these options?
Click to expand...
Over the past years I have tried most of all and have found ConnectWise to be the best snd most powerful of all. I prefer to use the old from us but they push the cloud-based.
www.connectwise.com

IT Management Software - ITSM & MSP Solutions | ConnectWise

Empower your MSP with all-in-one tools: RMM, UMM, SOC, NOC, and Cybersecurity. Join a thriving community to grow and manage your business seamlessly.
www.connectwise.com

Brian


#43

rfrazier

rfrazier

MichaelRSorg said:
The fatal blow (not the only issue) for me was when a remote machine had an old version of the software and TV refused to connect to it for that reason.
Click to expand...
@MichaelRSorg I know what you mean. I've had the same experience and have had to walk the remote person through an upgrade. I usually use TeamViewer Quick Support rather than the full package on their end so it's not quite as bad. It's a bit of a pain, but I can see some logic in wanting all security updates to be included on both ends.

May your bits be stable and your interfaces be fast. :cool: Ron


#44

J

JimWilliamson

I enjoy having two, different, remote support packages at hand (ShowMyPC and SplashTop). Should one have a connect issue like mentioned with TV, or for some reason I need to disconnect/reconnet the primary remote connection, I'll open a second channel via the "other" remote program I subscribe to and tend the disconnect/reconnect to the primary remote connection. It is a rare event though it is handy to have the option (and not disturb a client).


#45

Adam-F

Adam-F

Windows 10 also has a built-in tool called Quick Assist for remote access to Windows 10 Machines.

Solve PC problems remotely using Quick Assist - Microsoft Support

Quick Assist lets someone you trust take over your Windows PC and fix a problem from wherever they are.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com


#46

I

Intuit

Video on the Quick Assist page doesn't cover working from elevated processes... often an issue with remote assistance. Virtually all of my remote assist sessions require working with elevated processes.


#47

Warwagon

Warwagon

rfrazier said:
TeamViewer is cool. Be ware it tries to install a service in the PC that's always waiting for connections.

Ron
Click to expand...
That is one of the things that makes my skin crawl about remote support solutions where the customer gives the rep the code. It should be the other way around. Just seems like a security nightmare to have a support solution always waiting for connections.


#48

rfrazier

rfrazier

@Warwagon TeamViewer has a Quick Support option that I have family members start only when needed. But, to be the controller, I have to run the full version on my end. I have to keep remembering to shut down the background service. It is a bit of a bother.

May your bits be stable and your interfaces be fast. :cool: Ron


#49

I

Intuit

Intuit said:
Video on the Quick Assist page doesn't cover working from elevated processes... often an issue with remote assistance. Virtually all of my remote assist sessions require working with elevated processes.
Click to expand...
I've had the opportunity to use it several times and the non-elevated Quick Assist process *is* able to work with elevated process windows.

Working with other remote support tools, I've had to elevate the remote support tool itself in order for it to interact with elevated process windows.


#50

jchristyr

jchristyr

I have been using Instant Housecall for remote support since the pandemic stop in person visits. It is $29/month billed annually for the starter level which is enough for me. I was partly persuaded by the story of the founding of the company. It has worked well for me, with all my customers and family installing it from an download I have on my website. I also use it to time shift some work at the repair shop I work. Waiting on updates or scans can be done at home instead of the shop.

Pricing | Instant Housecall

instanthousecall.com instanthousecall.com


#51

saguaro

saguaro

I'll just say that I'm pretty happy with Splashtop. Works well for remote support and my limited remote management needs and the price is reasonable. Appreciate the advice here.

I noticed a few weeks ago that Team Viewer is now a sponsor on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, along with Crowdstrike. I haven't seen Lewis Hamilton doing any Team Viewer commercials though.


#52

J

juser

Can suggest AnyDesk or SO Viewer. But if you need free for commercial use software, maybe "SO Viewer" will be good for you, it's 100% freeware for commercial use.


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