connecting to a pc remotely...

[maya]

I understand XP comes with a built-in prog to connect to a remote pc,
making it unnecessary to purchase a program like PC Anywhere.. how
about Vista? does it have a such a program built-in? I assume it
does, but not sure.. (I need this to help my mom with some stuff, do a
sort of remote 'tech-support'.... but do NOT want to network with her
computer, just connect to it with a prog similar to PC Anywhere..)

thank you

 

[David B.]

The application is called remote desktop, and it is NOT included in all
versions of Windows, only XP Pro had it, not Home Edition, and I believe
only Vista Business and Ultimate have it, but don't quote me on it. If you
mom purchased her PC at a retail store, she likely (but not definitely) has
Vista Home Premium, in which case you cannot use remote desktop.

 

[Malke]

I understand XP comes with a built-in prog to connect to a remote pc,
making it unnecessary to purchase a program like PC Anywhere.. how
about Vista? does it have a such a program built-in? I assume it
does, but not sure.. (I need this to help my mom with some stuff, do a
sort of remote 'tech-support'.... but do NOT want to network with her
computer, just connect to it with a prog similar to PC Anywhere..)

thank you

In addition to the good advice David B. gave you, you don't need to
purchase pcAnywhere. You can use UltraVNC or RealVNC for free if they
are available for Vista.


Malke

 

[Val]

As mentioned, full Remote Desktop is found in Business editions.

But, to provide help, you can connect remotely using Remote Assistance. In
the Start Search box, type "remote assistance" to bring up the tool, then
she will "Invite someone to help".

When you've made the connection, you the helper will have a toolbar item
that allows you to ask to take control. There you go.

Val



I understand XP comes with a built-in prog to connect to a remote pc,
making it unnecessary to purchase a program like PC Anywhere.. how
about Vista? does it have a such a program built-in? I assume it
does, but not sure.. (I need this to help my mom with some stuff, do a
sort of remote 'tech-support'.... but do NOT want to network with her
computer, just connect to it with a prog similar to PC Anywhere..)

thank you