How can control someone else's computer (for free)

  • Thread starter Thread starter nickarama2005
  • Start date Start date
N

nickarama2005

Hello all,
My father just bought a new computer and is doing his best to learn.
But since he is elderly the intuitive stuff that you and I know is
tricky for him.

But I know there are programs out there can allow me to controll his
system. for isntance PCanywhere (which is costly).
Any other suggestions, preferably free ones?
Cheers,
n.
 
Hello all,
My father just bought a new computer and is doing his best to learn.
But since he is elderly the intuitive stuff that you and I know is
tricky for him.

But I know there are programs out there can allow me to controll his
system. for isntance PCanywhere (which is costly).
Any other suggestions, preferably free ones?
Click to expand...

Is he running XP? How about just using the built in Remote Connection?
 
Hello all,
My father just bought a new computer and is doing his best to learn.
But since he is elderly the intuitive stuff that you and I know is
tricky for him.

But I know there are programs out there can allow me to controll his
system. for isntance PCanywhere (which is costly).
Any other suggestions, preferably free ones?
Cheers,
n.
Click to expand...

I do this sort of thing every day for my mother who is proably
a lot older than your father. The free product WinVNC can
handle it easily. You have two options.

a) If your father has a fixed external IP address (e.g. with an
ADSL connection) then you can make his PC the VNC "host"
and your own PC the "remote". By specifying his IP address
and entering his password you can control his PC at the
same time as he operates it. Installation is fairly easy at
both ends. Operation is fine with ADSL but very sluggish
with dial-up modems.

b) If your father does not have a fixed external IP address
but you have an ADSL connection then you can install VNC
on your machine in "listening" mode. When he clicks a shortcut
on his desktop then his screen will appear on your screen.
Installation is very easy at his end and quite demanding at
your end.

Method b) offers better security and full privacy for your father.

Most posters get turned off by the word "demanding". If you
have the patience and perseverance to carry it through then
I can assist you to make it work.
 
Not Ultra VNC?

: )

Is there much difference between the few versions of VNC out there?
 
Hello all,
My father just bought a new computer and is doing his best to learn.
But since he is elderly the intuitive stuff that you and I know is
tricky for him.

But I know there are programs out there can allow me to controll his
system. for isntance PCanywhere (which is costly).
Any other suggestions, preferably free ones?
Cheers,
Click to expand...

Use Win VNC, it doesn't use Windows User Names for authentication, so
you don't have to worry about external connections using a weak password
created by your dad or anyone else.

VNC will work almost exactly like PcAnywhere, is free, downloads
quickly, and works like a champ.

I suggest that you have it use some port other than the default 5900
port, something like 54000, so that it's not as easy to find by the home
kid hacker.
 
b) If your father does not have a fixed external IP address
but you have an ADSL connection then you can install VNC
on your machine in "listening" mode. When he clicks a shortcut
on his desktop then his screen will appear on your screen.
Installation is very easy at his end and quite demanding at
your end.
Click to expand...

Or you can have him visit the www.whatismyip.com website and he can tell
you what IP to connect to. If he can run enough of the computer to run
VNC to connect to your computer he can get enough of a connection to
determine his IP too.
 
Leythos said:
Or you can have him visit the www.whatismyip.com website and he can tell
you what IP to connect to. If he can run enough of the computer to run
VNC to connect to your computer he can get enough of a connection to
determine his IP too.
Click to expand...

While this is certainly correct, it violates the KISS
principle which is extremely important in the case
of an elderly person without PC experience. Just
imagine the sequence:
1. Launch the browser.
2. Type www.whatismyip.com.
3. Make a note of the IP address.
4. Launch WinVNC.
5. Enter the above address.
Clicking a single shortcut would be a lot easier.
 
I've used "GotoMyPC for several years which is a paying service.

Recently I tried ouyt LogMeIn (www.LogMeIn.com) which has a "free service"
as well as a paying service, as I recall for $5.95/month. LogMeIn worked
pretty well except during peak periods (7:00PM to 9:00PM).

I kept GoToMyPC paying for 2 PC's so I can work from home and access my
business PC, and I can access my home PC's from the office. I use LogMeIn for
other PC's, such as my laptops as I have over 8 PC's between the home
network, and the network at my small business.

Make sure you got broadband for your PC and your dad's PC.

Frank
 
Noozer said:
Is he running XP? How about just using the built in Remote Connection?
Click to expand...

Hi there, he is running XP home edition (I assume) since his system is
a new dell system.

Wow, some terrific replies. Forgive me for not responding to each one
individually, but thank you all for your help.
N.
 
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