If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably a specific sort of person. You’re the person that friends and family go to when they have tech problems. On the one hand, it’s a big compliment. They all trust you with their most prized possessions like their phones and computers. (Don’t believe your phone is your most prized possession? Leave it behind at a restaurant. You might change your mind.) On the other hand, it can be a real drag sometimes.
When it comes to helping people with PCs, it used to be hard. The biggest hassle was always trying to walk friends and family through the steps they needed to take. If you could just drive over and help them, you would. But when they call from another part of the country, it became a frustrating guessing game.
That all changed with the coming of remote access software. All of a sudden it became possible to log onto a PC remotely and just click the button that needed to be clicked. This also eliminated the problem of having people explain what they were seeing.
Remote access software has been around for about 15 years now. That’s long enough to know what the good and bad is of the whole thing. It’s also long enough that there are a lot of options now. But which is best? Rather than asking that question, it’s better to ask, which is “just right?” You can pay a lot of money for remote access software with full features, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for a person who just wants to help out a friend. Let’s take a quick look at the options.
“Too small:” VNC and similar alternatives
VNC is an open-source program for remote control. It’s one of the oldest options, and it lacks a lot of modern security features. VNC, and alternatives based on it like TeamViewer, are very easy to hack. If you’re talking about controlling a computer in another room or using an old laptop as a headless server, VNC will suit you very well. However, I would not advise using VNC, TeamViewer, Remote Ripple, or any of the freeware alternatives from companies you’ve never heard of. The security risks are just too great.
If you want a simple, open-source option and you’re not afraid of the security issues, my favorite of this lot is TightVNC. It uses very few resources and is dead simple to set up. Just don’t come running to me if you get hacked; I told you it’s not secure.
“Too big:” Splashtop, LogMeIn Pro, and similar apps
If you need enterprise-level security in remote access, you can get it. You’ll pay, though. You can look at apps like Splashtop Business, LogMeIn Pro, and other paid remote-access options. For $20 a month per computer or more, you’ll get plenty of options, nearly bulletproof security, and even remote installation. This is the option that large companies will rely on for remote assistance, and it works great. It’s just a question of if you’re willing to pay the price. Personally, I’m not, at least not to help my friends. Of this group, I’ve grown to like Splashtop for Business. Like the free alternatives, it’s lightweight and doesn’t give you any trouble. Your friends won’t even know it’s running.
“Just right:” 3 options depending on your device
There are three choices to consider when you’re looking for simple, secure remote access. All of them will work fairly well, but in the end it’s up to you which you use. It sort of depends on the device, because not all of these work on all devices. It’s worth noting that there really aren’t good remote options for phones and tablets. Apple doesn’t even allow this sort of thing. When it comes to Android, there are choices but I have to say I don’t trust them. So here are the options I recommend for computer control.
For pretty much any device: Chrome Remote Desktop
If the person you’re trying to help has a Gmail address, they can use Chrome Remote Desktop. To start, they need to be using the Google Chrome browser, but chances are they use it anyway. After that, following these simple instructions will set their computer up for remote access. You can remote access from a phone, Chromebook, Mac, or another PC.
The plus here is that once it’s set up it’s easy to use. You can do it from anywhere. The downside is that controlling someone else’s computer isn’t super easy, and they have to be able to follow directions to get you there.
For PCs only: Quick Assist
Microsoft’s Quick Assist client now comes bundled with Windows 11. If your friend doesn’t have it, it’s free at the Windows Store. It’s very easy to use, and all they have to do is launch it and give you a code.
However, it’s PC only and won’t even work with older PCs so helping out an older family member might be off the table. There’s also some question as to whether malware can travel through it. In other words, if they have a virus, maybe you could get it too. Microsoft says it’s safe, but chatter on the internet doesn’t seem to agree.
Probably the best option: Zoom
OK, so we all lived through 2020 and 2021. That means there’s an excellent probability that whomever you’re trying to help, they have Zoom and they have at least a basic understanding of how to use it.
Remote Control on Zoom isn’t really hard, although it takes a step or two. The person on the other end needs to share their screen, then there’s a button for “Remote Control.” From there it’s pretty easy. If they initiate the meeting, they’re already an admin. If you initiate, you can easily make them an admin and that will make remote control easier.
I like Zoom best for several reasons. Like Chrome Remote Desktop, you can remote control from virtually any device. There’s no indication that malware can spread through it. The remote option is only active while the Zoom call is live, so there’s no long-term security risk. Yes it’s true that people have to install it and know how to use it, but as I said at this point I think we all have that part covered.
Better than talking it through on a land line
Pretty much any option above is going to be better than sitting there on the phone with someone asking them what they see on the screen. That’s sort of the bottom line here, right? That’s why big companies and small ones use this sort of software, and why you should too.
Solid Signal doesn’t sell remote control software but…
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