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by panorama 3484 days ago
One thing I'd particularly like when dealing with my parents' issues is an _easy_ way to set up remote screenshare and access. It's one thing when the problem is that their computer isn't booting (in which this site would definitely help ;)), but another if the problem is that they can't find a file they downloaded or something like that.

I'd pay for a tool like this that was easy to set up and use that didn't have to involve my parents installing TeamViewer, coordinating a channel, and so on.

Edit: Thanks for the advice all, will install one of these suggestions when I head home for the holidays.
5 comments
an_account 3484 days ago
If you both have macs, it's built in, but sort of hidden.

Just open up messages on both computer -> go to your parents' contact -> click details -> click the button next to their name that looks like two screens (it's next to the video chat button). It'll ring on their computer, all they have to do is accept.

Edit: Apparently you can just spotlight search for the "screen sharing" application and just type in their apple id.

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quicklyfrozen 3484 days ago
I had my mom install Chrome Remote Desktop. Pretty easy to set up with some guidance over the phone, but probably easier if they already have a google account.
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perishabledave 3484 days ago
IIRC Fog Creek's Copilot was specifically for that purpose. Not sure how actively it's being maintained now thought.

https://www.copilot.com/

I had hopes that Screen Hero would fill that role before Slack bought them out. Still a great tool, wish it wasn't tied to Slack though.

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joeax 3484 days ago
I had my mom install the join.me app on her laptop and tablet. When she has problems she just types "join.me" in the browser (or opens the app) and reads me the join code over the phone.

In a couple minutes I find that disabled setting, or the app she installed but can't find, or clean up the crapware from the kitten screensaver she installed, and she's on her way.

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Confusion 3484 days ago
I installed TeamViewer for them and set it up to allow remote access from my account, with a safe password. I can access their computer without their involvement. It doesn't get any easier than that.
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