In several occasions I needed to provide remote assistance to my friends or family members. I used several times the default remote assistance functionality that comes with Windows XP. The result was rather unsuccessful. Functionality itself was fine but establishing the connection has been a real challenge. Eventually this turned away the users to ask for remote assistance.
I then decided to search for a better solution. The target was clear: ease of use and free of charge solution.
TeamViewer (version 3.5.4140) rapidly showed to be a great solution for the usage I required: simple hassle-free home user remote assistance over Internet.
Software solution key points are:
- No software installation required on the client side.
- Simplistic mechanism to establish connection.
- Free for private use.
There is 1 point though that is missing: You can start the session with “view only” privilege and once you have been granted to take control over the target machine you cannot give it back to the owner of the machine unless terminating the remote session.
I also tested the online support who answered my queries on the next business day. I’ve been impressed knowing that I was clearly identified as home user, using the free version of their software.
TeamViewer also offers various licencing models for professional users at a very reasonable price. Reviewing the software with an angle of professional usage, I’m convinced that TeamViewer is a good solution worth to consider for small or medium enterprise where punctual remote assistance to users is required. I think that large company is likely to prefer a complete desktop management solution.
Conclusion :
The tool is very easy to use and does the job I asked. I recommend it in the context of personal usage.
For Professional usage, I recommend you proceed with an pilot evaluation and assessment before making your call on how this tool fits your needs.
