As a tech, one thing I do a lot of is remote computing. Let's face it, sometimes it's just easier and quicker to do things yourself than trying to explain how to do it to someone else. In those cases I simply take over their computer and perform the operations that need to be done in order to get them back in shape.
There are several software programs that allow you to do this. Even Windows has a built in remote desktop functionality. However, I prefer a small program called TeamViewer, so that is the method I will be referring to most here. Just know that most other good remote computing software has the same or similar functionality, but may have a different way of doing it.
Some of you are shouting at me, "I'm not a tech! Why are you ruining my Tech Tip Tuesday with something I have no use for?" Well, if you know me you know that I'm not going to tell you about something that you will not find useful and there are plenty of other uses for remote computing, so keep reading. I promise you will find some cool things that you can make use of.
If you are using two Windows computers you can use Remote Desktop for most of what I'm going to get into here. However, if you want to use Remote Desktop, you're on your own there. While I do know how to use it, this blog post is featuring TeamViewer since I use it more than I use Remote Desktop.
In order to use TeamViewer, it needs to be on both computers (download here: http://bit.ly/TCjHtG). Now the nice thing about TV is that it is not necessary to install it on your computer. When you start it up you will be asked if you want to run or install the program. You can choose Run if you wish. You will have almost all of the functionality of the installed program. I have it installed on all of my computers though because one feature that is a must have in my opinion is unattended access. If you install the program you can remotely log in to that computer without having someone accept the connection request. After you install the program, be sure you select "Run at start-up", then you just set it up with a static password. As long as the computer is on you can access it from any other computer that has the TV program (it does not have to be installed on the computer that is requesting access).
Okay, so now that you have TV running on both computers and have a connection what can you do? Well, it is important to understand that once connected you have full access to all of the resources of the accessed computer. Aside from just being cool, there are several things that you can do that may come in handy. When I was in college, I had a laptop that had all my school stuff on it. I also have an iMac. I was quite fond of remote accessing my laptop from my Mac to write papers and do other schoolwork. Aside from being more comfortable, the Mac's zoom function allowed me to study without wearing my glasses.
Another cool feature is file transfer. As most of you know I use Dropbox (download here: http://db.tt/RzQxDfP) for file sharing. However, now and then there is a file that I don't have in my Dropbox that is on a computer that I don't currently have access to. With TV I simply access the computer and then choose file transfer from the menu bar at the top of the window. A window pops up that allows me to browse to the location of the file and save it to a location on the computer I'm accessing from. This feature works in both directions so I can also transfer a file from the computer I'm on to the remote computer as well. You can use this to print a file remotely. Let's say you are at the coffee shop and you download a form that you need printed out. Access your home computer using TV, transfer the file to your home computer, open it, then print it. The printed form will be waiting for you when you get home.
Another unique use that many people don't think of is usage monitoring. Even the most innocent searches can bring up results that you would not necessarily like your children to see. Even browsing YouTube can bring up videos that are inappropriate for younger viewers. With TV installed on your child's computer, you can keep an eye on them even from the other room. Since TV runs windowed there is no reason you can't keep an eye on what your child is doing while you are doing something else like visiting Facebook. Not only that, if they do in fact end up somewhere they should not be, you can quickly take over, closing the browser, or even shutting down the computer. Try this one. Tell your kid they can go play on their computer until it shuts off and then they have to go to bed. Pull up TV and when you want them to go to bed disable their mouse and keyboard, then shut them down. OR use TV's built-in chat box to tell them "it's time to go to bed" (or "get off that website" or "you're supposed to be studying, not playing games", etc.).
These are just a few uses for TeamViewer that I have actually implemented that have nothing to do with remote support. These are things that almost everybody can make use of and there are more if you are creative. Get started with TeamViewer and let me know what you use it for in the comments. I'd be interested in seeing what other uses people come up with. Also leave a comment if you try it for one of the uses I've described and let me know what you think. TeamViewer is pretty user friendly and you will be able to figure out all of the functionality by just exploring the program for a little bit. However, as always if you have any trouble or questions about it, please leave a comment and I'll answer all your questions or walk you through it.
DOWNLOAD TEAMVIEWER HERE: http://bit.ly/TCjHtG
DOWNLOAD DROPBOX HERE: http://db.tt/RzQxDfP
Hey Techy- thanks for the info....question: I'm NOT computer minded, so please excuse if this is a dumb question, or I missed this in your info above....How do I prevent just anyone from accessing my computers thru this if I have this d/l?
ReplyDeleteGood question. In most cases, a connection request has to be accepted by the remote computer. So for example, if you wanted me to remote into your computer I would get the computer ID and the password from you. The ID is static, meaning it is always the same, but the password is dynamic, meaning it is generated for each session. To log into your computer I need to know both the ID AND the password. Unless I set up some type of surveillance camera on your screen, there is no way for me to know what the new session password can be unless you tell me. In addition, even if I could get the dynamic password, after entering it on my side, TeamViewer is going to ask you on your side if you want to accept the connection. So if there is no one there to answer that question, no connection can be established even with the ID and password.
DeleteIt works similarly with unattended access, except the password in this case is also static. So if you use it in this manner it is prudent to use a secure password. Don't used your name or some other easily guessable word. See my blog post on creating a strong yet memorable password: http://bit.ly/MY8Qv9
So the answer to your question, "How do I prevent just anyone from accessing my computers thru this if I have this d/l?" is treat it as you would any other highly sensitive account such as your online bank account or whatever.
1. Choose a strong password (preferably at least 8 characters and containing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and at least one special character such as %).
2. Don't give your ID to anyone unless it is for tech support and when you do give someone the ID give them the dynamic password NOT your static password. Also to be extra safe, change your static password after a session with a tech.
3. If you know that you are not going to be accessing the computer for a long while, right-click the TeamViewer icon in your system tray and select exit TeamViewer after you have turned on or restarted your computer. If TeamViewer is not running in the system tray nobody, not even you, can access the computer.
TeamViewer is generally very secure. I have been using it for almost five years without a single incident of anybody accessing my computer without my permission. Also remember that simply having the download on your computer is not enough for unattended access. You must install the program to be able to access it unattended. Use it smartly and you'll be safe.