Desktop Sharing

Desktop sharing is basically when you can view another computer's desktop and control it over the internet. If you are like me where everyone needs your assistance, this program will be very handy indeed. Whether grandma needs help or if you are in college, this is a lifesaver.

Go to http://www.teamviewer.com/download/index.aspx and download the version for the type of computer you are using. You will get the full version, the other person you will be helping out can get either the full or the QuickSupport version of the software. If at one point you think you will be using their computer to help someone out or if you think they will, they should get the full version.

For windows users, Teamviewer supports Windows 98 and later, so if grandma is using an antique, she'll be just fine. The program is relatively small (only a few megabytes) so there is no need to worry about hard drive space. The full version will ask if you will use the program for personal use, commercial use, or both. The license costs money for commercial use. PLEASE BE HONEST. You will also notice an option for Teamviewer to start with windows. Do not do this unless you intend to be able to remotely control your own computer without another person running the program. This will also require a permanent access password which normally randomizes each time the program is opened.

For QuickSupport users, installation is not necessary. The program runs straight from the downloaded file. I would recommend saving the file for quicker access.

This great program is very easy to use. Every module has an ID number and password. The password changes each time the program is opened unless you set up a permanent one. For the QuickSupport application, the ID can change, too. In your full version of Teamviewer, the other person opens their version of the program and tells you their ID number which you type into the blank ID box on the right side. Make sure "Remote support" is selected and press "Connect to partner". You will then be prompted to enter their password which they also must tell you. You should then be able to see and control their computer.

If you intend to remotely control an unattended computer or server, I would try out Teamviewer's new program Teamviewer Host.

You most likely will notice that the guest desktop on your computer will not look as good. Performance and quality can be changed in the options menu ("Remote control" tab) along with whether you decide to start it with windows or not ("General" tab). Go to "Extras" and then "Options" to access.

One of the other options than remote control include things like file transfer. VPN, and presentations. Some of which like file transfer are available during remote control as options on the tabs at the screen edge.

The desktop sharer still has control over their computer and they can still move around the mouse and type things in. This is good if they need to enter some sort of password for you, or if you are doing a "monkey see monkey do" teaching technique.

NEW: now with the Google Play/ App Store application, you can now help your friends and family with Teamviewer on the go on your Android, iPod or iPhone.