Is it possible to see what is on my friend's computer screen?

[UNiCRON]

I'm no expert but I'm trying help a friend install/configure (and how to use) some software. Is there a way to see what's on his computer screen through my PC? He lives in another state.

It would be much easier to guide him if I knew in real time what was on his screen.

[daamon]

The short answer is "Yes". You'll need software on both PC's that enables what's called "Remote Access". Windows XP comes with it, but I've never used it - I've had a look and it looks a bit involved for something that should be simple.

I've seen others recently recommend TightVNC. I've not used this either, but it's free and seems to be respected.

I hope that helps.

[jameshgross]

Try "LogMeIn.com"

[guns1inger]

You can add my vote to tightvnc. Even the original VNC does a very good job.

[daamon]

Try "LogMeIn.com"

A neat trick I got told about: just type www . url . com and the link works from the post.

www.logmein.com

[UNiCRON]

Thanks guys for the responses. I tried "LogMeIn.com" and it has worked out well for me. I'll give TightTNV a try next.

[Garibaldi]

Try "LogMeIn.com"

I'll second the motion, I'm also using it and it works very well!

[ViRaL1]

If you're both using Windows XP, you can do remote support. It's already built into the OS and it's free.

[mujahid7ia]

No VNC flavor or client/software solution for remote access can, AFAIK, beat the speed of Windows XP Pro's Remote Desktop because it is integrated into the OS. If you can use that, do it. If not, I really like both Ultr@VNC http://ultravnc.sf.net and TightVNC http://www.tightvnc.com .

[liquid217]

UltraVNC has a really cool feature called UltraVNC sc (short for single click). Basically, SC will create a small customized ultraVNC server (150K byte). I simply tell the person I am helping to download and run this exe, once they run it, it points to my machine which has the vnc client listening for a connection.

On a side note, tightvnc's performance has been greatly increased, now that they are using the mirage hook driver. Obviously, its not as good as being right in front of the pc, but it is a very close 2nd.

[HAMP]

How about NetMeeting? It comes on all of the OS's and it's free to use. Not only can you see whats going on, but take control of his computer.

[pchan]

How about NetMeeting? It comes on all of the OS's and it's free to use. Not only can you see whats going on, but take control of his computer.

Absolutely. Ask you friend to launch NetMeeting, go to help and select About Net Meeting. He or she should be able to see the IP Address. You just need to call the IP address. Your friend just need to click Share Program, select Desktop and check Allow Control. You have full control of your friend's PC.