Tech support for your parents
Submitted by: Rafe Needleman
Tip 2: Remote control lifeline
You can't always be there when a parent runs into a tech problem. However, trying to do tech support over the phone can be incredibly frustrating. One way to give yourself an upper hand is to use remote control software to see what's going on with your parents' computer when you're on the phone to them. This requires broadband on the two ends, but if you both have it, you can take advantage of this great tool.
- Option 1: Use Microsoft's own remote control console. This free utility comes with Windows XP and allows your parent to send a help request to your machine. You have to turn it on first: Open System Properties (right-click My Computer and select Properties). Then click the Remote tab and tick 'Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer'. This tool is free, but it requires your parent to place the call for help; you can probably talk him or her through it whenever necessary. Please note that it doesn't always work if there's a firewall at either end of the connection.
- Option 2: Use a third-party application such as GoToMyPC. This tool, in particular, is easy to install and use, and as long as your parents trust you not to spy on them when they don't ask for it, you can configure it so that you can initiate a connection at any time. However, GoToMyPC costs $19.95 per month for the personal edition.
Submitted by: Rafe Needleman
Editor of Business Buying Advice for CNET.com, Rafe Needleman has been providing tech support for his parents since he was eight. They still wonder what he's going to do with his life
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