Remote Help Please

[TwoRails]

I have an elderly out of state relative that is less than a novice with computing (like, "what's a mouse?"). Trying to explain things over the phone really is more than painful. I would like to show her how to do simple things like handle email and basic things like cut-n-paste and turn off the computer (she's just been hitting the power switch to shut down! ouch.).

How can I do this thru the computer? She's running Win ME and I have Win XP Pro and Home.

TIA


PS: also, she's on dialup with a K6 400MHz if that matters...

[Designer]

I don't think remote desktop connection would work on win ME, but I seem to remeber that Norton PC Anywhere software is for remote access between different windows versions like 98/XP, although it's really for accessing E-mails and stuff on remote computers I think this might be suitable for you, here's a link:

http://www.abusinessresource.com/Bus...ywhere/p-2.htm

Hope this helps you TwoRails

D

[TwoRails]

Ouch! All the ones listed at a resonable price are discontinued. It would cost more than upgradeding to XP, but I don't think that old box would be up to XP.

Any ideas on freeware / shareware?

[Designer]

Found this one, looks like a you've gotta sign up for a free trial period:

http://www.savethemissouri.org/pocke..._shareware.htm

[TPM]

try ultra VNC it's free or a least it was

[TwoRails]

Thanks for the ideas

Designer, that's a $20 a month fee so that's a little out of my league.

TPM, VNC I'll have to read up on as it seems kinda complicated -- at least on the surface -- but I'll check more into it.

Thanks

[Designer]

Was it really $20 a month, sorry I didn't notice that. A bit steeply priced I feel.

[mairving]

If she is on dialup with a low end machine forget about any kind of remote management. You could probably drive there quicker.

[Statica]

Why not use netmeeting and ask her to share the desktop with you? It's fairly simple, and works fine over dial up?
Pros:
1) Its free for both of you
2) It works just fine with dialup connections> Believe me, I've used it over nasty overseas connections and its worked fine (see con)
3) It's secure. Rather than a program that listens for connections all the time, you now have a program that she can start ONLY when she's having a problem
4) Setup once, after its setup once, its a very simple 2 step procedure to give you access to the desktop
Cons:
1) It's not quite as sophisticated but it does the job wonderfully
2) The only caveat over dialup is .. and you will realize it thru experience .. ask her to minimize/close all other windows than netmeeting And pray that she doesnt have a very "picturesque" wallpaper Given the costs and the security, I find this a rather easy way to gain access on demand.

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by Designer Was it really $20 a month, sorry I didn't notice that. A bit steeply priced I feel.

At first I thought it was “just” $20 until I noticed that they had yearly prices. It seems like it would be a good thing for a pro, though.

Originally posted by mairving If she is on dialup with a low end machine forget about any kind of remote management. You could probably drive there quicker.

LOL! I’ve suggested a couple of times (mostly in jest, of course) that she just mail me the box. (one) Problem is that she would not be able to hook it back up again

Originally posted by Statica Why not use netmeeting and ask her to share the desktop with you? It's fairly simple, and works fine over dial up? ....snip...

I’ve never used it, but it’s a thought. She’d have to get someone to install it and set it up, however. She doesn’t know how to run any programs (except, a little, for Juno) and she thought her desktop picture was her “screensaver!” Just walking her through the proper shut down procedure the other day took (for real) over 45 minutes before she got it.

Wish me luck...

Thanks

TwoRails

[Statica]

Just needs to be setup. Most Windows OS' have it already installed (START > RUN > conf.exe)
HTH

[TwoRails]

She's coming out here for vacation in two weeks. Maybe I can get some computer lessons in. Too bad I don't have a ME box setup.... but now that I think of it, I do have a legit copy laying around somewhere...

Thanks