As technology advances, we are increasingly able to control our computers from a remote location. In fact, for some people, this may be the only way to fix it. It’s also a great way to repair the computers of older relatives without actually going over to their house! Here are some of the most popular ways to remotely fix your computer.
Windows Remote Assistance
Anybody with a Windows operating system can use Windows Remote Assistance, which allows trusted friends and relatives to access your computer from a remote destination. If you want, that person can even control your mouse and keyboard functions.
Operating WRA is very simple. Using Windows Messenger, you invite the person to have access to your computer’s functions, like the control panel. You can even chat with somebody using your microphone and video functions. For safety, you can end remote assistance at any time by via a button in the program window.
The only downside to using Windows Remote Assistance is that each user needs to be using the same operating system. Since many PC users are still spread out over Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, this can be a problem. Fortunately, there are other software programs that can control a computer remotely, although they vary in terms of quality and price.
Recording a solution using special software
If you simply need to show somebody how it’s done, you can use special programs to record the various steps and procedures to take. Some recording programs will highlight your mouse, so the other user can easily track it as it moves across the screen. Mouse clicks are easy to follow, and all you have to do is copy the other user. If the owner of the broken computer isn’t good at following directions, then this may be the best option for you. Using that video, somebody in a remote destination can easily fix their PC.
Web conferencing software
Certain Skype plug-ins will allow you to easily share data with colleagues over the internet. In these same applications, it’s often possible to control the entire desktop of your colleague. While these are primarily intended to help you edit the work of a coworker, they’re also an effective way to fix any problems that person may have.
Of course, these programs can be fun to use even if your PC doesn’t need to be fixed. It’s a great way to trick coworkers on April Fool’s Day, for example.