I am always on the look out for a good and easy to use remote access software because I very frequently provide computer help remotely to users in other part of the world while I am sitting at home or office. Sometimes seeing the problem with my own eyes is much more easier than explaining it over the phone or via forum.
Here is another easy to use free remote access software called ShowMyPC which works with firewall and without port forwarding. Pretty similar as Crossloop and TeamViewer. Let’s see if ShowMyPC is good enough to beat my favorite remote access software TeamViewer…
ShowMyPC combines VNC remote access technology with an open-source SSH forwarding client to provide you with the option to allow other users to view and control your desktop. The remote user needs to download the standalone ShowMyPC application and can access your computer with just a password (no IP address needed). The temporary session password is automatically generated when you start the viewing session and must be provided to the remote user by email, phone or other means. If you have access to your own SSH server, you can use it instead of the one provided.
ShowMyPC Features:
Free Desktop and single Application Sharing Screen Recording Built using standard SSH and VNC software Use Private SSH server Schedule Meetings
I will again use the same scenario as I’ve used before in TeamViewer and Crossloop article. Let’s say Joe wants to connect to Sharon’s computer to help her troubleshoot some computer problems.
1. Both Joe and Sharon must download the latest ShowMyPC.
2. Joe and Sharon will have to run the downloaded ShowMyPC. It will automatically extract the files in temporary folder and run the program. No installation is required.
3. Since Sharon is the one getting help, she will click the “Show My PC Now” button. A 12 digit random access code will appear and she’ll give it to Joe.
4. Joe clicks the View a Remote PC button and enters the 12 digit random access code.
5. Joe is now connected to Sharon’s computer and able to view and control her computer.
ShowMyPC application and the service, both utilize VNC for desktop sharing over SSH for secured communication. ShowMyPC software uses its pool of servers in the middle located across the globe to interconnect users. ShowMyPC doesn’t have to worry about the file transfer because this feature is already built-in to TightVNC.
TightVNC also has another great feature which is Java Viewer. Now the person who is providing computer support can be on Windows, Mac OS or Linux because it runs on web browser through Java. Currently only Mac OS can support both Viewer and Desktop Sharing and I am sure it will support all platforms in future.
The only advantage that ShowMyPC has over TeamViewer and Crossloop is the scheduled meetings. This feature enables multiple remote access connections rather than only one. ShowMyPC also tends to be slow because it uses SSH connections.
My favorite is still TeamViewer but no harm having another alternative in case TeamViewer doesn’t work for some clients.