[SOLVED] Best Remote Software?

[sapphirescales]

I've tried so many remote support applications and most are either way too expensive or are just crappy programs or you have to pay for every single computer that you wanna install them on. The best one I've been able to find is Splashtop. You can install it on an unlimited number of computers. You just need a license for each simultaneous connection you want to have. I have approximately 8 computers that I want to be able to use to control other computers. Something like Teamviewer or even Distance Desktop only allows you to install the software onto three computers. That's absolutely ridiculous.

 

[ThatPlace928]

@ThatPlace928

Might it be time to suggest to this individual that it might be better to use a Standard User Account for her day to day activities? That way if she "releases the kraken" of junk software installation, it just cannot happen.

I've set up a number of my senior citizen clients with a local standard account for their daily driving use, while maintaining a Microsoft-Account-linked admin privilege account alongside it for "when needed." For many, it's never needed. I've even had one or two forget the password or PIN because it's virtually never used in practice.

She doesn't install any software, she just goes to sites that aren't safe.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Since our RMM leverages Splashtop Business...and we resell Splashtop Business for our clients who have remote needs, we use "Splashtop SOS" for our 1x off connections.

I also have used Windows built in Quick Assist...it works well.

 

[ThatPlace928]

Since our RMM leverages Splashtop Business...and we resell Splashtop Business for our clients who have remote needs, we use "Splashtop SOS" for our 1x off connections.

I also have used Windows built in Quick Assist...it works well.

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback...... that's 3 for Quick Assist.

 

[lan101]

I've tried so many remote support applications and most are either way too expensive or are just crappy programs or you have to pay for every single computer that you wanna install them on. The best one I've been able to find is Splashtop. You can install it on an unlimited number of computers. You just need a license for each simultaneous connection you want to have. I have approximately 8 computers that I want to be able to use to control other computers. Something like Teamviewer or even Distance Desktop only allows you to install the software onto three computers. That's absolutely ridiculous.

Yeah I love the teamviewer software but they severely cracked down on the free usage a few years back...even connecting to 1 computer for too long they'll force you into having to buy a business license. I still use it because I have used it for like over 15 years now lol. A business I work for we setup his main office computer so he could use from home and after a few months it wouldn't work any longer. He bought the 3 user license thing or whatever for like $275 per year. I pay I think it's just a little over $400 per year for unlimited connections so it's definitely a rip off for the 3 user one.

 

[britechguy]

I'm a big believer in using what "comes with Windows" provided it meets my needs. For remote software, all the better when the client doesn't have to do anything other than hit WinKey + Ctrl + Q or hit the WinKey and type "quick" to find it front and center.

The less work I have to do, and the client has to do, in order to use something the better. For simple, quick, and effective it's hard to beat Quick Assist.

 

[ThatPlace928]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I downloaded Quick Assist and was able to test it out on my son's computer. He already had it downloaded and on his desktop, just hadn't checked it out yet. Boy, was THAT easy....... I love and appreciate this forum and the members in it. I do a lot more reading than posting but, when I post I always get the best responses.

BTW, my son is getting ready to join the forum, as Tom from CyberTronix.

 

[ThatPlace928]

Yeah I love the teamviewer software but they severely cracked down on the free usage a few years back...even connecting to 1 computer for too long they'll force you into having to buy a business license. I still use it because I have used it for like over 15 years now lol. A business I work for we setup his main office computer so he could use from home and after a few months it wouldn't work any longer. He bought the 3 user license thing or whatever for like $275 per year. I pay I think it's just a little over $400 per year for unlimited connections so it's definitely a rip off for the 3 user one.

I'm sure it's good but I can't justify the expense for occasional use. I did download Quick Assist and tested it on my son's PC. Worked great.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Yeah, some people are a little savvy...thus..."wary"...about many of the free remote tools out there. Because of some cybersecurity awareness...with the scammers. So the popular free ones have sorta gotten a bad rap. Teamviewer, RustDesk, AnyDesk...so I tend to avoid those.

 

[britechguy]

Quick Assist and tested it on my son's PC. Worked great.

No surprise there. I have used Quick Assist even when working with blind clients because I want to see what's going on as well as hearing any screen reader output on their end. I always have Quick Assist up and a simultaneous phone conversation going no matter who I'm working with. It really doesn't get any easier and more reliable for simple remote access and control than Quick Assist for one-on-one assistance.

 

[ThatPlace928]

Yeah, some people are a little savvy...thus..."wary"...about many of the free remote tools out there. Because of some cybersecurity awareness...with the scammers. So the popular free ones have sorta gotten a bad rap. Teamviewer, RustDesk, AnyDesk...so I tend to avoid those.

I've avoided them all, so far. But now I need one and I asked here first, before wasting any time researching online. Quick Assist worked great, when I tested it on my son's PC.

 

[ThatPlace928]

No surprise there. I have used Quick Assist even when working with blind clients because I want to see what's going on as well as hearing any screen reader output on their end. I always have Quick Assist up and a simultaneous phone conversation going no matter who I'm working with. It really doesn't get any easier and more reliable for simple remote access and control than Quick Assist for one-on-one assistance.

It was definitely super easy and, boy, do I love easy...... lol

 

[britechguy]

thus..."wary"...about many of the free remote tools out there.

But these people need to be educated that it's not the tools that are the problem, but the scammers that are using them.

The simple rule: No one ever calls you asking for remote access (unless they're your regular tech, and you called them first) needs to be drilled into these folks.

The tool is not the problem, falling for age-old social engineering tricks is.

 

[britechguy]

@ThatPlace928

I presume you're sad about the fact that people get taken in so often, as am I. But the only way we get this to decrease (it will never stop) is to educate people about what they should not do.

To a one, every person I've ever had to clean up a smoldering pile of rubble for had that come about because they let someone who called them have remote access to their computer.

It really is as simple as: If they call you (and you hadn't called them, first, and its a return call for your issue) it's a scam. Never let someone who made contact with you, unsolicited, have access to your computer for ANY reason.

 

[Markverhyden]

Since our RMM leverages Splashtop Business...and we resell Splashtop Business for our clients who have remote needs, we use "Splashtop SOS" for our 1x off connections.

I also have used Windows built in Quick Assist...it works well.

I also have a Splashtop SOS account. The problem with it is macOS. Regardless of the Remote app used there are several hoops one has to go through to get full access. Even then it just doesn't work sometime. All my customers MS OS's have Simple Help persistent plus a handful of Apple users on earlier versions.

 

[ThatPlace928]

@ThatPlace928

I presume you're sad about the fact that people get taken in so often, as am I. But the only way we get this to decrease (it will never stop) is to educate people about what they should not do.

To a one, every person I've ever had to clean up a smoldering pile of rubble for had that come about because they let someone who called them have remote access to their computer.

It really is as simple as: If they call you (and you hadn't called them, first, and its a return call for your issue) it's a scam. Never let someone who made contact with you, unsolicited, have access to your computer for ANY reason.

You presume correctly. I have never, ever even had a simple virus on any of my PCs. I take care of them and always keep them clean. Knock wood, I'll never get one.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I also have a Splashtop SOS account. The problem with it is macOS. Regardless of the Remote app used there are several hoops one has to go through to get full access. Even then it just doesn't work sometime. All my customers MS OS's have Simple Help persistent plus a handful of Apple users on earlier versions.

Yup you're not kidding...ANY remote (at least AFAIK)...on macOS...is excruciating to walk people through security center to "allow" the 4 or 5 things. I only need "Screen Recording"...because I only need to "see"...most times I walk people through what to do.

Example....I have a few non profit clients that have rather large "boards"...and these clients are in a rather wealthy area, and often they are related to education...thus...a lot of Macbook users. I ONLY need to get them setup to access their online file storage...(in Teams/Sharepoint)...do my goal in connecting to them, is to set up their BYOD computers...log into their 365 account...configure the MS Authenticator...install Teams...configure Teams...show them how to navigate Teams as far as the Files in the various Teams/Channels they belong to.

The MS Authenticator, installing Teams...signing in..showing them Teams...that's all pretty quick.
But..just getting onto their desktop to show them.....if a Windows computer...just a minute or three. But if a Mac....ugh...here goes at LEAST 15 minutes...sometimes 30...I've had a few that are closer to an hour. Yes...many of these users are a bit older...they're mega rich "board members" for these orgs. But yeah...remote to a Mac....insert PAIN!

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

But these people need to be educated that it's not the tools that are the problem, but the scammers that are using them.

Oh of course...yes. My full time MSP clients ....have trucks worth of good material to read, watch, get quizzed on....from the Breach Secure Now training we provide them with.

But in the case of this thread...it's the "one-off" jobs....connect once to a strange new person.....see my prior reply...I'm here to hand them credentials to a 365 tenant, get MS Auth'd, do something on their computer like set up Teams...and I'm done.

 

[Kitten Kong]

BTW, my son is getting ready to join the forum, as Tom from CyberTronix.

thanks for the heads up.

I don't need to have to do any research, before I have my snack...

Talking of which, human I'm currently laid on your shoulder, and you aren't petting me, or giving me ANY attention..

Pfft. Suppose I'll have to make up my own game.

Oh looky here. I see a spam sandwich..

 

[ThatPlace928]

thanks for the heads up.

I don't need to have to do any research, before I have my snack...

Talking of which, human I'm currently laid on your shoulder, and you aren't petting me, or giving me ANY attention..

Pfft. Suppose I'll have to make up my own game.

Oh looky here. I see a spam sandwich..

I have 4 cats at home probably seeking attention already..... but let me know what you need...... lol