Looking for good remote access software, Need help!

Hello all!

I've recently learned that I get to be the lucky one that will be installing one of our new products! Problem is, is that the installs will all take place remotely and I don't currently have anything I can use. (PCAW, RDP and Netmeeting aren't going to work for this) The boss seems to be balking at GOTO Assist becuase it's expensive.

I need a piece of software (similar to GOTO Assist) that will connect reliably, allow me to restart the server while allowing me to regain control once the system is back up and will require little effort on the part of the end user.

Do any of you have any suggestions? Even if the program is as expensive or more so than GOTO I'll be able to show him our options and he'll have to take one of them. Thanks in advance!

One of the flavors of VNC, perhaps?

Why can't you use PCAnywhere or RDP?

GotoAssist requires someone on the other end to initiate the connection and allow you to connect to their system. Rebooting the system also prompts the user to grant you permission once the system is back up and running.

Tell us more about the remote systems you will be upgrading, what access methods you currently have (if any), and we can offer some suggestions.

I use GoToMeeting for supporting many of my clients. Zero firewall config, pretty much anyone on the remote end can connect and allow you go get screen/kb/mouse of the PC. However..it does require a body on the remote end. Not that expensive either.

Else...if you don't have a body at the other end..you'll need a remote app that runs as a service. Remote Desktop (free..as it's built into Windows), VNC (free), PcAnywhere ($$$). VPN access to LAN.

I'd say either RDP on a non-standard port, or RealVNC on a non-standard port. RDP is well-encrypted AFAIK, and RealVNC is 128 AES. Of course, if someone spoofs you or something to get the pass, you've got bigger problems...

www.logmein.com is what I have been using for home stuff. The IT reach version has a a link you can send the remote user to install their software automagically.

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions so far! PCAW/RDP/ECT aren't feasible because I'm not the tech who works at the shop, I'm just an installer. Most of them are too cheap to purchase the software and have a normal tech setup the software or setup the connection. I will have someone on the other end to accept the connection, but chances are they'll have little to no experience working with anything outside of their normal applications. I will definitely look into these and any other suggestions would be appreciated!

VNC running in Service Mode.

-Larry