With LogMeIn discontinuing the free version of their software, many people are looking for an alternative program to use, both for commercial needs and family support.
In this tutorial, I’ll teach you how to set up and use a couple of different options and decide when each is the best choice.
Definitions
Host: the remote computer to which you are connecting.
Client: the local computer or device from which you are connecting to the host.
Skype
If all you need is to occasionally help your mother or a friend with something on her computer, you might be able to get away with using Skype and talking her through the steps to fix whatever she needs help doing.
First, start a Skype call with the host.
Ask them to share the screen by clicking the + button on the host computer and choose Share screen….
Tell them to choose whether to share the entire screen or just one window.
Talk the person on the host computer through whatever needs to be done.
Pros
- Easy
- Familiar
- Can use a mobile device for the client
Cons
- Needs someone on the host end to allow the call
- The client can view the host but not control it
- No extras like file browsing, printing, etc.
Best For…
Skype is the best option for someone who only occasionally needs to help someone with a problem on their computer, and only if you can talk them through the steps on their computer.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Google has released a Chrome app called, appropriately enough, Chrome Remote Desktop. Both the host and client computers need to have Google Chrome and the Chrome Remote Desktop app installed. (You can easily explain the installation process over the phone, if needed for remote support.)
Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app from the Chrome Web store.
Once the app has been installed, click on the blue Chrome Remote Desktop icon to begin the session.
Chrome will request authorization; go ahead and allow it.
Occasional Connections
Click on the Get Started button in the top section.
Click the green Share button; this code will be needed on the client computer to connect. Once you’ve entered this code on the client computer, you’ll be connected and see the entire host’s computer screen in your Chrome browser window.
Always-on Connections
Chrome Remote Desktop also supports always-on connections; to set up on the host computer, click on the Get Started button under My Computers to enable remote connections. You’ll need to set up a PIN number with at least 6 digits to keep the connection secure.
On the client computer, any hosts you have set up will be listed under My Computers and you can click to open the remote session.
Pros
- Relatively easy
- Cross-platform hosts and clients (Mac-to-Windows and vice versa)
Cons
- No extras (without using other Google services such as Drive, Cloud Print, etc.)
- Requires both computers to have Chrome installed
- No mobile device support
Best For…
Chrome Remote Desktop is probably the best choice for infrequent support needs or occasional remote computer use.
Back to My Mac
Back to My Mac is a service included in Apple’s iCloud suite. To enable it, open System Preferences, click on the iCloud icon, and enable the checkbox for Back to My Mac. You’ll also want to open the Sharing tab and enable Screen Sharing.
Once you’ve enabled Back to My Mac on both computers, each computer will see the other and display an icon in the Finder sidebar. Clicking that icon will give you options for file and screen sharing.
Pros
- Built into Mac OS X
- Easy and simple
- Also allows for file sharing
Cons
- Sometimes is a bit flaky or slow
- Only allows Mac-to-Mac connections
Best For…
Back to My Mac is a great option for occasionally using your home computer while on the road or connecting to a Mac server you have somewhere else.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a popular third-party option with similar features to LogMeIn.
- Download TeamViewer, run the installer to get the software set up on the host computer.
- Once it’s installed, TeamViewer will give you an ID and password for remote control.
- The program will prompt you to set up unattended access; go ahead and turn that on so you don’t need someone on the host computer all the time to allow the connection.
- Then install TeamViewer on your client computer, enter the Partner ID and password, and you’ll be connected.
As a bonus, TeamViewer also allows file transfer (pictured below) and also has a “Meeting” feature that allows you to share your screen with other team members, along with audio and video.
Pros
- Free for personal use
- Includes file sharing and audio/video conferencing
- Cross-platform; also has iOS, Android, and Windows phone apps available
Cons
- Requires payment for non-personal use
- A third-party service that may start charging for personal use as LogMeIn has done
- Unable to change username/password to something more memorable
Best For…
TeamViewer works best for working with a friend or colleague on a project, particularly with a paid plan in a work environment.
OpenVPN (For Geeks Only)
Set up OpenVPN on the host and use an OpenVPN client on Mac/PC/mobile to connect, then use Screen Sharing/VNC to access the host. This topic is much too long to include in this tutorial, so here are a few links explaining the process:
Pros
- Completely customizable and configurable
- No reliance on third-party services
- Uses existing screen-sharing protocols
- Secure
Cons
- Much more involved to set up
Best For…
OpenVPN is a great option for geeks who like to use open-source projects, don’t mind getting their hands dirty using the Terminal, and prefer to use built-in screen-sharing protocols.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, I’ve shared a few options to LogMeIn’s discontinued free service and explained how to set them up, as well as listing some pros and cons for each. Do you like one of these options, or do you have another one that you think is better?
