Remote Assistance in 4 Clicks

Screen sharing & technical support is a snap in Windows 7 with Remote Assistance.

Over the years, I’ve done a lot of technical support to the point where I can walk most users through a significant number of issues just over the phone, without the need for a computer for reference because I have the screens memorized.

For the other times, I’ve used remote assistance software (both built-in and third-party) to help resolve issues. Microsoft has updated Remote Assistance in Windows 7 and made it even easier to ask for and receive technical support. If you require technical support and have a capable helper, sharing your screen is now a cinch.

Unfortunately, many of the issues are still user-generated. While I won’t get into the Mac/PC debate or my belief that users should invest a few hours to learn how to use their computers properly (given the fact that most will use computers for the foreseeable future), at least with Windows 7, technical support is now a lot easier.

Remote Assistance, a feature built into every version of Windows, now has a great feature, “Easy Connect”, which makes asking for and receiving technical support a simple, 4-click process.

On the receiving end, follow these simple steps:

Click #1: Start

Type in “remote” in the Search Bar (another great feature in Windows 7).

Click #2: Remote Assistance

Click #3: Invite someone you trust to help you

Click #4: Use Easy Connect

A unique, randomly-generated code will appear, which you provide to your technical support helper.

For your helper, only #3 is different.

Click #3: Help someone who has invited you

If you don’t have Windows 7, a great, free version of this is LogMeIn’s “Join Me” service, which works for both Mac and Windows (XP, Vista, 7). Check it out at http://join.me/. It works the same way: the helpee activates sharing and receives a unique code that they give to their helper who can then view and manipulate the host computer.

Remember: Don’t open strange attachments and make sure you have antivirus software on your computer (Microsoft Security Essentials is FREE, frequently updated, and uses minimal resources).