Remote Assistance

With software, any Win9x and up can connect to an XP Pro host.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/rdclientdl.asp

This article explains how to use it:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/gomobile/remotedesktop/default.asp

And since you are connected to an XP Pro host, there will need to be an account/password to actually gain access to the computer.  So security is only a problem if there is a weak password for that.

Clarification: I'm referring to Remote Assistance not Remote Connection. I believe they are similar but different. The first is when say a friend needs help and asks you to connect and gives you access to your machine, whereas, I believe Remote Connection is mainly for business use and requires the host to have Pro running. I think that where my initial confusion came from, ie the similarity in Names and abilities. (Dell was going to go this route (RA) but decided against it.)

I see.  I would have to believe it would use that or similar type of remote software such as PCAnywhere, etc.  Without knowledge of the actual application being used, it would be difficult to assess the security risk.

Thanks for the input. I thought someone may have had first-hand experience with it. Guess I'll have to do my own homework.

Remote Assistance is built into Windows Home Edition and Professional Edition.  Remote Connection is only built into Professional.  The difference is this.  Remote Connection allows you to connect from any computer running the client software to a host computer. (the host running Professional). Windows Home Edition does not have the software for this but PcAnywhere can do the trick as long as other software.

Remote Assistance allows someone to connect to another persons computer with authorization.  If you use MSN Messenger you can request them to help or you can send an e-mail.  Start, Help and Support, Remote Assistance.  When ever you recieve invitation you can only view their screen after they accept your request. You than have to request to take control and after that you can virtually use their computer as if you were in front.

Remote Desktop does the same thing but does not request someone to be at the other side to allow you to do this by clicking yes and so on.  Hope this clarifies your question.  Let me know if you have any more.

 

Jim 

Very succinct. Thankyou.

Do you know if Outlook Express has to be your default email client or is just installed sufficient ? (As it stands I use Netscape 7 Messenger and host using OE.)

There's mention of Messenger(chat) being required. Will converse by phone. (I don't chat.) Will we both have to have it enabled even if we won't use it ?

Other than a solid password are there any security measures we should put in place ? (We both have firewall and are up-to-date with Windows.)

Any Internet settings which will facilitate good connection ?

Is there much of a learning curve for client and/or host or is it staight forward ?

Note: We both use cable, mine(client) is high-speed and hers is lite-speed.