Here at Finish Line, we try to be all things to all people. We always strive to have an exceptional attention to detail, and to do our work as quickly and efficiently as possible. As you can imagine, when a computer needs attention, the first question we get is “How soon can you be here?” A person with the patience of Job forgets about that patience pretty quickly with a malfunctioning machine! For a myriad of reasons, we can’t always rush out to a job. Fortunately, through the miracle of technology, we can offer remote support. There’s nothing better than being able to work on another computer without leaving the comforts of home. Today, we’ll give you a couple of options for connecting to your own computer from just about anywhere. These options are LogMeIn, and Chrome Remote Desktop.
Finish Line has been a LogMeIn subscriber for the past three years. I’m sure that the word “subscriber” jumped out at you. LogMeIn is a paid service, and a pricey one at that, as their cheapest package is $199 per year that grants access to two computers, but the benefits certainly outweigh the cost. With the “Pro” plan (basic package), you can control your computer remotely as if you were actually sitting it at, extend computer and file access to an unlimited number of users, free access to “LastPass”, a secure password vault, receive 1 terrabyte (TB) of storage with access from any device, remote printing that allows files from the remote computer to the nearest local printer, and multi-monitor display. To begin your remote adventure, log in to your secure account on LogMeIn.com, and click “Add Computer”. To add remote access capability to the computer you’re currently sitting at, click “Download installer” and the installation package will take over from there. To access a different computer, click “Generate link” under “Add a different computer”. A link can be e-mailed to the person who operates the computer you wish to access. That person would then click the link in the e-mail they receive, and follow the steps on their screen. I can’t tell you how helpful this is when trying to help family members who aren’t as technologically savvy as we might like! As of this Post, five computer access will run you $499 per year, and ten computers is currently $879.99. I should also mention that LogMeIn has an app for both Apple and Android devices, allowing for true mobile remote access.
Google is so much more than just a search engine in the year 2017. Their products and services can be found in all areas of technology, from televisions to, e-mail, to, today’s topic, remote control. If you’re a fan of free, you’ll enjoy Chrome Remote Desktop. If you use Google Chrome, you have what you need to initiate Chrome Remote Desktop. Let’s take it directly from Google: “Chrome Remote Desktop allows users to remotely access another computer through Chrome Browser or a Chromebook. Computers can be made available on an short-term basis for scenarios such as ad hoc remote support, or on a more long-term basis for remote access to your applications and files. All connections are fully secured.” If you’re interested in using Chrome Remote Desktop, you’ll need to be sure that Google Chrome is installed on your computer. If it isn’t, you can get it from here: https://www.google.com/chrome/index.html. To get started, launch Chrome, and then, click this link. At the top right of the window, click “Launch App”. You’ll need to authorize the computer you’re using to accept remote connections. Click “Continue” to do it. You’ll only be asked that once. Next, click “Allow” to agree to share needed information with Google, and you’re on your way. Click “Share” to reveal a PIN number that the person you’d like to share remote access with (or yourself on another computer) will need to enter on their own computer. Give the person that number, then accept the connection to begin. For a free option, Chrome Remote Desktop is excellent, and will accomplish everything that most users would require.
Remote control is truly where it’s at. You simply can’t beat the convenience of it. With the click of a mouse you can control virtually any computer from just about anywhere. Before I leave you, I need to point out two things: 1) The computer you’re trying to access must be turned on and connected to the Internet. For best results, make sure that the computer is logged in to the correct user account before proceeding. 2) Both LogMeIn and Chrome Remote Desktop allow Windows computers to operate Apple computers and vice versa. Ok, I lied, three things. 3) Remote access is safe to use as both platforms utilize secure websites. Have fun, remote control freaks!