“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,” Andrew Minion reports for Tuts+.
“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 [screen sharing] and talking her through the steps to fix whatever she needs help doing,” Minion reports. “Back to My Mac is a service included in Apple’s iCloud suite… 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.”
Minion reports, “TeamViewer [free fro personal use] is a popular third-party option with similar features to LogMeIn… 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.”
Read more in the full article here.
It’s all fun and games until you’re “Targeted”.
I do use Back To My Mac sometimes but I’ve found it to be somewhat unreliable. On top of that, my ISP-issued router can’t handle incoming PPTP and L2TP VPNs.
If you’re not too averse to learning a couple of simple terminal commands, use SSH tunnels to connect to any machine in your network. It only needs one port forwarded, it’s secure, it’s flexible, and doesn’t depend on a third party service.
I qualify that by saying you need a strong password to protect yourself from brute force attacks, and a static IP unless you use a forwarding service like DynDNS.
Forget it, it’s just too difficult. Apple Remote is terrific on local networks but there are just too many variables trying to access mom’s computer from the workplace and she ends of saying I’ll wait till you get here, k?
It should be easier for any Apple ID to access any remote Mac if invited.
When I think of how it would affect my consultancy, to be able to easily access my clients’ computers remotely, brings cha ching to my ears.
It is easy – just use the TeamViewer paid version. Install software on the client machines and you can easily connect to them even from iPad or iPhone.
If you try to use the free TeamViewer for a bunch of customers, they’ll gently remind you at first, then shut you down if you continue. If you’re making a living with consulting, it’s a simple business expense and not a yearly or monthly cost.
You mean trust a third-party? No way. Good luck with TeamViewer.
I was only thinking of the money I could save my customers by reducing my fees for house calls. I think I’ll keep taking their money.
I’ve been happily using Apple’s Remote Desktop (and VNC) for years. I agree with @So, use a strong password and a router that blocks brute force attacks, and port forwarding isn’t really an issue. My IP address doesn’t change often enough to use DynDNS.
What about ” Ask to Share Screen” in iChat??
Also, if you subscribe to LMI’s Central, I believe you can still have people use the free version on their machines.
I’d like to share our solution called ISLOnline. It is a complete replacement for LogMeIn product line.
Kindly check the product webpage at: https://www.islonline.com/l/logmein-alternative/index.htm
Another very good alternative is: RHUB`s remote support servers. It allows you to access any Windows or MAC computers from anywhere anytime.