I need to connect to my Dad's vista PC with my windows 7 PC over the net. Is there an easy solution that doesn't require much effort on his part to give me access?
You should be able to accomplish this Microsoft NetMeeting
See
http://www.ehow.com/how_5156786_use-netmeeting-vista.htmlEdit: sorry, dIdn't check about using NetMeeting with win 7, which may be impossible. Not certain.
Try this We use VNC and Dameware to remote in to computers on our internal network. Should work over the internet as well as long as your computers and the software are set up correctly.
I would suggest that you only run the VNC server at the time you need the connection as leaving a remote connection server running could pose a security risk.
I use
TeamViewer all the time. Works great. You download the "All-In-One: TeamViewer full version." He downloads the "For the instant customer: TeamViewer QuickSupport" module. The module runs immediately without installation and does not require administrative rights.
He gives you his ID and password via phone or email. Open your TeamViewer program, enter his ID in the "Partner ID" box, click "Connect to partner," enter his password, and you have control of his computer.
When he closes the module, there is nothing left on his computer and you cannot connect to him again without him downloading the module again and giving you a new password. His ID number will remain the same each time he uses the module but the password changes each time.
+1 on Teamviewer. I use it to troubleshoot my Mom's PC all the time. Security is well, not her strong point, so I like that it it closes doors behind it when your done. It also allows for file transfers which has been useful on at least one occassion.
I'll throw in a plug for SimpleHelp/SimpleGateway (simple-help.com) and logmein.com.
I've always used Teamviewer as some above mention, very easy and free for personal use, very secure.
Another vote for Teamviewer BUT, i have had issues in the past with it not being able to control Zonealarm functions that are running on the other side.
For example, i control another computer with Teamviewer, install Firefox, Zonealarm (ZA) pops up asking if Firefox can contact the internet, but the controlling user cannot click on the ZA box to accept the request, etc.
ZA blocks the remote controller from accessing its functions (smart yet a pain in this instance).
In these instances i need to have someone at the other end shutdown ZA first or click on these boxes as needed.
Other than that Teamviewer works.
I've used Logmein in the past with VNC but i had issues with that as well. Not using it for a few months typically means having to update the engine at some point. I couldn't connect to computers that were not running the same version. Additionally, on occasion, even when both comps had the same Logmein engine, i would get an error (which i don't clearly recall anymore) but had something to do with a lack of connection to the Logmein server. When i looked into the problem the recommended solution was to uninstall and reinstall Logmein.
Uh, well, i'm trying to control the comp remotely USING Logmein so that really isn't an option.
On the upside, i COULD control (to some extent) the ZA windows that popup by using the Tab and Space bar keys with Logmein/VNC which was alot handier.
I would have stuck to that combo if i didn't have the connection issues.
In brief, Teamviewer has been less buggy install and connectivity but Logmein was more powerful all around.
I use Logmein. They have a free version that I've used w/ my parent's (and wife's parents) Mac Mini for years. I've used the iPad client too.