Versatile remote desktop solution with simple connections, file transfer, VPN, and online meetings
Versatile remote desktop solution with simple connections, file transfer, VPN, and online meetings
Pros
- Very simple connection process, you'll have no problem connecting two computers
- Several modes for remote connection, file transfer, creating a VPN and more
- Create online meetings where people can share video, display files and easily communicate with each other
Cons
- The setup process is very long and must be done with every computer
- There are some stability issues
TeamViewer is a remote desktop program that makes it easy to connect with another desktop. This can be used both ways to access other computers and to make your computer accessible to other TeamViewer users. You'll find that this program has many features and it's easier to use than many other remote desktop solutions.
Long Initial Setup
Initially setting up the program and your computer will take a long time. There are many steps and processes to go through, so don't expect this to be a quick process. You'll have to make selections, go through menus and wait for programs to be downloaded and installed. You'll also have to do this with every computer you use TeamViewer with. Each one must go through this long installation process.
If you are trying to access other devices that you own, then you can use your login credentials on each device. This reduces the initial setup somewhat, but it will still take a long time. While this can be annoying, you only have to do it once for each computer and the process is easy. You'll only have to make a few selections and the menus will guide you through the process.
Connecting Computers
Connecting two computers or devices is simple if both have TeamViewer installed. You'll need to know the TeamViewer ID of the second computer along with a temporary password that it gives you. This temporary password might seem annoying because the other user must give it to you, but it's good for security and prevents other people from sneaking into the computer. Once this information is entered you'll be able to access the other computer.
There are several access modes that you can use. The most common one establishes a remote connection that allows you to see the other computer and control it. This allows you to see what the other person is doing. It also allows you to open programs, type notes and use the computer like normal. There is also a file transfer mode where you can quickly transfer any type of file between computers. This includes software files, documents, video files and anything else.
The file transfers can be done in several ways. There are some keyboard hotkeys that allow you to immediately send files. You can also drag-and-drop files when you want to transfer them. All transfers are logged so that you can go back and check when a certain file was sent. Not only that, but the log shows who sent the file, which can be useful if someone sends a file that they shouldn't have.
You can also establish an encrypted Virtual Private Network, or VPN, connection between the two computers. This is also useful for connecting remotely to printers and other hardware. It can even be used by gamers to create private servers to host online matches.
Switching modes is simple and done with a drop-down menu. Just select the mode that you want to use.
Host Meetings
TeamViewer allows you to host an online meeting or to join someone else's meeting. All participants are allowed to connect their microphone and video camera. The participants can choose whether they would prefer voice, video or both. You can easily display files and presentations on your computer so that everyone else can see what you're looking at. It's much easier than just describing a file. You can also share files with all the participants so that they can download them for future use.
Online meetings ensure that everyone can meet regardless of their physical location. If everyone has online access, then they can enter the meeting with ease. This is done by sharing an access link that the other person has to click. That's all it takes to join the meeting.
Good for Technical Support
Remote connections are often essential for technical support. This allows an IT worker to enter the computer and see what you're doing or what is going wrong with the computer. It can also be used for the IT staff to upgrade the software or add new files to your computer. One of the benefits is that it's so easy to connect to another computer.
This makes it easier for IT workers to connect to computers even if other employees aren't around. All the need is the TeamViewer ID along with a temporary password to enter the computer. This allows them to work efficiently regardless of whether the other computer is currently being used or not.
Stability Issues
This largely depends on the Internet signal, but TeamViewer seems prone to having an unstable connection. You might notice that the speed can randomly drop when accessing another computer or transferring files. In extreme cases the connection might even be severed and it will stop you from controlling the other computer.
The best way to handle this is to have a good Internet connection. At the same time, even a good connection won't always prevent stability issues. This problem doesn't happen all the time, but it does occur more often than with other remote desktop programs.
Pros
- Very simple connection process, you'll have no problem connecting two computers
- Several modes for remote connection, file transfer, creating a VPN and more
- Create online meetings where people can share video, display files and easily communicate with each other
Cons
- The setup process is very long and must be done with every computer
- There are some stability issues
Pros
- Sleek and intuitive interface for customers and businesses
- Free to use for individuals and fees on a varying basis for companies
- Longest-running remote support platform still in existence
Cons
- Prior vulnerabilities in the platform took some market share from the product
- Allows strangers full access to your PC if being used commercially
- Known lag issue that is being worked on each release
Teamviewer is a program that allows users to give and receive technical assistance remotely, available for commercial and personal use.
This Windows app has an unprecedented level of features, allowing anyone to install the app and receive immediate technical assistance. It works similarly to VNC, allowing someone who has the "key" needed to connect remotely to have complete desktop access.
The program is completely free for personal use. This means that friends can remotely use each other's machines, and you can connect to your PC from another computer without paying for a license. However, licenses for commercial use range greatly in price depending on the size of the company using it and what features are being used. It can be an all-in-one remote customer support platform if a company desires it to be.
Over the years, Teamviewer has been criticized for vulnerabilities in the platform. For example, there was a period of time where there was a publicly available "backdoor" that allowed users to remotely connect without authentication or authorization. While this has been patched, some are still wary of using the product.
Pros
- Sleek and intuitive interface for customers and businesses
- Free to use for individuals and fees on a varying basis for companies
- Longest-running remote support platform still in existence
Cons
- Prior vulnerabilities in the platform took some market share from the product
- Allows strangers full access to your PC if being used commercially
- Known lag issue that is being worked on each release
Pros
- No experience needed
- Expanded built-in features support a variety of tasks
- Securely connects desktops without needing a VPN connection
Cons
- Limitations may not satisfy all business needs
TeamViewer simplifies desktop sharing, also known as remote desktop access, thanks to its user-friendly interface, built-in features and stable design.
It’s hard to imagine our lives without computers. Few inventions have melded into the lives of everyday Americans to the extent as personal computing machines. While it may be difficult to think of a time before desktops, laptops and smartphones, it wasn’t that long ago that the only computer you worked with was at the library.
If you’re a small business owner, or the designated IT help desk for your family, then you know the frustration of trying to help a novice computer user solve issues. Have you ever wished there was a desktop sharing tool that didn’t require a degree in programming to use? If so, then TeamViewer may be your ideal solution.
Developed for both personal and professional use, TeamViewer makes desktop sharing a simple and swift solution for even the most technically challenged. Since it first flooded the marketplace, TeamViewer has been downloaded over 1.5 billion times. So what makes this desktop sharing tool so popular among businesses and consumers? Let’s take a look.
Desktop Sharing Without Limitations
Traditionally, remotely accessing computers required VPN, or Virtual Private Network, connectivity. While effective, VPN connections are difficult and costly. Instead of simplifying VPN access, TeamViewer completely changed the game. Instead of connecting computers via a complex network, remote access is granted by the program client.
As a VPN alternative, the possibilities of remote access is available to startup businesses and consumers. Through its advanced program architecture, sharing files, fixing computer issues and completing tasks is not only fast, but also secure. Unlike similar tools, TeamViewer delivers professional grade capabilities, such as cross-platform access and instant connectivity, without complicated technical jargon.
Simple Desktop Sharing Solution With Powerful Capabilities
While the PRO versions of TeamViewer offer extended features, this version of TeamViewer is perfect for small businesses, freelancers and personal use. If you’re familiar with remote desktop access tools, then you’ll find TeamViewer a breeze. Thankfully, even if you’ve never used a desktop sharing tool before, its user-friendly interface eliminates complicated learning curves.
To use, both computers must install TeamViewer and launch the program. Once both computers are running TeamViewer, a unique access code and password populates. Unlike other solutions, TeamViewer allows two-way desktop communication. Basically, this means you can remotely access another computer or that computer can access your desktop.
Along with supporting secure and swift remote desktop access, TeamViewer comes with several built-in features designed to support a wide range of tasks. Some of the most popular internal capabilities include:
- File Transfer Tools - Share/transfer large files between computers in a snap.
- Embedded Messaging Client - Send text messages between computers in realtime.
- Session Recording - Easily record your access session by clicking a button.
If you’re searching for a stable, simple and powerful desktop sharing tool, then TeamViewer may be the solution for you.
Pros
- No experience needed
- Expanded built-in features support a variety of tasks
- Securely connects desktops without needing a VPN connection
Cons
- Limitations may not satisfy all business needs
Pros
- Supports video, voice and text chat
- Simple file transfer
- Record entire sessions
Cons
- Performance is connection-limited
- Requires use on both ends
TeamViewer is a PC tool that lets you share desktops in simple, fast and secure manner.
TeamViewer allows for remote desktop connections. This means that two computers can connect to each other, and users can have access to the desktop on the remote Windows PC. There are a wide range of uses for this kind of connection, but the most common is to provide technical support. If a friend or family member can’t figure out how to configure a program, for instance, you can connect remotely and show them how or handle the task yourself.
This kind of connection is made possible through a VPN. A virtual private network is similar to a local area network or LAN except that connections are made via the Internet rather than locally. Despite using the Internet, these connections are secure because only authorized access is allowed and all communications between connected parties are encrypted. Each time you run TeamViewer, it gives you a unique session ID and password. Then, the second user simply enters that information on his or her side and ta-da! Both users do require the software, which some may consider a limitation, but the second user doesn’t require any technical know-how.
Once a connection has been established, a user with privilege has access to the full capabilities of the remote computer. You can run programs, create and delete files, access printers and other devices and so forth. TeamViewer also has a number of built-in features that make sharing desktops easier. For instance, a built-in chat app makes it easy for the two users to communicate with each other. There’s also a file transfer tool, which makes it a great way to share photos with family, and there’s video and VoIP support, which facilitates video chat as well as session recording.
Since a user must be available to enter the session name and password on the remote end, this isn’t the remote desktop solution you’d use to connect from a laptop or tablet, for instance, to your home PC. Another potential issue is that performance is more connection-limited than some other remote desktop solutions. In other words, if one user has a slow connection, then some capabilities may take a long time or be limited in terms of features. Note also that, while very capable, the free version of this program doesn’t include all of the features that the paid version has.
Pros
- Supports video, voice and text chat
- Simple file transfer
- Record entire sessions
Cons
- Performance is connection-limited
- Requires use on both ends
