Remote Access for Free

Remotely accessing a computer via the Internet has been possible for a long time, but the process usually involved static IP addresses or live Internet IP addresses. LogMeIn Hamachi and TeamViewer are two of the most powerful applications and they're also free to use for personal and non-commercial environments. The process involves downloading a simple utility on both the host and client computers and connecting them over a reasonably fast Internet connection. In this simple workshop, we’ll show you how to install and use TeamViewer for non-commercial use. Corporate users can create presentations, transfer important files or conduct video conferences, and service engineers can offer online help using the licensed version meant for commercial usage.

Figure 1, 2 and 3

Firstly, download the 3.4 MB free application from www.teamviewer.com on the host and client computers, which need to be controlled (Fig 1). After the download is complete, you can choose to either run the application as a standalone or install it on your PC. Don’t choose the install option if you don't own the computer (for instance, if you are running the application from a public PC (cybercafé) or a friend’s home). Once done with the installation, TeamViewer will access the Internet and allot your computer with a unique ID and password, which will be displayed on the screen (Fig 2). Now your machine is ready to either be a host PC or connect to a client PC. The computer on the other end will also have a unique ID and password, which needs to be passed on to you so that you can gain access to that computer. Key the details into the ‘Create Session’ fields (Fig 3) on the right side of the window.

Figure 4

Finally, select the type of activity you need the connection for - remote control, file transfer, or VPN.Click on the ‘Connect to partner’ icon and TeamViewer will connect your system to the host and ask you for the password (Fig 4).

Figure 5

Remote control will show you the entire screen of the other PC on your monitor, which you can control and use as you like (Fig 5). You have options such as switching sides with the host, sending crucial commands such as locking, rebooting, etc. You can also view or send video feeds if webcams are installed on either side. Voice chat is also possible.