Best Windows remote support / screen sharing tools?

Solution 1:

Free

• Remote Desktop/Terminal Services
  • [+] fast, nothing to install, traps Windows key, doesn't require both parties to connect
  • [-] kicks off the user, more effort required to make available outside of network
• LogMeIn Free
  • [+] fast, traps Windows key, doesn't require both parties to connect, doesn't kick off user, easy to connect from internet
  • [-] requires install
• CoPilot (free on weekends)
  • [+] decent performance, excellent setup/connect experience
  • [-] performance not as good as above, only free on weekends
• ShowMyPC
  • [+] no install, can access over the internet with no configuration in most cases
  • [-] poor performance, difficult setup/connect experience compared to others
• Crossloop.com
  • [+] Scott likes it
  • [-] I've never used it, so I don't know much about it

For me, if I can install, I use LogMeIn. I use the Window key frequently (Win+E, Win+R, Win+M, Win+Pause, etc) when troubleshooting, so when I lose that key on the remote system, it's a pain. I like the fact that LogMeIn traps that.

When I can't install, I use CoPilot on weekends, and ShowMyPC otherwise. I'll have to look into Crossloop now..

Not Free

If you're paying for it, I've used LogMeIn (Rescue for no-install, Pro for install) and I've found it quite good. One thing the pay-versions have that the free ones don't (as far as I know) is an easy way to copy files from local to remote, and to print across machines as well.

This Wikipedia article might help.

Solution 2:

UltraVNC

Key features: File transfer, Video driver, Optional Encryption Plugins, MS Logon, Text chat, Viewer Toolbar, Java Viewer with File Transfer , as well as Auto scaling and Server Side Scaling, Multiple-Monitors-support,Repeater/Proxy-support, Auto reconnection, good performances and tons of other functionalities.

Addons: Repeater , SingleClick generator and NATtoNAT connectors , that help you to easily handle the most complex connection situations.

UltraVNC runs under Windows operating systems (95, 98, Me, NT4, 2000, XP, 2003...). Its embedded Java Viewer allows you to connect (and make File transfers) from a simple Web Browser on any Operating system supporting Java (Linux, Mac OS...) to an UltraVNC server.

UltraVNC SC (SingleClick) is a customizable mini UltraVNC server for download. This is very convenient for help desk support because the customer doesn't need any preinstalled remote control software. Just have him or her download UltraVNC SC and start remote controlling. At the end of the remote control session UltraVNC SC deinstalls itself and leaves the computer without additional software.

Solution 3:

In our company we use TeamViewer and we're very happy with it. No client installation, just a small-footprint download for the client.

We use it for customer support, but also for training and teamwork.