| As a Computer Technician, I have had many | | | | leave the computer at work running, and the program |
| opportunities to help people solve their computer | | | | that you installed would allow you to access your |
| issues. The most important tool in my disposal has | | | | work computer's desktop remotely and manipulate it |
| always been Remote Computer Access. With | | | | as if you were sitting right in front of it. |
| Remote Computer Access, you, the end user, can | | | | 5. You probably already have it |
| allow someone else with the knowledge to fix your | | | | RAC is included with Windows XP and Vista, and is |
| problem have access and even control over your | | | | accessible via the start menu, under the help and |
| system! Sounds a little intimidating, right? Here are a | | | | support section. You can then send a request for help |
| few reasons why you should give this relatively | | | | to anyone with an email address. They simply click on |
| mature technology a try: | | | | the link in your email, and then you will be greeted with |
| 1. Professionals do it everyday | | | | a message that they have either accepted or declined |
| In large companies with hundreds or even thousands | | | | the invitation. From there, it is up to you as to whether |
| of employees, Remote Computer Access (RAC for | | | | or not you choose to allow your Remote Computer |
| short) allows IT professionals to handle requests for | | | | Assistance helper total control, or simply choose to be |
| service or help without having to go to that user's | | | | directed and fix the issue with assistance. |
| specific location. There is a substantial savings to be | | | | No matter your level of computer knowledge, skill, or |
| had in terms of man hours from the efficiency of | | | | experience, virtually all computer users will run into |
| RAC. | | | | trouble at one time or another. What matters is having |
| 2. Get the help you need | | | | the right tools at your disposal to deal with that trouble, |
| If you have ever tried to explain to an auto mechanic | | | | and not making more trouble for yourself in the |
| about the sounds your car is making and have been | | | | process! |
| met with a blank stare, you can understand how | | | | By using Remote Computer access, you can allow a |
| difficult it can be to describe what may be happening | | | | professional or a trusted friend, have access to your |
| with your computer. It's not working correctly, but why? | | | | system and help you keep it running well now and in |
| With RAC, you can let a professional diagnose and fix | | | | the future. |
| the problem for you. It is never a good idea to change | | | | Considering the sensitive data that you keep on your |
| or alter any settings that you are not familiar with, and | | | | computer, you certainly don't want to unknowingly do |
| allowing someone who is familiar with Computer | | | | something that would damage or delete anything. Try |
| problems look at the issue is usually the best course of | | | | RAC, it is a very mature and stable technology that IT |
| action. | | | | professionals rely on every day. If you are likely using |
| 3. You are in total control | | | | an operating system that included this feature, like |
| While you can let your RAC helper walk you through | | | | Windows XP or Vista, you can at least have the |
| or even control your Computer, you can always end | | | | peace of mind that help is little more than a click away. |
| the session early by hitting the Esc key. If you do allow | | | | If you are the type that is away from the office more |
| your RAC helper control over your system, you are | | | | than you would like, there are tools available to allow |
| able to see every mouse click and keystroke on the | | | | you to keep the same level of productivity that you |
| screen so if anything begins to make you | | | | would have in the office from any remote location in |
| uncomfortable, you can end the session immediately. | | | | the world! Most importantly though, if you are |
| 4. You can use it for help and productivity | | | | requesting help, you can control the level of access |
| There are many services that allow you to access | | | | that your helper has over your system. If you drop it |
| your computer remotely from any other computer in | | | | off at a "repair shop" you never know who is doing |
| the world. In these instances, if you wanted to access | | | | what or taking what from your machine. Happy |
| your computer at work from your computer at home, | | | | Computing! |
| you would install a small program on both machines, | | | | |