Remote Administration

[DigitalCancer]

So, I manage about 75 users, about 15 of them are actually remote.

Currently, I'm using LogMeIn Rescue - I essentially have them go to a site, enter a code, install software, choose yes/allow for prompts...EVERY time I need to help them with something.

I started looking at alternatives, was hoping to find something that could be centrally managed, I tried LogMeIn Central - almost does what I'm looking for but not quite.

I tried ScreenConnect today - closer...but I would like something application based rather than web-based but...ScreenConnect is attractive at it's $325 price point as well.

What do you guys use? Anything that is centrally managed with NO user intervention needed once the client is installed? Or is ScreenConnect my best bet?

 

[sourceninja]

...

 

[inachu]

Any reason RDP does not work for you?
Only thing about that is they can not see you move the mouse around.

They could see it if you used OCS- also known as office communicator which lets you manage computers as well and lets them see what you are doing at the same time.

 

[sourceninja]

...

 

[John Connor]

Teamviewer?

 

[JimPhreak]

Try Dameware, really nice program.

 

[inachu]

Try Dameware, really nice program.

Dameware is pretty cool and almost seemed to have almost zero learning curve to use it.

 

[freeskier93]

Any reason RDP does not work for you?
Only thing about that is they can not see you move the mouse around.

They could see it if you used OCS- also known as office communicator which lets you manage computers as well and lets them see what you are doing at the same time.

If you want to connect to a device external to your network with RDP the person needs a static IP (or a dynamic DNS) and know how to forward ports on their router. Simple for technical people, but a really bad support solution for the non-technical people on the other end.

 

[debian0001]

If you want to connect to a device external to your network with RDP the person needs a static IP (or a dynamic DNS) and know how to forward ports on their router. Simple for technical people, but a really bad support solution for the non-technical people on the other end.

Not 100% true... if they are VPNing in already then its on their network. It's still a pain with RDP.

I would suggest VNC type solution if they do VPN in. This would be the same case with DameWare unless there is some sort of cloud solution that allows you to connect to them no matter if they are on VPN or not.

 

[freeskier93]

Not 100% true... if they are VPNing in already then its on their network. It's still a pain with RDP.

I would suggest VNC type solution if they do VPN in. This would be the same case with DameWare unless there is some sort of cloud solution that allows you to connect to them no matter if they are on VPN or not.

That's a good point.

 

[DigitalCancer]

Any reason RDP does not work for you?
Only thing about that is they can not see you move the mouse around.

They could see it if you used OCS- also known as office communicator which lets you manage computers as well and lets them see what you are doing at the same time.

Yea, RDP doesn't work b/c I'd still have to interact with them and I'd have to get their personal password (which I have no interest in having if I can avoid it).

 

[DigitalCancer]

Teamviewer?

Didn't care for the setup of TeamViewer...was very annoying.

 

[DigitalCancer]

I actually ended up getting a trial on ScreenConnect - I think this'll be my best be...

Bomgar seemed really cool but way overkill for what I need and the pricing is insane (for what I'm looking to do).

 

[JohnAlmighty]

Take a look into BeAnywhere's product. It does everything that LMI does and almost for the same price you have a lot more features. It is web based though but at least you should give it a try to see if it suits your needs or not.

 

[Yayo3p]

Didn't care for the setup of TeamViewer...was very annoying.

The setup just has to be done once. Which is like every other software. I use Team Viewer on remote offices and dont have problems with it.

 

[inachu]

SCCM has a feature to control the clients desktop and they can view what you are doing.


This simple feature used to free and built in using the MSN chat feature.
Not sure why microsoft likes to keep giving us stuff then taking it away.
Really sucks.

 

[Murloc]

what about UltraVNC?