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Posted on Dec 06, 2007 - 1:23am by John P. in Computing, Web Links
I’ve previously written about how to access your PC from anywhere for free, and my favorite tool for this purpose is LogMeIn.com. The only problem with LogMeIn is, you need to have previously installed, and have running, the LogMeIn application in order to access the machine remotely.
But what if your buddy / relative / coworker calls you out of the blue wanting you to diagnose some computer issue and you know it would be 100 times easier if you could just remote control the computer? Well, no problem! CrossLoop is the fastest, easiest method of accomplishing this.
CrossLoop enables you to see the screen and control the mouse and keyboard on a remote computer. It is as if you are working side by side at the same PC. It is a powerful productivity tool that enables you to quickly collaborate with anyone in the world.
CrossLoop is powered by the proprietary CrossLoop VIP Tunnel, a secure peer-to-peer data transmission system. CrossLoop encrypts all files and messages exchanged on their network to ensure user privacy. Only you and your invited friends or family can view or share control of your computer. A CrossLoop session can only begin on your computer by explicitly inviting them to begin a session. All data sent over the CrossLoop network is encrypted at the endpoints using a 128-bit Blowfish encryption.
After installing CrossLoop, you will see a welcome screen with two tabs. Select the Join tab if you would like to connect and control a friend’s PC. Select the Host tab if you would like to temporarily share access to your PC.
CrossLoop is for Windows based systems only, and you can download the little application here.
I have personally tested the system twice with different people, and it works great. So, just remember this post in case you ever need to share access to a computer with someone remotely.
Interesting and good to know. I am also a fan of LogMeIn Hamachi for my own use. At work we use WebEx. It’s always good to have options, though!
Nice info, interesting..!
Hmm, that’s not me =/
Wow awesome!
I was just wondering whether I needed to get Remote Desktop or VNC running and how to do it – looks like this will do it with less hassle?
pretty neat, I may have to give this a try in my ccna class :)
Pretty soon hardware will be obsolete if this continues, way cool.
If you have to download their app, what’s the difference between CrossLoop and Logmein?
Wayne,
The big difference is that LMI requires you to log in on each machine with YOUR password. If someone calls you for help you don’t want them to install an app that requires you to give out the master password.
CrossLoop will allow you to direct someone to just download and install it, then share their PC and give you the password. This also makes the access temporary as opposed to the permanence of LogMeIn.
Each has its own use, and I recommend both. Hope that helps.
John
Heheh this reads kind of like a sponsored post :) However, I know better: you helped ME out with something using this and I have to say it was quite a trip and very worthwhile ;)
Just curious, if it’s for Windows only, why not just use ‘request remote assistance’ built on remote desktop built into XP (2K as well I think?)
At my previous job, I used to use this all the time, could be tricky sometimes behind NAT/firewalls, but most of the time it seemed to work.
I read up on CL being equally curious about ways to get remote access and it seems that CL and other tools help remove the firewall/NAT issue that remote desktop suffers from.
Still haven’t tried it, but in case you’re curious – google “Crossloop” and there are some pages with reviews (download.com) and a link to a digg.com submission at the bottom of the page (or maybe the top of the next one depending on the way the SERPS go).
This is perfect for me and my clients. I’ve tried logmein, and its ok, but has some restrictions which are a bit of a pain when your trying when trying to help my hosting clients. The install is simple & easy to use & the download is small. I had no problems with any nat/firewall issues as Brad has mention, but i suppose its something to bear in mind.
I think its great. Thanks for the heads up
Applications like this will help more in countries like mine.Where people have less troubleshooting knowledge.Most of my friends call me to troubleshoot the problems.This will help for sure.