remote connection to host of non expert user?

I need to remote connect to a host of a non expert computer user to help him
install software.
This user is behind a NAT firewall. It looks like if I use windows' remote
desktop, the firewall have to be configured to forward a port, right? If
that is true, he would never figure it out. And I don't have VPN access.

Is there a solution that requires the least setup from the host side? For
example, if I can send a link to him to install something and then it would
work, that would be great.

On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:04:47 -0700, peter wrote:

> I need to remote connect to a host of a non expert computer user to help
> him install software.
> This user is behind a NAT firewall. It looks like if I use windows'
> remote desktop, the firewall have to be configured to forward a port,
> right? If that is true, he would never figure it out. And I don't have
> VPN access.
>
> Is there a solution that requires the least setup from the host side?
> For example, if I can send a link to him to install something and then
> it would work, that would be great.

Look at TeamViewer which is free for personal use...

http://www.teamviewer.com

--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows - Desktop User Experience)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights...
How to ask a question
http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375

>> I need to remote connect to a host of a non expert computer user to help
>> him install software.
>> This user is behind a NAT firewall. It looks like if I use windows'
>> remote desktop, the firewall have to be configured to forward a port,
>> right? If that is true, he would never figure it out. And I don't have
>> VPN access.
>>
>> Is there a solution that requires the least setup from the host side?
>> For example, if I can send a link to him to install something and then
>> it would work, that would be great.
>
> Look at TeamViewer which is free for personal use...

Thanks. Although it seems to have a short time limt per session...

Are there any free remote control software that reverses the role of server
and client, so that any necessary router port forwarding is done at the
helper (computer expert) side, and the client side (helpee) only has to run
a program?

On Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:57:52 -0700, peter wrote:

>>> I need to remote connect to a host of a non expert computer user to
>>> help him install software.
>>> This user is behind a NAT firewall. It looks like if I use windows'
>>> remote desktop, the firewall have to be configured to forward a port,
>>> right? If that is true, he would never figure it out. And I don't have
>>> VPN access.
>>>
>>> Is there a solution that requires the least setup from the host side?
>>> For example, if I can send a link to him to install something and then
>>> it would work, that would be great.
>>
>> Look at TeamViewer which is free for personal use...
>
> Thanks. Although it seems to have a short time limt per session...
>
> Are there any free remote control software that reverses the role of
> server and client, so that any necessary router port forwarding is done
> at the helper (computer expert) side, and the client side (helpee) only
> has to run a program?

You might try Remote Assistance with Messenger as the invitation
mechanism. I think TeamViewer is easier to use. Do a search in "Help and
Support" using the string 'remote assistance'.

There is also UltraVNC with its single-click add-in that may work for
you...

http://www.uvnc.com/addons/singleclick.html

Others may have additional suggestions...

--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows - Desktop User Experience)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights...
How to ask a question
http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375