As long-time fans know, Power Downloader is a gregarious guy. Modest to a fault, he just likes helping people. One of his favorite programs for helping computer users of all levels of experience is the freeware application CrossLoop. CrossLoop is a secure single-serving of remote access, but once it's given, the remote user has complete access until the connection is severed.
When PD runs the program, his PC is assigned a new 12-digit access code each time you start the program. The person he's helping also gets a new access code and then shares that with PD. Power can then help with whatever task he's needed for, whether it's a simple question of locating a file or a complex print server compatibility issue.
CrossLoop enables one-on-one remote access tech support.
(Credit: CNET Networks)CrossLoop is safeguarded with a 128-bit encrypted connection so it makes a great solution for no-budget, long-distance tech support. Guests can use any app and save files on your computer, as if they were sitting in front of the machine. No router configuration is required--a big plus. File transfers are now supported, but the purpose here remains collaboration: CrossLoop doesn't work without explicit permission from the host.
The odd nature of sharing a desktop cursor and the inability to add multiple users makes CrossLoop too challenging for proper business presentations. Since simplicity is a key attraction, the program lacks more advanced features, and the connection must be made in two minutes or it times out. CrossLoop provides a perfect balance of user control and remote access for somebody like Power Downloader whose calling is to make computers less confusing.
Have you ever had to talk a relative through a complicated computer task?
"OK, start by opening a command prompt."
...
*crickets*
Support professionals--such as our IT team at CNET--employ software that lets them access PCs and fix problems remotely. However, Uncle Bob's lost photos are just as important as a VP's lost e-mail.
If you're ever in a situation where you want to control another person's PC or let a friend access yours, there are several excellent software programs that allow you to do so. Most are based on the open-source Virtual Network Computing software developed by AT&T. In fact, one VNC project, VNC Free Edition from RealVNC, is led by one of the main developers from the original VNC team. ... Read more
The main CrossLoop interface
(Credit: CNET Networks)I've been a big fan of the free screen-sharing software CrossLoop ever since I originally tried it back in November 2006. Basically, CrossLoop lets any two users share a desktop. One PC "hosts" the CrossLoop session and the other "joins." The computer joined to the host can see and control everything on the host PC's desktop. CrossLoop is still in beta release, but I think it's an excellent no-hassle solution for low-budget tech support.
I recently gained access to a new private beta of CrossLoop 1.1, the first major update to the software since its initial release. The past year has seen CrossLoop mostly expanding its localized language support, so it's refreshing to see some improvements to the program's feature set. There are only a few new features, but they are rather essential additions. ... Read more
(Credit:
CNET Networks)
CrossLoop (download it from CNET Download.com) provides a quick, easy, and completely free way to give a colleague, a friend, or a relative access to your computer. After you download and install the tiny client, your PC will be assigned a 12-digit access code each time you start the program. You can then give that number to another user to virtually share your desktop. Once connected, that user will have full access to your machine.
The odd nature of sharing a desktop cursor and the inability to add multiple users makes CrossLoop illogical for proper business presentations. However, the complete system access and 128-bit encrypted connection combine to create a great solution for low-budget, long-distance tech support.
Guests can open, edit, and save files, and use e-mail, IM, or any other program on your computer, as if they were sitting in front of the machine. No router configuration is required--a big plus. The key purpose here is collaboration; CrossLoop doesn't work without explicit permission from the host.
(Credit:
CNET Networks)
Since simplicity is a key attraction of CrossLoop, it lacks more advanced features. Currently, it doesn't support any file transfers, nor can more than two users share one desktop. Also, once the host machine starts a sharing session, the connection must be made in two minutes or it times out. While the interface and the features are simple, CrossLoop offers a secure and fast method for two users to collaborate on one PC.
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