Remote desktop and remote assistance are two programs that were introduced in Windows XP and have been included with every operating system they've made since. Both allow another user at a remote location to have access to your computer. The difference between them is remote assistance is limited in that it gives permission to an outside user to use your computer for a limited amount of time. It also allows you to view on your monitor everything the remote user is doing. Remote desktop, once configured to do so, allows a remote user to access your computer indefinitely until you turn those options off on your computer. Remote desktop also allows a remote user to use the computer without showing you on your display.

  In the area of technical work we prefer using Remote Assistance. (Most of our customers do too). This allows the computer owner to set a time frame in which we can connect to help them solve their problem, once that time frame expires so does the ability for us, or anyone else for that matter, to connect. This also allows us to show our customers exactly what we are doing. Remote Desktop is handy in a way that allows us to access a computer on a regular basis, and is recommended if a contract for continual service is set up, or if maintenance needs to be done while you are away from your computer.

  Though our hourly rate remains the same, because remote assistance eliminiates travel expenses for us to come to your site, we have removed the stipulation of a minimum half hour charge. This means if you have something simple to fix, and it takes 5 minutes, we charge 5 minutes. However, a phone call is often required in order for us to setup a Remote Assistance/Desktop connection (especially the first session). Therefore, we do start charging for the remote session at the beginning of that phone call.

  Because Remote Assistance/Desktop connects our computer to your computer, it does require your computer to be working somewhat efficiently. Enough so that it can boot up and connect to the internet. Therefore fixes that are available to be fixed via a remote connection are limited to minor fixes, nothing that requires numerous reboots, etc.. The good news is, this still offers a variety of services that can be done using Remote Assistance/Desktop (Our Computer Cleanup service for example).

  If this is something you're interested in doing, or even setting up a contract for regular service please contact us for details.