Never mind all the waiting on hold that you do when you call the tech support line—don't you just hate trying to describe the problem you're having to the person on the other end of the phone? It's no fun for the consultant, either, trying to visualize what you're talking about in order to come up with suggestions.
But if you have a high-speed connection and a consultant you trust, there's away around that. Virtual Network Computing software can put me in front of your computer from the comfort of my own keyboard. Either one of us can type or use the mouse, allowing you to show me the trouble and me to guide you through possible solutions. (There are no guaranteed solutions with computers, unfortunately.)
Don't want to interrupt your day for upgrades and installations? Schedule a Remote Consulting appointment during your lunch break, while you're in a meeting, or even when you're out of town. There's no need to give anyone the keys to your office.
First, you need a broadband (cable, DSL, T1) connection to the internet. (Otherwise the transmission of commands and responses is so slow that I could probably walk to your office and back before anything would happen.) Second, you need a recent Windows or Mac operating system. Third, I have to come in and install the (free) VNC server software on your machine. Set-up takes about an hour, but that depends on your computer, and may involve a few extra steps if you have a dynamic IP address.
Then, whenever you want long-distance help, call me to schedule a Remote Consulting appointment. Or, if you prefer, we can pre-arrange for a certain number of hours each month and I can do your routine maintenance for you.
If you're interested, I can show you how to use VNC to access your office computer from home and vice versa. Then you don't have to worry about synchronizing files. (You do have to remember to leave your computer on, though.)
Unlike a TV remote, VNC can't be used to power your computer on. If you want me to work on your machine while you're out, you have to leave it on when you go.
Second, your internet connection has to be working. If you're having problems with your modem, router, etc, I'll have to come over to look at them in person, or make suggestions "blind." (If you're having problems with your connection, I suggest you call your cable or DSL provider first anyway, because the problem might be at their end.)
Third, I can't use VNC to do things that require Windows to be closed, like changing your BIOS settings or making a Ghost 8 backup. I don't think this particular issue exists with Macs, but I haven't tried VNC on a Mac yet, as none of my clients have new enough Macs to use it.)
Fourth, if I set up a Remote Consulting arrangement with you, it does not mean that I will be available 24 hours a day. If you need help at 3 AM, it's better to call someone whose brain works at that hour. But you won't have to wait on hold and you won't have to wait for me to drive over to your office.
Actually, VNC is safer than browsing the Web using Internet Explorer. The connection is password-protected and uses a specific "port" into your network. All the ports that the virus-writers like to use stay closed. I password-protect all my clients' passwords (and my own), as well as my computer itself.
Set up pre-paid Remote Consulting services for 3 or more months and get tech support for $50/hr instead of my usual rate of $60/hr.
To learn more about FileSlinger™ Business Support Services, click on one of the titles below.
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