Set up LogMeIn - free remote access to computer resources.

I like to use LogMeIn to remotely control computers. I especially like free, and LogMeIn is free. They have a pro version that costs a few bucks a month and does some pretty neat things, but for 97% of what I need to do, the free version is just the ticket. It works on both MAC and Windows.

So, if a friend has a computer problem, I can just walk them through the steps to create a personal account for themselves, and then I can remotely control their computer to help them troubleshoot the issue. Here's an amazing thing I discovered, it is actually possible to reboot a remote windows computer and restart it in safe mode, and still reconnect remotely. This is invaluable for troubleshooting viruses and other malware.

Here are the steps to set up a LogMeIn account for yourself:

1. On the target computer, browse to http://www.logmein.com/
2. Click on 'Create an account'
3. Select 'LogMeIn Access, Management, and Networking
4. Fill in the requested information - select I plan to use LogMeIn for: Personal use...
5. Select 'Add this computer' and follow the prompts. Make sure to write down any passwords that you create - at least 8 characters!
6. You'll be prompted to login to your account, and also one more chance to get the Pro version. Let's stick with FREE for now...
7. Check your email inbox, you should get an email from the people at LogMeIn welcoming you, and more importantly, prompting you to complete the registration process. Click on the link in the welcome email, and you should be all set!
8. There should be a new little blue icon in your system tray. Hover your mouse over it and it should say; "LogMeIn - enabled and online". You can right click and turn off LogMeIn if you want to, but I always leave mine on to allow me the flexibility of accessing that computer from wherever I might be.

Now you can control the target computer remotely by logging into your LogMeIn account, select the computer, and off you go! It supports dual monitors, you can chat with the user on the other end, the users at both ends can both see the screen and what's happening, so it is ideal for troubleshooting, or showing someone how to do something.