TeamViewer

Pros

• Very simple connection process, you'll have no problem connecting two computers
• Several modes for remote connection, file transfer, creating a VPN and more
• Create online meetings where people can share video, display files and easily communicate with each other

Cons

• The setup process is very long and must be done with every computer
• There are some stability issues

TeamViewer is a remote desktop program that makes it easy to connect with another desktop. This can be used both ways to access other computers and to make your computer accessible to other TeamViewer users. You'll find that this program has many features and it's easier to use than many other remote desktop solutions.

Long Initial Setup

Initially setting up the program and your computer will take a long time. There are many steps and processes to go through, so don't expect this to be a quick process. You'll have to make selections, go through menus and wait for programs to be downloaded and installed. You'll also have to do this with every computer you use TeamViewer with. Each one must go through this long installation process.

If you are trying to access other devices that you own, then you can use your login credentials on each device. This reduces the initial setup somewhat, but it will still take a long time. While this can be annoying, you only have to do it once for each computer and the process is easy. You'll only have to make a few selections and the menus will guide you through the process.

Connecting Computers

Connecting two computers or devices is simple if both have TeamViewer installed. You'll need to know the TeamViewer ID of the second computer along with a temporary password that it gives you. This temporary password might seem annoying because the other user must give it to you, but it's good for security and prevents other people from sneaking into the computer. Once this information is entered you'll be able to access the other computer.

There are several access modes that you can use. The most common one establishes a remote connection that allows you to see the other computer and control it. This allows you to see what the other person is doing. It also allows you to open programs, type notes and use the computer like normal. There is also a file transfer mode where you can quickly transfer any type of file between computers. This includes software files, documents, video files and anything else.

The file transfers can be done in several ways. There are some keyboard hotkeys that allow you to immediately send files. You can also drag-and-drop files when you want to transfer them. All transfers are logged so that you can go back and check when a certain file was sent. Not only that, but the log shows who sent the file, which can be useful if someone sends a file that they shouldn't have.

You can also establish an encrypted Virtual Private Network, or VPN, connection between the two computers. This is also useful for connecting remotely to printers and other hardware. It can even be used by gamers to create private servers to host online matches.

Switching modes is simple and done with a drop-down menu. Just select the mode that you want to use.

Host Meetings

TeamViewer allows you to host an online meeting or to join someone else's meeting. All participants are allowed to connect their microphone and video camera. The participants can choose whether they would prefer voice, video or both. You can easily display files and presentations on your computer so that everyone else can see what you're looking at. It's much easier than just describing a file. You can also share files with all the participants so that they can download them for future use.

Online meetings ensure that everyone can meet regardless of their physical location. If everyone has online access, then they can enter the meeting with ease. This is done by sharing an access link that the other person has to click. That's all it takes to join the meeting.

Good for Technical Support

Remote connections are often essential for technical support. This allows an IT worker to enter the computer and see what you're doing or what is going wrong with the computer. It can also be used for the IT staff to upgrade the software or add new files to your computer. One of the benefits is that it's so easy to connect to another computer.

This makes it easier for IT workers to connect to computers even if other employees aren't around. All the need is the TeamViewer ID along with a temporary password to enter the computer. This allows them to work efficiently regardless of whether the other computer is currently being used or not.

Stability Issues

This largely depends on the Internet signal, but TeamViewer seems prone to having an unstable connection. You might notice that the speed can randomly drop when accessing another computer or transferring files. In extreme cases the connection might even be severed and it will stop you from controlling the other computer.

The best way to handle this is to have a good Internet connection. At the same time, even a good connection won't always prevent stability issues. This problem doesn't happen all the time, but it does occur more often than with other remote desktop programs.

Pros

• Very simple connection process, you'll have no problem connecting two computers
• Several modes for remote connection, file transfer, creating a VPN and more
• Create online meetings where people can share video, display files and easily communicate with each other

Cons

• The setup process is very long and must be done with every computer
• There are some stability issues