Easy Remote Tech Support: Crossloop

Remote tech support tools can be nice when you're trying to solve a problem for a client or colleague remotely. It' much easier to get on their computer, and just do it yourself, rather than instruct someone over the phone. But, sometimes configuring a remote management tool can be a hassle. I've tried more than a few and my favorite by far has to be Crossloop. It's a very small application, installs easily, and has very simple controls. It's the kind of product that has been de-featured and is extremely easy to use.

How it works:
++ Go to the Crossloop site and download it. You don't even have to fill out a form.
++ Install Crossloop. Take a few seconds and it's installed without any configuration needed.
When a friend calls needing support, tell them to:
++ Start Crossloop and click the "Host" tab
++ Tell them to tell you the Crossloop code (a 12 digit number placed front and center within Crossloop.)
++ Start Crossloop on your computer and click the "Join" tab.
++ You now enter in the code they just gave you.
++ Click connect and wait for Crossloop to do it's thing at both ends. In a few second you should see your friend's screen.
++ When you do feel free to manage their machine...they''ll see what you're doing on the other end--and maybe they'll learn something!
++ When you're done, just exit Crossloop. It won't startup everytime your start your machine and be a drain on your memory or other system resources.

Bonus hint: Right click on the window for Crossloop and enter full-screen mode. You can go back by hitting the CTRL-Esc keys.

Have fun and tell your mom you love her after you're done troubleshooting her machine.