PBR Graphics, Inc. Blog

Inexpensive ways to collaborate over the web

July 12th, 2009

If you are asked to help co-workers or customers with “computer questions” over the phone you’ve probably wished there was a way you could see their screen.

In the past, more expensive software like PCAnywhere had to be installed on both machines in order for you to see someone’s screen to help them. Free alternatives like RealVNC required the same – a client and a server program to be installed before being able to help. These installations usually required answering configuration questions about “ports” and “IP addresses” that every day computer users are not comfortable with, especially if they were already frustrated by the problem at hand. Thankfully much less expensive and easier to install alternatives exist.

Customers often call us while they are working on a project with a “how do I do that” type of question. From setting the correct panel widths on a brochure, to a technique in Photoshop to get better RGB to CMYK conversion, to setting their desktop scanner options for the best results when scanning photos or articles for a newsletter.

We’ve come across several solutions that help us collaborate with customers. These tools work on both Windows and MAC computers and work well with firewalls, as opposed to built in operating systems tools.

1) “Share My Screen” in Adobe CS4 programs (found under the FILE menu) – this is a free service that allows you to “host” a meeting and invite up to 3 other people to connect. A dial in phone number is provided if you need better quality audio conferencing than your office phone can handle. It does require a free AdobeID account. If you have CS4, you probably already created an AdobeID when you registered your software.

2) GoToMeeting.com – This software installs from your browser. You can invite people by sending a link via email to click on. It allows up to 15 people to connect and allows a dial-in conference call as well as using your computers’ microphone and speakers to participate. At $49.95 a month, with no long term contract, it’s a bargain for the features. They offer a discount if you pre-pay for 12 months of service.

3) GoToAssist Express – If you’ve contacted your computer maker for tech support, chances are they gave you an access code and asked you to enter it at a website to be able to see your screen. Currently at $69.95/mo it allows you to see up to 8 different computer screens at once. One of the nice features is they allow you to purchase a “Day pass” for only $9.95 – an inexpensive way to use this tool on an “as needed” basis.

We’re always looking for more ideas to share, please comment below on how you use software to help co-workers, clients and friends.

Rob Cullum

Entry Filed under: Creative Resources