TeamViewer first impressions
TeamViewer – first impressions
I recently tried out TeamViewer for the first time after it was recommended to me by another tech. Most of the support calls I get have to do with virus removal, and internet access is usually compromised, or at least degraded, so remote support isn’t an option. But this call was for printer support, so I thought I’d give it a try. Here are my first impressions…
The website
I was impressed with their website, easy to navigate and everything was explained in plain language making a great first impression.
Here’s a blurb from the TeamViewer.com website…
With TeamViewer you can remotely control any computer as if you were sitting right in front of it – even through firewalls. All your partner has to do is start a small application, which does not even require installation or administrative rights.
The install
There’s basically two parts to using TeamViewer, the person who is going to have remote control needs to download and install the Full version and the host only needs to download and run the TeamViewer QuickSupport version. I was able to walk the person through the TeamViewer website over the phone to download and run the QuickSupport app. Easy peasy.
When you launch TeamViewer QuickSupport you get assigned an ID and a Password. Give that information to the person who is going to remote control your computer and they’ll enter it into the full version remote connection tab. Abracadabra, hocus pocus, like magic the connection is made.
Remote control
For the printer I was troubleshooting I was able to quickly browse around the computer and check the usual suspects: event viewer, device manager, print drivers, IP address, etc. Because I was remotely connected it was like I was sitting in front of the computer and I was able to poke and prod and gather tons of information on the problem that would have taken me much longer to walk someone through over the phone. The speed and display were good so I was instantly a fan.
TeamViewer also provides the ability to transfer files, simply by “drag-n-drop” from your local machine to the remote computer. Since I already had the latest print drivers on my computer that saved me from having to go out to the web on the remote host, searching the manufacturer site for the drivers, filling out the contact form, and downloading them again. It was simply… drag, drop, done. I can see this being helpful for virus support too, since many viruses block access to downloading anti-malware tools and updates.
The downside
The troubleshooting eventually led me to having to restart the physical printer while holding down a reset button on the network adapter in order to have it get a new IP address via DHCP. So an on-site visit was needed to complete the job. So while TeamViewer allowed me to quickly provide a remote diagnosis, nothing beats physical access to the device you’re trying to fix. Especially when you need to press buttons and unplug cables and such.
The result
Ultimately I had a great first impression of TeamViewer. If I can find a way to integrate it into my work flow I’ll get a site license and become an evangelist, but for now I’m providing a link to the TeamViewer.com site here in hopes that you might find it useful. It’s free for personal use, and is simple to setup and get connected. Give it a try and let me know your results.
Hope this helps,
Erik