How to diy remote assistance

[interestingfellow]

OK,
I'm a toughbook junkie, and occasionally have the need to access someone's computer(s) from a remote location, in order to perform trouble shooting and maintenance. Mostly family who don't know how to fix stuff'

How do I virtually sit in front of thier computer from where ever I am. So, what is the easiest* way to do this? I need to be able to send them a link with *simple* non computer dork instructions to install/configure to allow me access. (I am vaguely familiar with several methods, but want to get your opinion).

*easiest being defined as least amount of participation/need to know stuff on their behalf. I"m not trying to be deceitful here, they just need stuff fixed.
Requirements: small footprint and low operating overhead. My laptop is centrino 1.2ghz single core and 1.25gb ram.

[Geekz]

you could install logmein on their system and login from your pc, iphone or android phone. free version has limitations though like no copy and paste or file transfer (iphone/android remote client is a paid app, while for the pc you just need to login on their website to control other pcs).

[katalin_2003]

Logmein is great.
I personally use TeamViewer.
Have it on my Android phone too. Very easy to use and never had a connectivity problem.

Another good thing is that you don't have to install it to use it.

[DR650SE]

I agree with Katalin, I use team viewer on all my systems. It's free to use. I even installed it on my Android, and can remote into my computers from my phone to install/uninstall apps and such. I personall use it to monitor all my rigs running Folding@home since I'm constantly out of town.

[TreeTops Ranch]

TeamViewer seems expensive at $700+.

[tijo]

TeamViewer seems expensive at $700+.

From their website:

TeamViewer is free for all non-commercial users!

700$+ is for businesses

[interestingfellow]

Cool,
thanks ya'll, I'll have to check that out...