Best Remote Management Software (helping Parents)

[FelineTech]

What is the best software to use to help "support" older parents in configuring their Mac? I've used VNC and WebEx in the past, both are less that optimal.

Parents Mac will be running Big Sur, mine is running Catalina (Big Sur next year).

I need it to be secure but also something easy to setup. It's sometimes easier for me to just "fix it myself" instead of trying to explain to them what they need to reconfigure.

Thanks!

 

[hobowankenobi]

LogMeIn used to be easy and really good...but the free version was pulled long ago. I have not found a great free tool...the best I have used is TeamViewer.

I tried the Google Chrome option and while it worked, it would often break because of required updates...if nobody is on the remote machine savvy enough to do updates. That was a few years back, have not tried it recently.

Here are the options that don't require a 3rd party client.

 

[MacMike81]

Its funny you posted about this, Ive been thinking about the same thing. My mom likes to get happy with the right clicker and plow through setups and passwords. Often just locking her out but sometimes its more... We have tried FaceTime phone to phone and she just holds it so I can see the screen, but you can imagine how that goes... :/

 

[Apple_Robert]

Jump Desktop is an excellent app for such things.

 

[aristobrat]

What is the best software to use to help "support" older parents in configuring their Mac? I've used VNC and WebEx in the past, both are less that optimal.

Screen Share built into Messages?

 

[hobowankenobi]

Screen Share built into Messages?

Nice tip. Never noticed! I will need to try this one too...although I assume no way to take control, nor connect to a device without approval.

 

[Brian33]

I assume no way to take control, nor connect to a device without approval.

Messages screen sharing will give you the option to control the remote computer. It does require approval. Either party can initiate the connection (via Messages' Buddies menu or the Details button in a conversation).