Mac version of NetMeeting

[dansuz1]

Anyone know what I can buy/download that works like and is compatible with NetMeeting? My Mom is having trouble on her windows machine and I want to use NetMeeting (or its Mac equivalent) to help her. I know that Netmeeting is not available for Macs, so what is?

 

[bmcgonag]

There is a program called Xmeeting. I've used a while back now, but it was still under consistent developement, and I liked it alot. Is there a particular reason that yourmom wants to use netmeeting? If it is for work, I understand she may have no choice, but if it is for video communicating with you, or others, i would suggest Skype w/Video, or something like that.

Netmeeting is notoriously unsecure. it was infact banned from being used with the systems that we used Xmeeting for.

best,

Brian

 

[dansuz1]

What I really want to do is help her with her computer programs (mail, printer, internet) I want some application I can use to watch her desktop (or takeover for her) and fix/configure her computer.

I'll take a look at Xmeeting.

 

[bmcgonag]

What I really want to do is help her with her computer programs (mail, printer, internet) I want some application I can use to watch her desktop (or takeover for her) and fix/configure her computer.

I'll take a look at Xmeeting.

You need to have her install RealVNC, and then do a "what's my ip?" on google, and give you her ip address.

Real VNC is free, and fairly easy to use and install. She needs to install viewer and server, and you at least need a viewer. I know macs have a VNC server built-in, just needs to be turned on. then you can skype with her, and you can use VNC to control her desktop.

Here is the link to the download page http://www.realvnc.com/download.html

Hope it helps,

Brian

 

[jsw]

Once she's installed RealVNC, you need a VNC client on the Mac, not a server, if you're on a Mac and want to control her system.

I use Chicken of the VNC all the time. It's free and, although a bit slow, very useful. I control a PC and a Mac in my parent's house remotely (from thousands of miles away) with no issues. As mentioned, you just need the IP address, and you'll need to have port 5900* forwarded to her system from her router and, I think, on your router to your system.

* 5900 is the default port. You can use any port you like, as long as RealVNC sets it, CotVNC is set up to use it, and it's forwarded appropriately.

... then you can skype with her, and you can use VNC to control her desktop.

Just bear in mind that both are bandwidth pigs; I'd use a separate phone line if possible if either of you have not a lot of bandwidth.

 

[dansuz1]

bmcgonag and JSW,

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be in her area this week. I'll install RealVNC and get her ready to connect to me once I'm set-up. This will help me immensely as she is always having basic user issues that I try to solve over the phone for her.

Thanks again,

Dan

 

[bmcgonag]

Once she's installed RealVNC, you need a VNC client on the Mac, not a server, if you're on a Mac and want to control her system.

I use Chicken of the VNC all the time. It's free and, although a bit slow, very useful. I control a PC and a Mac in my parent's house remotely (from thousands of miles away) with no issues. As mentioned, you just need the IP address, and you'll need to have port 5900* forwarded to her system from her router and, I think, on your router to your system.

* 5900 is the default port. You can use any port you like, as long as RealVNC sets it, CotVNC is set up to use it, and it's forwarded appropriately.


Just bear in mind that both are bandwidth pigs; I'd use a separate phone line if possible if either of you have not a lot of bandwidth.

Nice Catch, sorry, I was in a hurry, and meant to mention Chicken of the VNC.

Thanks,

Brian