My folks have a couple computers that are running slow and filled with pre-installed bloated software. They also have some CD/DVD driver problems.

I can clean up their system for them but the trouble is that they are 1,000 mi away.

Anyone know of a reliable and free VPN type of download that I could use to remotely get into their computer to fix these issues?

can't you do that with windows remote?

WinVNC rocks.

fret

I'm not familiar with Windows remote. I'm running Vista, the folks have XP. Both are Home versions.

I'm googling potential prospects and will check the links that are provided above. I got's me some learning to do.

Is Windows Remote standard on typical home computer machines? How does it work?

On a completely different topic, I changed the anode in my hot water tank. WOW! That thing was completely gone. Have you check your anode lately?

RE #6

I have a gas hot water heater.

I looked at the tutorial for remote access but it seems pretty complicated to set up on their end. They wont have patience to walk though it (non-computer folks).

The best would be to find a web site where we could both meet and then I could get into the driver's seat on their computer.

Re 7

Gas hot water heaters don't have an anode to protect the tank from rusting out? Is it a tankless system?

re:#7

the Sacrificial Anode should be replaced every year or so. Unless you have a stainless steal tank or a non-metallic tank, you need a Sacrificial Anode to help prevent the tank from rusting out. Gas or electric should make no difference.

Turn on remote desktop connections or remote assistance. Once they turn that on, you can log into their computer as though it were right there. Best part is taht it is free as part of windows

We've used CrossLoop in our offices to perform remote work, and it's easy to use. Google it...it's a free program. Each participant needs to d/l it on his/her PC. Once that's done each person runs/starts CrossLoop. The person giving access to their PC gives an access code to the other person. They enter that and BINGO...they have control and can move about freely...as long as the person giving access doesn't try to keep moving the mouse.

RE #9 & 10

Yeah, I know, I used to work on ships, quite familiar with anodes and boilers - for some reason I was just flying though the post and my mind connected anode to "electric water heater (element)".

Oh the element thing... I did a brain fart last year when I flushed the hot water tank and didn't pop the circuit breaker a head of time.

Ya know what happens when you do that? A trip to the plumbers supply store to get two new elements.

I for the computer issue, I've downloaded CrossLoop and had my folks do the same. I'm waiting for it to connect to my mom's computer so I can clean it up. Haven't connected yet but it seems like it's working. It's trying to connect.

My Dad, well, he has a HAM contest tonight so he won't let me into his computer into his HAM shack. If you're a HAM operator and in the same contest tonight... his call sign is K9JIG and he transmits from the Green Bay area. I have no idea about what MHz or KHz he's working. That's pretty foreign to me.