I was in need of a software using which I can access my family’s laptop at home in Lucknow over the internet to make changes or do regular maintenance. Windows has such a solution called Windows Remote Desktop, but frankly, I never understood it to configure or maybe I just never paid attention.

Few days ago, I was talking to my friend Mayank Dwivedi who is working with Microsoft Desktop support team. He told me about TeamViewer saying its easier & no-nonsense solution for what I am looking for, so today I tried it and he was correct, it is indeed good solution.

TeamViewer 5 is available free for home & personal use on both Windows & Mac OS. I haven’t tested it on Linux though using Wine.  It is much easier to use compared to something else free like UltraVNC

When you start TeamViewer app, you have an option whether to install it or run as you do not even need to install it, just run it directly. Once started, it will give you the choice depending on whether you want to connect to another PC/Mac running TeamViewer or whether you are waiting for someone to connect to your PC & work as shown in the screenshot above.

When I have to connect to the laptop at home,  all I do is tell someone there to turn on the PC & start TeamViewer. They don’t even have to install as they can also use TeamViewer Quick Setup which runs without installation. Then, they tell me the ID shown there & password which I enter in my TeamViewer & I connect to that PC instantly.

I configured TeamViewer here on my PC & exported the settings, mailed it to my sister & now TeamViewer is also configured there too so all I have to do is to start my TeamViewer here & start working on that PC. It also gives me the power to remotely reboot & login to the other PC. It also allows me to transfer files back & forth between both the computers or setup a VPN

I don’t know about the server or headless host controlling part, but as far as simply connecting to your other computers are concerned, TeamViewer free is a good solution.