It's just like being there

If you are at all computer savvy, you are probably often asked by those not so savvy to help out with their computer problems. It can be quite frustrating trying to troubleshoot someone's system over the phone. Trying to have them navigate the start menu is hard enough. If you need them to open a command window, fuggetabowtit! It's a lot easier if you can just remotely access their computer to figure out what's going on and show them how to fix it.

I recently came across a very nice/easy-to-use screen sharing application called CrossLoop. No registration required. The party that needs help runs the program and gets a connection code. They give that to the helper and he uses that code to join their session and that's it. No muss no fuss. The best this is that it's free. I'll definitely be using this again.

Some other options to consider:
* Yugma.com - looks similar to WebEx but free.

* Copilot.com - similar to CrossLoop but not free. Also developed by Joel so you know it's very robust.

* Logmein.com - this is good when you need to access a system without someone on the other end, i.e. you want to access your home computer when you are not home. They offer free as well as paid services.

* DimDim.com - supposedly the next WebEx killer. Still in beta but looks very promising.