Dealing with tech challenged parents.....

[pylon]

I am not brightest crayon in the box when it comes to Tech stuff, but I still manage to get by. However, according to my folks, I should be working as a product engineer for Microsoft because I can successfully pair a Bluetooth mouse to their computer. What pisses me off, is every second visit to their place results in 2 hours of uninstalling things they never should have clicked to install, and just making things work in general.

Is there a free program out there that will give me remote access to their machine, so I can fix this stuff from home? I just bought them a Mac Mini (Thanks Burninator!) and I would be accessing by remote with another Mac. Their machine I replaced was a 8 year old PC running XP. I have a feeling the next couple months are going to be very troubling, as I already have 5 texts from my mother about how things work, and they haven't even had it 24 hours yet. It would be far easier for me to fix this stuff via remote.

[Barnes]

When you register OS X you should be forced to put in your age and this should be installed by default if you're older than 60.

I've had to use this before numerous times my wife's grandmother's computer has 'stopped working'. Go in, close modal dialog box and boom, I'm a genius.

http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/mac.aspx

[Old Yeller]

Echoing teamviewer, it's dirt simple to use.. hell you can even install it on your phone and remote in that way.

You poor #######...

If it helps, during Xmas I have to go over to my dad's to install a floppy disk drive because he found a bunch of old 3.5" disks that he wants to go through in case there's "something important on them".

[Rathji]

I use Teamviewer for all my family computers.

Set up an account, and unattended access and you won't even need to get them to read the ID number or Password to get access. It amazes my grandparents that I maintain their computers remotely and they don't need to lift a finger or try and find the pesky Team Viewer icon.

I am borderline on using it for work stuff as well, but I don't have enough people to support to make it worthwhile at this point.

[pylon]

Holy crap. How did I live without team viewer. Thanks guys. Managed to pair to their sound bar, set up her email, and install pages and numbers for her all without leaving my office.

Now if they only had a similar device where I could cut their lawn from work.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by pylon

Now if they only had a similar device where I could cut their lawn from work.

It is called pay the kid next door 20 bucks! You can even email transfer him the money from the comfort of your office chair

[pylon]

Sorry, until the kid next door can deliver an MLB caliber mowing pattern, I will be taking care of their lawn maintenance needs.

There is nothing more horrible on this planet, than a non-symmetrical mowing pattern.

[Russic]

System Preferences --> Security & Privacy --> General --> Allow apps downloaded from Mac App Store.

This will keep them from being able to download anything that isn't on the app store. It's pretty simple for you to override it in a pinch if need be. I use it on my parents iMac so I don't come home to anything they've managed to download through a popup or some damn thing.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Russic

System Preferences --> Security & Privacy --> General --> Allow apps downloaded from Mac App Store.

I actually leave that on on my own computer (app store + authorized). Figure it might SMA if I'm not paying attention one day. It's quick enough to change that it's not much of a hassle.

@Pylon - I wish I could do the remote desktop with my parents. I suggested that to my mother and she blew a gasket, and claimed she wants to learn how, not just have it done for her. Meanwhile, I still get a weekly call asking how to cut and paste, and how to find a folder she lost.

[Burninator]

That teamviewer is exactly what I've been looking for as well. Totally installing that next time I go over to my moms.

[photon]

Late to the party, but I use LogMeIn. Have also used Skype in a pinch.

[bubbsy]

argh, over the phone computer support wtih the folks is such a pain in the arse.

As soon as my mom got on the mac, i set her up with facetime, so i could remote access and help her thru whatever issue she was facing.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

argh, over the phone computer support wtih the folks is such a pain in the arse.

As soon as my mom got on the mac, i set her up with facetime, so i could remote access and help her thru whatever issue she was facing.

They have a remote access extension available for facetime?

That would make things even easier.

[rubecube]

You people don't have caller ID or something?

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

Originally Posted by rubecube

You people don't have caller ID or something?

If their parents are anything like mine, a non-pick up when they call results in 911 being the next number they dial.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Super Nintendo Chalmers

If their parents are anything like mine, a non-pick up when they call results in 911 being the next number they dial.

That, or I just put up with their silly problems because there was a point when my poopy pants was their problem.

[Dion]

My solution was to give my mother lessons on using a computer. What and what not to and places should avoid. So far it's worked great.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Dion

My solution was to give my mother lessons on using a computer. What and what not to and places should avoid. So far it's worked great.

I am actually thinking of sending her to the Apple store for one of their orientation courses. I think they are 50 bucks or something.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by pylon

I am not brightest crayon in the box when it comes to Tech stuff, but I still manage to get by. However, according to my folks, I should be working as a product engineer for Microsoft because I can successfully pair a Bluetooth mouse to their computer. What pisses me off, is every second visit to their place results in 2 hours of uninstalling things they never should have clicked to install, and just making things work in general.

Is there a free program out there that will give me remote access to their machine, so I can fix this stuff from home? I just bought them a Mac Mini (Thanks Burninator!) and I would be accessing by remote with another Mac. Their machine I replaced was a 8 year old PC running XP. I have a feeling the next couple months are going to be very troubling, as I already have 5 texts from my mother about how things work, and they haven't even had it 24 hours yet. It would be far easier for me to fix this stuff via remote.

for fun you should format the drive on that old PC and drop a copy of Ubuntu on it. Youll be amazed at the rocketship it still is. Then you can use the Ubuntu computer as a living room entertainment unit or give it to the kids.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by pylon

That, or I just put up with their silly problems because there was a point when my poopy pants was their problem.

Whenever you feel guilty about that just remember it's their fault you're gonna die some day.