During normal times, if you have a problem with one of your devices, you can bring it somewhere or have a technician or tech-savvy friend come over to diagnose and fix it. But these are times of social isolation, so that may not be possible or safe.
Fortunately, there are tools that can be used to have someone take remote control of your PC or Mac so that they can figure out what’s wrong and — in many cases — fix it.
ZDNet columnist Ed Bott wrote a detailed post on how this can be done, complete with links to where you can download free tools you can use. In both the post and a CBS News Radio podcast (scroll down), he recommends that people act now to install remote tools so that if there is a problem, they are ready to get the help they need.
Of course, you need to make sure that you only give remote access to your machine to a person you trust. But if you’re tech-challenged and have a tech-savvy friend or family member this could be a life-saver if you have a problem during the very time you’re probably relying heavily on your personal computer and other connected devices.
Tools
TeamViewer free support software
Zoom help article on remote support
Bott’s post: Remote support essentials: 4 steps you can take now to keep friends and family connected