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Andrey “Rarst” Savchenko —  — Software — access, chat, file, presentation, remote

TeamViewer – functional remote access tool

teamviewer_icon I had covered number of remote access utilities, from which CrossLoop and UltraVNC see most of use for me lately. Most of such software tends to specialize. It is hard to come by solution both flexible and easy to use.

TeamViewer remote access, presentation, conference and VPN utility claims to fit all of possible uses.

What it does

TeamViewer uses classic model of client/server plus company servers to mediate connections. Authentication is handled by combination of auto-generated session id and password. Encryption is end to end AES 256 bit.

teamviewer_interface

Components

Unlike analogues TeamViewer has suite of software instead of single utility:

  • regular version;
  • portable version;
  • QuickSupport – portable and server-only;
  • few more titles for advanced usage.

I had tested portable and QuickSupport apps – just as I like my software. :)

Strong features

TeamViewer indeed offers most comprehensive suite of features:

  • remote control;
  • remote presentation;
  • file transfer;
  • VPN (not available with portables);
  • text and VoIP chat with webcam support.

From what I tried it has no issues in functionality or performance either. Everything just works.

Downsides

Licensing for TeamViewer lineup is crazy confusing. Portable and QS apps I tested work just fine and say that they are free for non-commercial uses… Yet readme and site claim that you need commercial license for them.

PortableApps offers identical portable version plus their wrapper without any clarification or mention of license.

Not a major issue but still if you need software with clear license terms and use for commercial purposes – this one is no fit at all.

Overall

Most functional remote access suite I had seen, but limited to non-commercial use. Which won’t even require most of functionality. Makes it more of fully functional demo for those who will have to pay to use it.

Home http://www.teamviewer.com/

Download http://www.teamviewer.com/download/index.aspx

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8 Comments

  • Rush #

    Wow man, this one looks nice. Even has a free ipod/ iphone app. Scares me a little, although, not for any good reason. Like its almost too good to be true. The only thing I could find not to like was that it wasn't open source. Looking at their client list however explains that quickly. I'm gonna check this one out. I know I say that every time with these remote apps but this one looks really cool. Great write up Rarst. Good find.

  • Web Design Preston #

    I've been using this for about 4 months now and can't recommened it highly enough. One of the problems i've had using other remote apps is the restrictions with UAC (User Account Control) but team viewer is not effected by this.

  • Rarst #

    @Rush Yep, this one packs some serious functions. I was like - so I can remote control... and retrieve system information... and talk with voice and webcam... Wow! @Web Design Preston One of the purposes of UAC was to force programmers to write software that works more correctly with Windows permissions system and doesn't require admin rights all the time. Not surprising that high-profile and business-oriented apps have it done right.

  • Web Design Preston #

    @Rarst I totally agree but when your offering remote access it's a right pain to asking people to click ok or accept. I did you use adobe connect which had this problem.

  • Geek Squeaks’ of the Week (#53) « What's On My PC #

    [...] Rarst.net TeamViewer – functional remote access tool [...]

  • Sonia #

    I used to have TeamViewer up to know because it's really important especially if you want to teach someone on how to use such an application. They are might be critical terms and ways which can't be expressed through words but with action and if that will be the case, then TeamViewer is the best tool to have. Sonia Trevor

  • Oddyjoy #

    Pls i will like to know how teamviewer works cos i ve never heard about it before.