If you’re having issues with your computer, your first instinct might be to go to a local computer repair shop. But that’s not always the best option. It might actually be faster, easier, and cheaper to stay home and have a professional fix your issues remotely. Here’s everything you need to know about remote computer support, what it is, and how to choose the right tech support company to fix your computer over the internet.
What is Remote Computer Support?
Remote computer support is a way of diagnosing and troubleshooting computer problems over the internet. Through the use of remote access software, you can give a technician permission to control your computer, so they can fix the problem remotely.
With remote access software, such as LogMeIn or TeamViewer, a technician can see what’s on your screen, chat with you about your issues, share files with you, and more. You can even let a technician take control of your mouse and keyboard, so they can solve your issue for you.
You might want to consider remote support if your computer is acting slow, your programs are frequently crashing, you have virus or malware problems, or you need help with file backup and recovery.
However, there are some computer problems that a technician won’t be able to solve remotely. For instance, you can’t get your computer fixed remotely if you don’t have an internet connection. This is because you need a reliable internet connection to use remote access software. Also, a technician won’t be able to fix a problem remotely if your computer has hardware issues or you can’t turn it on. For these issues, it is still best to take your computer to a local repair shop or have a technician come to your home to fix your issues.
Remote Computer Support vs. On-Site Service
Remote computer support makes it easy to talk to an expert and solve your issues from home. It’s usually cheaper than bringing your computer into your local shop and waiting for an on-site technician to fix your issues.
If you are having problems with a desktop computer, you would need to remove all the cables, carry it to your car, and drive it to the local shop to have it fixed on-site. Then, when it’s fixed, you would need to pick it up, bring it back home, and set it up again. Plus, there is no guarantee that your local technician has all the skills to fix your issue.
On the other hand, you can have a remote technician look into your issue right away. You can also ask a remote technician questions while they are fixing your issue, so you can better understand the problem. And, if they are unable to fix your computer immediately, they can direct you to another remote technician quickly.
How Remote Computer Support Works
To get support with your computer remotely, all you have to do is choose a tech support company and schedule an appointment. Then the tech company will tell you what remote access software you have to install on your computer.
In most cases, you will have to install a program like LogMeIn or TeamViewer to allow a technician to access your computer remotely. Once you install the application on your computer, you will either have to enter a code or send them a code to share your desktop with them. This code ensures that only the remote technician will be able to see your computer screen and control your mouse and keyboard.
A remote technician will usually ask you to give them access to control your computer so they can take a look around your system. You can sit in front of your computer and watch them fix the issue while talking to them. And, if you ever feel uncomfortable with the steps they are taking, you can deny them access to control your computer at any time.
If you don’t want to give a remote technician access to control your computer, you can also choose to give them “view-only” access. This means that they will only be able to see your screen, but they won’t be able to control your mouse or keyboard. Then, the remote technician can talk you through the steps, which might help you learn how to fix your issues better.
If you want to learn how to use LogMeIn to let technician control your computer remotely, check out our step-by-step guide here. Some tech support companies will also ask you for your IP address. If you don’t know this information, check out our guides on how to find your computer’s IP address on Windows 10 PC or on Mac.
How to Choose a Good Remote Tech Support Company
When choosing a remote tech support company, the most important thing you should consider is how trustworthy they are. To assess this, look at their reputation and read the customer feedback on their Facebook or Google business pages.
If a company has a lot of one-star reviews, you might want to consider an alternative. You can also search for a company on the Better Business Bureau website to see their profile, accreditation, rating, and customer reviews.
Also, make sure to ask the company about the remote access software they use. Then do your research to ensure that the software they’re using is secure and protects your privacy. If the company is using a program that’s widely available on the market, check to see if that software can encrypt the entire remote session.
HelloTech provides 24/7 online computer repair services using remote access software called LogMeIn. Whether you’re a Windows or Mac user, our nationwide team of tech experts can help you tune up your computer, remove viruses, install applications, and more. With our Peace of Mind guarantee and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, you can rest assured knowing your service will be safe, reliable, and convenient.