Remote Assistance

Infobox Software
name = Windows Remote Assistance



caption = Remote Assistance in Windows Vista
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author =
developer = Microsoft
released =
latest release version = 6.0.6001.18000
latest release date = February 4, 2008
latest preview version =
latest preview date =
frequently updated =
programming language =
operating system = Microsoft Windows
platform =
size =
language = Multilingual
status = Active
genre = Remote assistance
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website =

Remote Assistance is a feature of Windows XP and later that allows a user to temporarily control a remote Windows computer over a network or the Internet to resolve issues. [http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=300546 Overview of Remote Assistance in Windows XP] ] [http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/evaluate/xptechov.mspx#XSLTsection128121120120 Windows XP Technical Overview] ] As it can be inconvenient for system administrators to personally visit the affected computer, Remote Assistance allows them to diagnose and often repair problems with a computer without ever personally visiting it.

In Windows Vista, Remote Assistance is a full-fledged standalone application and does not use the Help and Support Center or Windows Messenger. It is based on the Windows Desktop Sharing API. Two administrators can connect to a remote computer simultaneously. Also, a session automatically reconnects after restarting the computer. It also supports session pausing, built-in diagnostics, chat and file transfer and XML-based logging. It has been reworked to use less bandwidth for low-speed connections. NAT traversals are also supported, so a session can be established even if the user is behind a NAT device. Remote Assistance is configurable using Group Policy and supports command-line switches so that custom shortcuts can be deployed.

[http://www.turboirc.com/rdp Turbo Remote] demonstrates how both approaches can be automated via either the PC Health SDK, or the Windows Desktop Sharing API.

Gallery

References

ee also

* Application sharing
* Help desk