Accessing Your Client’s Data Remotely – For Free

Technology has always been fascinating to me. When I’m not working or spending time with family, I am usually on the hunt for the latest tech news regarding the functionality of new software recently released. Alternatively, I’m often found researching existing programs in efforts to make my life as an Administrative Professional just a little bit easier.

My husband is very similar and recently taught me of a handy tool by Google called Chrome Remote Desktop. It allows you to remotely access other computers via Chrome. This functionality isn’t new. In fact, it was released in beta in October 2011 and the stable release on April 8^th, 2015, but I’d never heard of it until now. Learning about this tool reconfirmed a common mindset that we try to instill with our son: learning is a continuous journey that lasts a lifetime.

Chrome Remote Desktop is secure, with each session being protected using AES encryption over a secure SSL connection. The PIN and Access Code combination allows for an additional layer of security.  It is a fully functional platform that I actually like better than other remote programs, such as GoToMyPC, ShowMyPC, LogMeIn or Webex. Some of the key features are:

• It’s user-friendly, very easy to implement
• Attended mode: the person’s computer you are logging into will need to give you a unique ID code to gain access for one session (this works well if providing technical support)
• Unattended mode: this can be set up if you have multiple devices and want to be able to access data on each device
• The remote user can copy and paste interchangeably between the host computer and the computer being accessed

We get the most out of Chrome Remote Desktop when we are troubleshooting computer or software issues such as outlook setup, printer difficulties, or driver problems. It’s made our lives a lot easier allowing us to avoid travel to the office or home where the troubled computer is located. I only wish I had known about this handy tool several years ago. If you use a remote desktop tool that has worked well for you and your business, please share with the rest of us!