TeamViewer

Pros

• Not tied to a major Operating System. Many users are against specific vendors, and Teamviewer is its own third-party option.
• Lightweight install and easy removal. You can declutter the target computer by removing files associated with the Teamviewer session easily.
• Session recording. For training purposes or to protect yourself in case a client disagrees with what you've done during a session, you can record the session. Be sure to gain permission. Even though Teamviewer gives a warning, recording without express verbal or written permission can be considered spying. This is illegal in most places.

Cons

• Commercial Teamviewer is not free. If you need multiple connections for business or if you plan on running a technical support business handling a decent volume of customers, you need to pay.
• Large files lead to lag.
• Does not work with proxy servers without deep configuration changes.

What Is Teamviewer?

Teamviewer is a remote access tool that allows you to connect to other computers for control, monitoring, screen sharing, limited file sharing, and more.

In addition to being a remote access tool, it also has business applications allowing teams to handle multiple remote access sessions at one time. There are also tools available to make billing and record-keeping easier.

If you want to access and control systems with clear security, a brand that has been in the business for a while, and tools that are known by other technicians in case you need to create a repair team, Teamviewer is a good choice.

Teamviewer Features for Mac

• Video and voice chat options. While many remote access users will use a phone call or Voice over IP options while using Teamviewer, it's good that there is a built-in option if all else fails.
• Free for personal use. If you need commercial-level Teamviewer for lots of computers or high customer volume, you need to pay.
• File-sharing during connections. You can use Teamviewer as a conference app, allowing you to send files as needed without directing people to their email or to a website.
• Makes helping friends and family easy. If someone's computer is having problems, but they can still access the internet, you can remote in with Teamviewer to help them.

Teamviewer Security Details

Remote access is necessary and secure in most situations, but you still need to know the usual security issues with any remote access.

When using Teamviewer, don't let anyone else use your system. You don't want a client, friend, or family member to be at the mercy of someone pulling a prank, spying, or stealing personal information.

If you're not tech savvy and you're installing Teamviewer to get help, make sure you know who you're connecting with. If you gave someone permission to connect, make sure that it's the person you agreed with.

Don't accept random connections unless you had a later, scheduled connection. Any technician worth their pay will contact you beforehand, set specific connection times, or otherwise help you know that it's their connection.

Scammers use Teamviewer and many other remote access programs to trick people into giving access to their computer. Their goal is to either steal info, ruin your computer to fix it for money, or otherwise turn you into easy money.

Scammers often pretend to be Apple, Microsoft, other major companies, or even government and law enforcement individuals. No one will contact you for a remote session out of nowhere, so don't fall for it.

If in doubt, contact the real company or contact law enforcement. If your local law enforcement doesn't have tech-savvy individuals, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a help hotline (1-877-FTC-HELP).

Most countries have a similar helpline at the government level.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Not tied to a major Operating System. Many users are against specific vendors, and Teamviewer is its own third-party option.
• Lightweight install and easy removal. You can declutter the target computer by removing files associated with the Teamviewer session easily.
• Session recording. For training purposes or to protect yourself in case a client disagrees with what you've done during a session, you can record the session. Be sure to gain permission. Even though Teamviewer gives a warning, recording without express verbal or written permission can be considered spying. This is illegal in most places.

Cons

• Commercial Teamviewer is not free. If you need multiple connections for business or if you plan on running a technical support business handling a decent volume of customers, you need to pay.
• Large files lead to lag.
• Does not work with proxy servers without deep configuration changes.