Remote access to other computers from the one I am using? [SOLVED]

[SyncroScales]

Hello,

I was wondering how I can remotely access computers from the one I am using. This is for trouble shooting and installing or upgrading the other person's computer. This is doing IT.

E.G.: When needed someone from the ISP can remotely log-in with a program like Log|MeIn https://www.logmein.com/

Linux differs from Windows OS's. Is it still setting up a Network, giving permissions, doing system admin stuff? What are the programs to use in Linux? Not Kali Linux or one of those similar OS's.

Can I remotely access my laptop or desktop with a phone or tablet? I assume the computers need to be on. Is it better to have the physical access to the machines if a client needs work done? How easy is it for software not to update remotely and then you are locked out?

[tovian]

I use TeamViewer (on Linux and Windows) to remotely log in and work on my client computers.

[Pierre]

I use TeamViewer (on Linux and Windows) to remotely log in and work on my client computers.

https://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/linux/
+1.

that's exactly what I'm doing, as well - - generally to the World of Windows,
but, the same way that TV is installed on this LinuxMint machine - would work to any other Linux machine.

you can also access from a Smart Phone or a Tablet, as well - - mine is a Lenovo Laptop.

the program does not seem to Auto-Update itself, at least from what I've seen.

you generally don't get Locked out - - if the Remote restarts,,
- then the TV - At Both Ends - - will auto re-connect ok.
done this , myself, and it works just fine - - ie: you updated something at the Remote & then force it to Reboot .. ..

[SyncroScales]

Pierre and tovian thank you for the information.

But if shut-down is pressed by accident or the power is out, then the remote client will not respond. But some computers can be turned on when they are off? Or is this a sleep mode? Motherboards can have instant on with the ethernet, router or internet device it seems.

[tovian]

In my case... if the remote computer is off then my client is not there, and I shouldn't be in his/her computer when the client is not present.

TV does have a feature where the remote computer can remain connected to the server - waiting for a connection. But, I view that as an insecure environment that would put whoever does it at greater risk.

[jimallyn]

I also use TeamViewer. There are other programs for remote access; I use TightVNC to access my RaspberryPi remotely. There is also SSH, secure shell, which will give you command line access. TeamViewer is probably the easiest to use.

[Spearmint2]

Pierre and tovian thank you for the information.

But if shut-down is pressed by accident or the power is out, then the remote client will not respond. But some computers can be turned on when they are off? Or is this a sleep mode? Motherboards can have instant on with the ethernet, router or internet device it seems.

then the client should have WOL turned on in his BIOS, but I don't allow that on my computer and think others shouldn't either.

[tovian]

the client should have WOL turned on in his BIOS, I don't allow that on my computer and think others shouldn't either.

+1
I have made sure that feature is off for every computer I've ever owned or worked on.
If the remote computer is off take a break... sip a Scotch

[SyncroScales]

How easy is for someone to access my computer or the clients if I leave my laptop somewhere or someone is using my desktop? It seems there is a need for the password and an authentication from the clients computer? This is a reason to leave the connection to the server off or have it shuf off periodically?

Can a person use TeamViewer with one OS to access another OS that is different? Does it have to be Linux and Linux? Linux and Windows XP - Win10 or a Mac?

It seems I can use a tablet or my phone to also access a clients computer? Tablets and phones usually have other OS's and a different setup?

[tovian]

I frequently use TV on my Linux Mint box to connect to clients running Windows. TV is OS independent - the program does what you need it to do.

If you leave your computer somewhere and IT is not secured (passwords, timeouts, etc.) then, if it is connected to a remote computer, that computer could be in trouble if a bad-guy gets hold of your computer.

If you use TV on a "session" basis then you need a password for the remote computer every time a session (connection to that remote computer) is established (but the nine-digit ID of the remote computer stays the same). If you set up TV so the remote computer remains connected to the TV server (waiting for you to connect) then you have a "permanent" password that can be reused every time you need to connect to that computer. That, IMHO, is far less secure and far more "hackable". I have never used this feature, and it would take a special circumstance (major weekend/off-hours task) for me to even consider working this way because I feel it puts my client at risk.

Now, if I'm operating under the wrong information, I hope someone will correct me right here in this thread.