LogMeIn Free process for your clients?

[RyansPCRepairs]

I'm opting in on using LogMeIn free for remote access to client's computers.

My next step is getting this working. Here's what I've got so far.

1) Have them sign an agreement form (im thinking Ill use something from the Business Kit which im going to buy today)

1) have them download installer that from a link that I host from my url: myurl.com/LogMeIn.msi

2) give them instructions for using my username and password to set up their installation. I've created a new email address on my domain that forwards to my real site so they dont get my real email address--for safety reasons-- so its remote@myurl.com, and a password.

3) Tell them to close the dialog after its open.

Now--I just tested this process on my brothers computer and hes running Windows 7. For me to log in to his computer I need his Windows username and password in the form of Computername/username and password.

This is where I'm worried, getting this information from clients could be troublesome..

So, do I A) Provide instructions for each OS on finding that information? (maybe put it in my agreement form that its necessary) or B) an alternative??

Thanks,

-Ryan

 

[chrisaroz]

Pony up the money to get a service that's designed to do what you want. I understand the need to keep costs down, but sometimes you just have to pay.

That's just my 2 cents, hopefully someone else will have some other ideas.

 

[MrUnknown]

LMI free isn't made for this use.

That being said, quite a while back I made a post that had an altered LMI installer that made it be associated with your account and make it so you specified the password to login with.

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11335

I have no idea if it still works.

 

[RyansPCRepairs]

Pony up the money to get a service that's designed to do what you want. I understand the need to keep costs down, but sometimes you just have to pay.

That's just my 2 cents, hopefully someone else will have some other ideas.

I was not aware that the Free version was not used by techs. Somewhere in the forum someone said that they had "over 100 comptuers in their LogMeIn" and that "Freeware was enough".

Im checking out Bomgar now,.

 

[chrisaroz]

My understanding of LogMeIn is that you COULD have as many as you want, but you have to have separate log-ins for every system, or you could pay $300/year for LogMeIn Central and then manager as many as you want from a Central account. My issue with LogMeIn is that it doesn't allow for file transfers, which is a biggy to me when I'm supporting someone (but others may have other ideas, which I'd love to hear).

I would love it to find out there's a cheaper way to use some of these services.

 

[RyansPCRepairs]

My understanding of LogMeIn is that you COULD have as many as you want, but you have to have separate log-ins for every system, or you could pay $300/year for LogMeIn Central and then manager as many as you want from a Central account. My issue with LogMeIn is that it doesn't allow for file transfers, which is a biggy to me when I'm supporting someone (but others may have other ideas, which I'd love to hear).

I would love it to find out there's a cheaper way to use some of these services.

You could create a html file on your website with links to the programs (hosted on your server) of the files you need. Like malwarebytes, superantispyware, ccleaner, etc.

Use a program like Keratin to download the latest executables and then upload them on weekly (or whenever) basis on FTP. So when you remote someones computer you could open up a link to your site (so if theyre watching they see all legitimate links, its just your site) and then do something in the meantime while they dl.

An idea.

-Ryan

 

[callthatgirl]

The logmein free is good for the usual clients, but I log into around 30 machines a week, it's hard to give them all the info and such, my paid version is a 60 second connect and well worth it. I sometimes have 3 machines in the que and it rocks.

I pay $100 a month, pays for itself.

 

[MrUnknown]

I was not aware that the Free version was not used by techs. Somewhere in the forum someone said that they had "over 100 comptuers in their LogMeIn" and that "Freeware was enough".

Im checking out Bomgar now,.

The free version can be used by techs, there is no commercial limitations to it. It is just that it's such a pain to be used for the reason you specify. LMI of course does this on purpose as they have versions that suit these needs and wish for you to purchase that.

While I don't have a license for it, I would recommend TeamViewer as will a lot of others on here. Decent one-time pricing for the software and works great, so long as you can afford it.

 

[Omnicef]

The logmein free is good for the usual clients, but I log into around 30 machines a week, it's hard to give them all the info and such, my paid version is a 60 second connect and well worth it. I sometimes have 3 machines in the que and it rocks.

I pay $100 a month, pays for itself.

I second this notion. I have logmeinrescue as well... the only way you are taking it from me is if you pry it from my cold dead hands!

 

[Mushin]

I was not aware that the Free version was not used by techs. Somewhere in the forum someone said that they had "over 100 comptuers in their LogMeIn" and that "Freeware was enough".

Im checking out Bomgar now,.

I use log me in free for all my Residentail Service Soltuion subscribers. When I first service their computer I preinstall LogMeIn free and set it with an access code of my choosing. I include this as part of my Yearly service plan and also offer it as a free option to those that do not have a yearly service option.

LogMeIn free can be turned on or off by computer owner but most just leave it on.

I also use LogMeIn central to orgianze all my computers and to easliy deploy logme in to computers that I do not have physical access to. When I deploy via a web link of e-mail I usually walk them through the install and tell them what to enter for the password but they can also enter their own password if they like.... this is with the understanding that they will have to let us have the password so we can remote in.

Log me in free is a good option for pre arranged support or with support where a phone call or some other communication takes place to confirm that you CAN access their computer.

 

[callthatgirl]

I can see your point Mushin, but I have had clients who have switched to my company and told me that their "last computer guy installed that and they don't know if they can remote in anytime they want", feeling uncomfortable I guess.

I heard that a few times and opted for the rescue version. I was told by a competitor that he has 120 machines set up with the free version and to me it was too much drama.

I like the code. Easier. And with the que it's great!

 

[Mushin]

I can see your point Mushin, but I have had clients who have switched to my company and told me that their "last computer guy installed that and they don't know if they can remote in anytime they want", feeling uncomfortable I guess.

I heard that a few times and opted for the rescue version. I was told by a competitor that he has 120 machines set up with the free version and to me it was too much drama.

I like the code. Easier. And with the que it's great!

I also use the rescue version but primarily for the initial triage diags before going out on site. My situation with free is a bit different because the clients I have want me to be able to log in and fix issues as needed. Again this mostly for my residential clients that have paid for a full year of ongoing maintenance and support. When they need me to look at a problem they simply call, or send an email letting us know what the problem is.

But... LogMeIn rescue is sweet for the one off or non-managed clients (At least in my case) A hinted that I use this for triage diag.... Well what we do is perform an initial assessment of the problem before an appointment is schedule this way we know exactly what needs to be done while or site or if it would be best for them client to bring the computer in to us.

For those that are looking for a ramp up to rescue go with FREE but... have some documentation in place for the client.... then as you get more involved with remote support you can then transition to Rescue or another session based service.

 

[Johnthegeek]

fast support

I have used gotomypcs fast support for about a year now. Runs around $40 a month. It is a wonderful service. I use it all the time.

 

[kagman]

Some people dont like it that you have access to there computer at any time. My advice is that you use some type other means like gotoassist express or logmein reach to access there computers (its a very easy process to). That way they just go to a website and you give them a serial number and they let you in. Makes the customer feel better because they had to let you in and they can see what you are doing.

For clients that are on some type of service contact then you give them option of having access to there system 27/7 so that you can take of a problem and do preventative maintenance during off hours...

--Jose--

 

[alsTech]

I also use LogMeIn Free for all residential work. My clients love it, it's very easy for them to control, all they have to do is turn it on then off, or I turn off when exiting the remote service. I do all the installs either onsite or when their computer is here in the shop. With their written permission of course. If I have to setup a computer remotely that does not have LogMeIn installed, I explain to the client that there is a one time setup fee of $9.95, I use GoToAssist (day pass) to do what I need to do, then I install LogMeIn free before leaving. It works perfectly can even reboot in safemode with networking if need be.

 

[kagman]

Now i just use gotoassist and with the persons permission i then use logmein free to access the computer for a permanent solution.. Now for logmein i use Logmein Ignition, which i love and use it all the time.. the portable version is the best. Dont need to use the website to access a computer. Then i also use the iphone version if i need to..

But remote access is the way to go


--Jose--

 

[BryanLee]

I use LogMeIn Rescue and love it. It's not the cheapest, but it works very well and pays for itself.

I can e-mail a link to initiate service or have them use the form on my site. Either way, it's very simple and have never had a client that couldn't figure it out.

After the first service I can set it to allow unattended access for a given amount of time or permanently (with the clients permission of course).

Another feature I like is the "calling card" They can install it on the computer and have access to remote support just by clicking a desktop icon.

 

[kagman]

My only problem with logmein is that they charge way to much for stuff.. Dont get me wrong I love logmein. I think there remote tech is much better then anyone else, but they kill people with outrageous pricing fees.

--jose--

 

[alsTech]

You guy's are right, LogMeIn is the best. I had a chance to trial it a while back-Trust me I didn't want to give it up, but the price, wow! and besides, I like free right now and it works. I also like GoToAssist, use it on a day pass when I need to install LogMeIn free on a clients computer for later use.

 

[kagman]

I know that i said it before but for anyone using logmein and have lots of computers too access then spend the extra money and get the program logmein ignintion. I use the portable version and have it on my thumbdrive. Right now i have like 50 computers with logmein. I have 5 pro accounts and the rest i use the free version. I just love it.