Working at Home on the Internet

Review: CrossLoop as a Consulting Tool

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I came across an interesting tool the other day, CrossLoop. I am not really sure where I found it, but I’m glad I did.

Quite often I get asked to help people fix problems they are having with their computer. I have tried to talk them through the problems over the telephone while they were trying to follow instructions and directions I was giving them. Usually, this would result in a lot of frustration on both sides and taking hours to resolve a simple (to me) glitch.

As a test, I installed CrossLoop on both of my home computers. Simple download of the program on each computer, installation in just a few clicks and I was ready to go. (I saved the download to file before installation as a precaution)

I didn’t know how it would work as both computers access the internet through the same DSL line with a router and wireless USB adapter. (I Do Not run any special networking with Windows XP.) I was a bit surprised that it worked with nothing more than logging in and getting permission from the host computer which gave me full access to the screen of the host.

I could control, make changes, download, upload, reset parameters, run programs and make adjustments as if I was sitting in front of the console of the other computer.

As far as Security, I’ll let them speak for themselves…

Security is built into all aspects of CrossLoop. Session data is encrypted at the end-points before being sent using a 128-bit encryption algorithm using a randomly-generated 12-digit access code. Explicit permission is required before any screen images are sent to a remote computer.

In other words, each time you use the program (service) you need to contact the other party to get an Access Code. This way, other (unscrupulous) people cannot find a password because there is none. As each session ends, the access code ends as well. A New Access Code is issued for every New Session.

Personally, I find this a much easier way to help solve problems that clients are having with their computers. Once they give you access, you run their computer, all the while they can see what you are doing so they can take notes. They can see the screens you are using and what steps you employ to solve that particular dilemma.

This is NOT a Paid Review, but a tool I think could help solve some problems for consultants with the need to control their client’s computers remotely.

January 10th, 2007 at 06:00am | Posted by Joe | Management, Reviews, Tools | 4 reader remarks | Print This Post