Do any of you access your clients computers from your home office. If so how what program do you use and how did you convince your clients. I have been trying to talk a couple of my clients into using "join me" or "log me in", so far I've not had any luck. These clients seem to be afraid the sites are not secure.

As a subcontractor I use Logmein as well as a cloud commuting program. The client I have owns the cloud commuting company so he talked me into it. Have you considered going that route, an company that owns an outside server?

How do you price logmein, do you incorporate the price into what you charge the client or is it just one of your expenses?

There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day for me to keep up with the new things in technology. all of a sudden there seems to be so much I don't know. Can you tell me what cloud is. I see the Microsoft ads about it being on Windows 7 which I have and I can't find it.

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Renae McGregor Virtual Assistant
http://www.renaemcgregor.com

Hi Renae,

If you go to the Logmein website you will see that there is a free version which is typically useful for accessing client computers. However, if a client wants the premium version which allows for printing from a remote computer, they pay for that service since it would be something only you and the client would utilize.

My rule of thumb is that I pay for those services which enhance my own business but if a service is specific to a client's business, they would make the payment for that service.

The category of Project Management would be useful to review as there are a few threads for Logmein and RemotePC which are popular programs for accessing client computers.

Cloud Computing is the concept that you will be able to access all of your work, from anywhere, on any computer with an internet connection. Google 'cloud computing' for more info. You can also read a good description here.

Janine

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I'm right there with you Mary! There are so many new things I have to learn and all this information is overwhelming. Almost paralizing! LOL... I really appreciate all the guidence, tips, support and education on this site!

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Terri Randall
www.trinityvas.com

That was very helpful Janine, thank you so much.

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Renae McGregor Virtual Assistant
http://www.renaemcgregor.com

Renae,
I use LogMeIn for my clients and find it very easy to navigate. I am learning about the cloud as well which I hope to start using within the new year. Being able to access the client's computer may be a scary thought for the client; on a reassuring note, your client can also see everything you do on their side of the monitor as well.

I've been using LogmeIn for a few years and love it, however I find that the target computer is slower than I would like. I'm following the subject ot cloud computing closely, however at this time there still seem to be doubts as to its overall security. Many of the things we use and have used for a long time are cloud computing. Only in recent times has it gained a "name" and the hype to go with it.

Lynne

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Go to Assist is pretty good http://www.gotoassist.com/mm/intl/uk/entry.tmpl you can even chat in the window and it is quite fast (depending on the other computer though, if they have a slow one then it will be slow)

I also use Log Me In, the free edition with a couple of my clients. These particular clients belong to a local women's business owners group where my first few clients have come from so they tend to already share their likes and dislikes in technology and business resources. My point is, if you have clients that already network together - encourage them to ask others in the group how they feel about the Log Me In program. It sometimes will give them the trust they need if others are also using it.