Offering Live, Paid Support

[curls1991]

Hello,

As a result of a recent frustration with TP, I've come up with a very interesting method that you could offer (most likely paid) support, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to using the end-user's computer directly.

Oracle's VirtualBox is a free software package that allows you to create virtual PC's, which can then run any OS such as Windows or Linux. The great thing about VirtualBox is (providing you use the closed-source version) it allows access to these machines via the Remote Desktop client built right in to Windows, Ubuntu and possibly other Linux distros. It also allows multiple simultaneous RDP connections, unlike a real Windows box running Remote Desktop.

This means that both the end-user and the person providing support can use and view a virtual PC simultaneously, just as if they were in the same room using the same computer.

Combine this with support via IM (Skype, MSN etc.), and you have a very efficient way to help users.

The only requirement would be that the support team have a few Virtual Machines set up and running on a host machine - That is why support this way would have to be paid to cover the cost of a dedicated server.

Alternatively, the person giving support could run the VM on their own computer and have the end-user connect to that - My computer is capable of doing just that as we speak, I recently used this setup to show my girlfriend how to use Internet Banking.

This is also a very secure method, as no passwords need to be shared, no temporary admin accounts need to be made, and the RDP connection is encrypted. The end-user can log into any SMF+TP installs, cPanel's etc they need to without disclosing their login details.

I hope this is of use to you - Once I'm a little more familiar with TinyPortal myself and I've sorted out a few life issues, I may even be able to offer this type of support myself

EDIT: Forgot to mention, if you would like to offer support in this way feel free to contact me if you need help setting up VirtualBox, installing an OS etc. - I have quite a bit of technical knowledge and an IT qualification to go with it

Regards,
Shane Curless

[ZarPrime]

I can't see this happening here at any time in the near future but I've bookmarked the information for future reference.  Thank You.

ZarPrime