Using TeamViewer to Demonstrate Your Work
February 8, 2010 • Miscellaneous, Web Development, Website Design • Comments
Ever hear of TeamViewer? Neither did I until a fellow programmer brought it to my attention. We work long distances away from each other and sometimes want to see what the other one is working on and teach each other new tricks; with TeamViewer, we are able to do this. TeamViewer is a screensharing and filesharing program that allows users to interact with one another. (Oh yeah, did I mention that TeamViewer is free?)
So what does this software have to do with web development? It’s quite simple really…how many times do you need to discuss layouts with clients and review revision after revision, sometimes trading, up to if not more then, 20 revised layout mock-ups. With TeamViewer, you can simply start a session, share your desktop, and have your client view the mock-up straight from your desktop. Not only can they see the mock-up, the two of you can discuss it over the programs voice-chat options (of course, you could use a telephone too…)
The options available while you’re in control work smoothly. You can maximize the pane that the other computer’s screen is visible in, as well as utilize several smart options from a drop-down toolbar in the center of the window. A big X lets you close the connection, while the Actions button lets you switch whose in control, disable remote input, and reboot remotely. The View menu hides options to adjust the screen resolution, the optimization toward speed or quality, and control multiple-monitor displays.
When you log in, you’re given an access code and a password. Sharing those allows your computer to be controlled by the level you set it to: remote support, presentation, file transfer, or VPN. The TeamViewer servers remember which computers you’ve connected to, so reconnecting to previously shared computers happens faster. TeamViewer also has a Web-based version, for remote connecting to home from public computer. Even the installation process is impressive. Users can toggle admin rights, can opt out of running at startup, and can opt into installing the TeamViewer VPN driver for more secure screensharing. Overall, TeamViewer makes screensharing and file-sharing as fluid and unobtrusive as it should be.
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