Filed under: Internet, Utilities, Windows, Freeware
Ammyy Admin is a free TeamViewer alternative for remote support
by Lee Mathews Nov 6th 2008 at 9:00AM
While I use (and love) TeamViewer, not everyone's IT budget can justify the $700 expense. If you're in need of a good, zero-config alternative, check out Ammyy Admin.
It's a very slick application. Both the host and remote user download the same file - a tiny (128kb), portable executable. Launch it, and Ammyy displays one tab for the client and a second for the host (operator). Just like TeamViewer, your host connects to an echo server and receives an ID. Enter it into your client id window and click connect. Like TeamViewer, all communications are fully encrypted.
Once the host confirms your request, you're in. It's not as fast as TeamViewer, and it doesn't support autoscaling - but it does have a few advantages. Price is one, obviously, but I also appreciate that the Ammyy host service can be installed while you're connected to a client.
It will also remember authorized connections and automatically add remote operators to its list of permitted users. Ammyy also sports a file transfer mode which looks and functions much like TeamViewer's version. Again, AA's implementation isn't quite as fast, but it's still good enough to get the job done.
While autoscaling your hosts' screen isn't an option, you are able to zoom to predefined levels. There are also buttons to send ctrl-alt-delete and ctrl-esc to your host (TeamViewer lacks the latter).
For a free application with no nag screens, Ammyy Admin is a simple and highly functional tool for remote support.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jash Sayani said 9:46AM on 11-06-2008
VNC + DynDNS = Ultimate !
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fincan said 9:50AM on 11-06-2008
I am using hamachi + VNC for all my computers (my own, parents' and gf's boxes etc.) but Teamviewer beats it in means of performance and ease of installation/use. I am using free version though.
Advantage of hamachi/vnc combo is you can install them as service so even nobody has logged in to the client, you can still access it.
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fincan said 9:51AM on 11-06-2008
I am using hamachi + VNC for all my computers (my own, parents' and gf's boxes etc.) but Teamviewer beats it in means of performance and ease of installation/use. I am using free version though.
Advantage of hamachi/vnc combo is you can install them as service so even nobody has logged in to the client, you can still access it.
Reply
Chris said 10:50AM on 11-06-2008
For managing unattended I highly suggest just plain old VNC (I prefer TightVNC) running over SSH or like fincan said, Hamachi.
However, for using remote control when there is another body at the client machine, I HIGHLY recommend Crossloop (www.crossloop.com) which is really nothing more that VNC with Blowfish encryption and an easy code sharing session initiation overlay. It is great with people that really need help (like family, friends, etc) but aren't that well versed with computers. Only complaint is that it is windows only.
-chris
DJ for The Half Hour Music Hour
www.strangedesign.net
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michael.shi said 11:02AM on 11-06-2008
LogMein free beats them all. Yes it does require the inital installations. But it's speedy and eay-to-use interface. But most of all, it is very reliable. I ran into lot of issues with teamviewer, such as disconnecting, vista compatible issues, but never had any major issues with Logmein.
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Albert said 8:54AM on 11-07-2008
I'd personally recommend Techinline (http://www.techinline.com) which is probably the easiest tool to use for remote access and screen sharing since it doesn't even require any installation on either end. Although it's not as fully feautured as LogMeIn, it's a fraction of the price. I find it to be a great alternative to most of the other expensive tools on the market these days, since it's obviously aimed at small business.
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John said 3:18PM on 11-20-2008
Crossloop, to bootstrap a Logmein install. Crossloop is an easier VNC package to have the client setup, then when you get on you can setup Logmein Free which is nicer and more productive. Both free...
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Lee Mathews said 10:32AM on 11-06-2008
This app requires no install...Try it...I've used a ton of apps, including TeamViewer, and Ammyy requires the least number of steps to get a connection running.
I don't know about your clients, but to mine anything more than two or three steps is asking for trouble.
nanomatrix said 10:34AM on 11-06-2008
Thanks I will try it out, sometimes when programs say no install, I find that its just as hard to figure out. Perhaps I could replace CrossLoop with this, I still like the performance of Logmein full screen mode, so if this tops that I will be stoked!