About a year ago I discovered method to remote access with VNC reverse connection. This method is very useful because not many clients that I connect to knows how to do port forwarding. The difference between normal and reverse connection is a client connects to a server through the server’s open port, but in the case of a reverse connection, the client opens the port that the server connects to.
Although it’s easy for people who knows how to do port forwarding but not everyone knows what is it and how to do it even after referring to step-by-step guide from PortForward.com website. If you’re wondering whether is it possible to remote control a computer without either party forwarding ports, yes it’s possible.
CrossLoop is a free, secure screen-sharing utility designed for people of all technical skill levels. CrossLoop extends the boundaries of traditional screen sharing by enabling non-technical users to get connected from anywhere on the Internet in seconds WITHOUT changing any firewall or router settings. It only takes a few minutes to setup and no sign up is required. 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 and a randomly generated 12-digit access code. CrossLoop is a secure tool to remotely assist any PC on the planet. CrossLoop includes file transfer support, and switch control feature. Adds creation of a free CrossLoop accounts to create a dynamic public profile page, reserve your custom CrossLoop URL, view your session history, as well as widgets to promote yourself as a tech support specialist.
CrossLoop Features:
- Send CTRL+ATL+DEL
- Send CTRL+UP
- Send CTRL+DOWN
- Send ATL+UP
- Send ATL+DOWN
- Multiple File Transfer (Can’t transfer folder)
- Switch Control (Share becomes Access, Access becomes Share)
Let me walk you through on how easy it is to remotely access a computer using CrossLoop. Let’s say Joe wants to connect to Sharon’s computer to help her troubleshoot some computer problems.
1. Both Joe and Sharon must download CrossLoop and install.
2. Joe and Sharon will have to run CrossLoop shortcut icon from Desktop or Start Menu after installation.
3. Since Sharon is the one getting help, she will click the Share tab and click Connect. A 12 digit random access code will appear and she’ll give it to Joe.
4. Joe will now go to Access tab, enter the 12 digit random access code that he received from the Sharon and click Connect.
5. A warning window will appear on Sharon’s screen to confirm on Joe connecting to her computer. Sharon clicks YES.
6. Joe is now connected to Sharon’s computer and able to view and control her computer.
As you can see, there is nothing about port forwarding. It is SO easy to provide help to another person. If the person receiving help has a third party firewall such as ZoneAlarm installed, he/she might have to allow CrossLoop to go through. I’ve tried enabling Windows Firewall, it immediately connects even before I select “Unblock”. Even If I select Keep blocking, I am still able to remote control!
CrossLoop uses TightVNC Viewer version 1.2.9. At the official TightVNC website, the latest stable version is version 1.3.9. If you look at TightVNC’s changelog, there are a lot of new features and bug fixes from version 1.2.9 to v1.3.9. Not sure why they are not using the latest version of TightVNC.
I think CrossLoop would be better if it is portable and don’t require installation. The 2 minutes countdown timer should be increased. There are some people who can’t give you the 12 digit random codes in 2 minutes. Other than that, it’s a great tool to provide computer help or even demonstration to people around the world.
Related posts:
ada yg bisa bantu saya seting router untuk port forward..saya menggunakan modem router TP link TD 840.. kalau ada yang bisa ,saya bersedia membayar jasa nya karena saya sangat memerlukannya….seting bisa di pandu pakai teamviwer ke PC saya langsung
Add ym saya : aguswarsito2000@yahoo.com
Ottimo software, l’ho appena utilizzato e devo dire che ne sono rimastsa davvero soddisfatta, grazie per la dritta.
TeamViewer just released their live version of its remote maintenence program for Mac, and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 and later versions.
TeamViewer features cross-platform support, allowing Mac and Windows users to control computers using either operating system.
I just started using Yoics. It allows remote desktop and files and just about anything on your network to be shared.
It also works on the iPhone and via their website without additional software.
Too bad there’s no Mac version yet…. :(
Thank you Raymond. Very useful…
Thanks. I’ve been looking for such a program to install in each computer I support for further assistance in case of trouble.
I just hope it will be updated regularly and get improved.
Are you talking about LogMeIn Free?
At the time that you talked about VNC reverse connection, I disagree and told that LogMeIn was better. Today, I disagree again ^^. I’ve used Crossloop some times, and it was always slow. Slower than any kind of remote access I tried. Again, LogMeIn is still better…
Hi there is a similar site
teamviewer.com
This is also a freeware and works well.
Ray – our small team at CrossLoop thanks you for this excellent review.
Just a quick clarification that you can transfer Folders as well. Try drag and drop onto our UI
If you or your users have any questions, please feel to email me
I would also recommend subscribing to our blog for new updates etc. – we have a big release coming up in the near future.
I would love to get your feedback on the Account/ Profile and CrossLoop Badge feature for tech experts like you
Thanks and have a good weekend
Nice Ray. Another good one is TeamViewer. Check it out.
Just like TeamViewer, only the TeamViewer can run as a portable file with not installation
cool stuff!
i like to share one that iam using don`t know if its usefull to you ray but iam using show my pc,
jaz go to the website showmypc.com and no installation reqiured.
check it out guys!
thanks for the wonderfull blog you have!
rock on!
Awesome! Free is good.
Been looking for something like this, another alternative to VNC and remote assistance. Good share.
@Felicia, Cool! Thanks for sharing that we can actually use any access code we want.
I have been using Crossloop for a while now. It is a useful tool…very simple to install.
The neat thing about the access code is that you can use whatever access code you want. I tell my customers to delete the number there and enter the current date.
This sounds a useful tool.
For those persons worried about an outsider gaining access to their personal files. If your computer has a problem which you are unable to fix, access to it could be either made by this method or you could physically take it down to your local repair shop where they could access your files during the repair. Take your pick
Thanks for sharing. This is only advisable for sharing your pc to people whom you trust… my files would not be safe if I share it with just anybody, who knows what might happen.
Raymond you could help me, with regarding HFS. I am not connected with any router at home… I don\\\’t know much about technicalities. I\\\’ve tried many times for let others gain access to my HFS but it always say, \\\”Problem loading page.\\\” I tried the Self test but it says, \\\”You are behind a router..\\\” I don\\\’t know my ISP connected me through their router or not… I just know and the CSR I talked to don\\\’t even know what port forwarding means.
I like HFS because it\\\’s simple, and easy to use (if only I can share files with my friends through it.)
Thank you very much…
That is looks like TeamViewer but more secure!
(teamviewer.com) Thank\’s Raymond.
cool sir raymond..I\’ll try that one!