Remote Viewing

The heading of this section covers a range of possibilities with computing devices.
It is possible (and widely used) to remotely control a computer so that Help Desk staff can fix a problem or demonstrate a technique.
Applications are available that can be used for remote control, remote maintenance and conferencing.
Much business and educational use is made of online meetings, teleconferences, webinars and similar internet based group communication.
Video calls between individuals are also possible using mobile phone functions or specialist apps.

All these are examples of remote viewing.

Software and Apps

There are a range of possible ways of achieving the 'remote viewing' discussed above.
Some business solutions are expensive and sophisticated while there are also the free apps available on many devices that give reasonable functionality.

Free apps that everyone can use include Skype (Microsoft), Facetime (Apple), WhatsApp, Google Meet or Facebook Messenger.
While the free apps provide features such as video calling and texting (usually called chat), business and educational apps often include screen sharing, presentation and remote control.

Team Viewer is an example of an application that allows remote control and maintenance of computers in business situations.
Team Viewer also provides a free option for personal use.

Zoom is an example of software that provides this extended business functionality aimed at computer based meetings.
If you want more detail about how to use Zoom for online meetings, please Click here.

Does remote viewing require special equipment?

The software mentioned above usually operates from a downloaded app on most devices.
It may also operate directly in a web browser. In addition there are some hardware requirements.

In all cases, a video camera, microphone, and speakers (or headset) is required to communicate.

On a mobile device or laptop computer these components are built in.

A desktop computer may only have speakers and may require a separate webcam to be purchased and connected.
Many webcams will have a microphone built in.

These are examples of devices that can be used;

Headphone with Microphone Microphone WebCam with microphone on top

HeadphoneUSB.jpg MIc.jpg MSWebCam.jpg
It is possible to adapt a smartphone to connect to a desktop computer to provide the video camera and microphone functionality.
This can be achieved using an app such as DroidCam.
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