Specifications
Another benet of TightVNC is the built-in 128 bit
encrypted security. When you begin a communications
session, the program generates a new 12 digit access
code. The access code then generates the encryption
codes giving you an additional layer of security. Not
bad for a free utility.
Running the program is so easy it’s almost boring.
As you can see from the illustration, the interface is
simple and straightforward. Assuming you started the
session, the next step is to communicate the access
code to the person you are communicating with. You
can do this by email, telephone, screaming into the
next room, etc.
After starting the session, your friend types the access
code into the box and clicks Connect. When the
Connect button is clicked on both sides the two PCs
are linked.
This method of troubleshooting a remote PC
eliminates all the hassles of trying to interpret what
an inexperienced user is attempting to explain. It’s
difcult to imagine anything less complex than a one
button interface. With 128 bit encryption built in, it’s
tough to beat.
Other applications that make such connections
possible have been available for years, but nothing
I’ve seen makes it as simple as CrossLoop.
This article has been provided to APCUG by the
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internet, is reduced to a process hardly more complex
than turning on your TV. Those concerned about
security can relax. CrossLoop uses something called
TightVNC which safeguards data with 128 bit
encryption.
Crossloop is useful for people who want to train or
support others remotely. If you’re an experienced web
surfer, for example, and need to show someone how
to access a disk drive or retrieve a lost document,
CrossLoop allows you to take control of their
computer screen, and show them exactly how to do it.
Hard core geeks may not be satised with CrossLoop.
It’s not complicated enough. It works better
than most similar commercial utilities, and your
technically challenged friends and relatives will nd it
aggravation free.
You can download the program without charge from
http://www.crossloop.com. The site has a video that
demonstrates how to install and use the program
which is very helpful for technophobes.
Once you’re up and running, the interface presenting
itself is a model of simplicity which effectively masks
the complexity behind the scenes. As mentioned
earlier, security and remote control is handled
by TightVNC. VNC stands for Virtual Network
Computing, and is a very well designed software tool
that easily allows remote access to Operating Systems
with a graphical interface. The technical specications
say you need Windows 98 or higher. A broadband
internet connection is also a requirement. Dialup
connections won’t work. Drive space, processor speed,
and memory requirements are negligible given the
general power of today’s computers.