How to help seniors with their computer issues from far away

Dear Savvy Senior: Are there any computer software products that you know of that will let me help my parents with their computer issues from afar? They are in their 70s and frequently call me with their computer questions and problems, but I live across town and don’t always have time to get in the car and drive over to help them. What’s available that can help us? — Weary Son

Dear Weary: Helping elder loved ones with their computer questions or problems over the phone can be frustrating and difficult. Fortunately, many resources offer remote access software that can help you easily address your parents’ computer issues from afar.

One of the best is TeamViewer, which is free to use and works with Windows and Macintosh computers.

To get started, you and your parents will need to visit teamviewer.com and install their free software on each of your computers. How-to videos are available on their site to help with the installation.

Once installed — and with their permission — you will be able to access your parent’s computer right from your own computer wherever you are. Both machines must have broadband Internet for this to work.

This software will let you see what’s appearing on your parent’s computer screen, and will let you remotely take charge of their computer so you can show them how to do something, or you can do it for them while they watch.

Almost anything can be done remotely with this software. You can even keep a live video chat open at the same time you’re helping them.

If you’re interested in shopping around, other free remote access programs worth a look include Chrome Remote Desktop (visit chrome.google.com/webstore and type in “Chrome Remote Desktop” in the “Search the store” box to find it), and SkyFex (skyfex.com), which works only with Windows.

Skype also has a screen share feature (see skype.com/en/features/screen-sharing) that lets you share your screen and video chat at the same time, but you can’t take control of the other person’s computer. You can show them only what they should be doing by demonstrating it on your own desktop.

PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT

If your parents need more tech support than you can manage, consider signing them up with a tech support company such as Geek Squad (geeksquad.com, 800-433-5778), which also offers remote-access capabilities to help your parents with almost any computer issue.

Whenever they would need assistance, they could call the Geek Squad toll free number anytime, 24 hours a day, or log in to their website. A Geek Squad representative would then help them initiate a remote access session, so they could remotely show them how to do something, or make repairs or adjustments to their computer.

Once the call is completed, the remote control access would be disconnected from your parent’s computer.

Besides the remote access help, Geek Squad tech support also offers free anti-virus software, they cover up to three computers (or other devices), and provide unlimited phone and in-person tech support at any Best Buy store.

Costs range from $200 for one year, $280 for two years or $350 for three years, with a 15 percent discount available to AARP members.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.