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IMSS  /  Services  /  Computers, Printers & Software  /  Remote Help

Remote Help

IMSS offers a Remote Help tool that allows you to remotely share your Windows or Mac desktop with our Help Desk support team. For most issues, this tool allows us to assist you without having to make a site visit, as a result, problems are resolved faster and more efficiently.

Features:

  • Remote Help tool can only be initiated by you, not by IMSS. You must launch the Remote Help tool from your computer and request our support for us to gain shared access your desktop.
  • Works over the wireless network
  • Security:
    • We can only use this tool if you call or email us for assistance and you launch the tool on your computer.
    • Nothing needs to be installed on your computer to use this tool.
    • The connection between your computer and the Help Desk is fully encrypted.

Benefits:

  • Assisting campus users with computer issues that are difficult to describe via email or over the phone
  • Assisting campus users whose computers are not regularly managed by IMSS
  • Assistance while traveling or working from home

Using Remote Help is simple.

Get started:

  • Contact the Help Desk at x3500 (626.395.3500 from off campus) or submit a support request at http://help.caltech.edu (select request type IMSS-->Desktop Support). A member of the HelpDesk support team will arrange a time to assist you with your issue using the Remote Help tool
  • Connect your computer to the internet. When you are ready to share your desktop, click on the appropriate link below, login with your access.caltech username & password and download the Remote Help tool.

What to expect:

  • The Remote Help tool runs without installing any software on your computer.
  • Once downloaded, double click the tool to begin.
  • When launched, the Remote Help tool will display a 9 digit session ID which you will share with IMSS.
  • Once you provide this ID to the IMSS team member helping you, you can share your desktop with them and they can begin trouble shooting.

Wrapping up:

  • Upon resolving the issue, you can safely delete the Remote Help download tool from your computer. Again, no software is installed when using this tool, so nothing needs to be uninstalled.

FAQ's

  • Does Remote Help work with Linux?

No, the Remote Help tool does not support Linux at this time, but support may be offered in the future.

  • Do I need administrative rights on my computer to use Remote Help?

No, remote Help does not install software on your computer so it does not require administrative rights.

  • What should I do with the Remote Help tool after my issue has been resolved?

You can simply delete the downloaded tool.