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RemoteObserver Giveaway
$19
EXPIRED

Giveaway of the day — RemoteObserver

Supervising computers over the Internet or LAN.
$19 EXPIRED
User rating: 348 74 comments

RemoteObserver was available as a giveaway on May 31, 2008!

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RemoteObserver is a client-server application that is intended for the supervision over computers in a local network or via the Internet. You can watch that your workers, kids or students are doing, and record screenshots for the further viewing.

Additionally, you can send messages, run applications, restart or shutdown remote computers if neccessary. Client or server side is protected by password that allows you to keep confidentiality. Server-side application has one interesting feature that allows you work and also watch at the same time.

Features:

  • Simultaneous supervision of up to 64 computers;
  • Recording screenshots for the further viewing;
  • Exporting screenshots into BMP format;
  • 'Bring to desktop' function that allows you to work and also watch at the same time;
  • Run applications, send messages, restart or shutdown on the remote computers;
  • 8x8 grid;
  • Server-side full screen function;
  • Using password for safety on the server and client side;
  • 3 levels of compression at your choice;
  • Application tray icon.

System Requirements:

Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista

Publisher:

ValixSoft

Homepage:

http://valixsoft.com/remoteobserver.htm

File Size:

391 KB

Price:

$19

Comments on RemoteObserver

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#74

I have an 11 yr old son with a computer in his room. I LOVE this tool. It is my favorite ever. I can keep an eye on him and he knows Mom can see anything he is doing.

Reply   |   Comment by Rmaylaura  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#73

#58--ShowMyPC may well do everything you say, but I doubt that it provides a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which is a secure private connection between two or more computers by setting up a "tunnel" between them "underneath" your internet connection like Hamachi. Of course, maybe you don't need the VPN, but Hamachi is just as free.

Reply   |   Comment by internetexplorer  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#72

I use RealVNC and OpenVPN and both work great =3.

Reply   |   Comment by T  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#71

Hey, with all the programmers we have here, can you do a small apps. to help the employees of #15 a.k.a. Dick? Something like a window coming up every time he is about to take a screenshot, saying "It's payback time, Dickhead!"
Bravo #12, I'm with you!
Now back to ShowmyPC, as a divorced parent I need to help my kids via long distance so this is a good apps. Do I need to download it (or TeamViewer which I like better) to both PC's? Sounds a bit dumb, I know.....oh well, its not my best day today, sorry! Put the blame on #15!

Reply   |   Comment by Purrete  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#70

45, You are correct to a point that we should protect our children. There is the problem of over protecting them as well. There is no such thing as absolute safty so the children of this world also need to face some of the dangers of life to be able to protect themselves. It is also a fact that a great number of the young adults now are incapable of protecting themselves against common dangers out there because parents were overly protective. A program like this should never be used to check and that is spying on your children. There are much better ways of doing this that actuallywork if you moniter them and they find out and they will they will go to another place to see what you think is so bad. Be open and honest with your children ad this will pay off more than any other thing you can do.

Reply   |   Comment by ken kelly  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#69

Both Server and Client files are dated 1/12/2004. Are they More than 4 years old and no updates since?

Reply   |   Comment by Calvin  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#68

logmein does same thing an is always free for free version

Reply   |   Comment by anonymous  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#67

I installed both the server and client. I can access the server program OK, but the client program when installed on another computer would not pop up the configuration page as its supposed to. I can find no way to get to it to set password and address!

Reply   |   Comment by SoftwareTester  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#66

Right on! Debra #65 responding to #61. That parent is out in the ice ages and has no clue. I feel this type of program can be of benefit to some. For those giving tech support to customers, for example, I agree with #62, could be a good way to provide tech support to your customers who may be technically challenged or, in my case, with family members that will call you any time of the day that can't even figure out what version software they're using or find the right icon that opens up even the basic MS office applications. GAOTD, keep it up, I'm hooked on checking you out on a daily basis, you're now my HOME PAGE, first site I see when getting into Internet.

Reply   |   Comment by iccopo  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#65

response to gpc111,it does not matter how you bring up your child,it is a proven fact that all children become curious at one point or another,and it does not mean you are a bad parent or that you brought your child up wrong,it is human nature,especially when they become teenagers,my kids were so sweet before hitting that age,it is called rebellion.and no matter what you believe,all kids go through it.you are living in the ice ages if you think yours won't disobey once in a while.its good they make programs like these(although this one wont work for me)to insure your childs safety not just to spy on them.and i don't know about you,but i will do anything humanly possible to protect my child.i know i can't watch them every minute of every day but having little programs like these do help.

Reply   |   Comment by debra  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#64

@ #10

http://www.netop.com/netop-8.htm

This seems perfect for your needs.

Reply   |   Comment by HobitLight  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#63

i would not recommend this,be careful because i think it might be spyware,it totally messed up my router and network,i had to block the program before i could get my router or network up and running again,i would definitely find out more info on this program before installing,i sure wish i had.

Reply   |   Comment by debra  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#62

ShowMyPc only lacks features if you have the free version (but it still allows remote connection and control). I signed up for the Premium and I love it. It is a great way for me to provide tech support for my customers, most of whom are technically challenged.

Reply   |   Comment by smartguy  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#61

Thumbs down, Way.......... Way down. Just from reading the desription of the program I don't want it or need it. I see no need for this.

"You can watch that your workers, kids or students are doing, and record screenshots for the further viewing".

This must be every worker's nightmare. Software that can be used to spy on our our every move on the internet. I'm not suggesting workers to shirk their duties to surf the internet. But how many of us have surfed the internet at work? For example, how many of us have read a sports story of a game we missed? Gasp..... I admit that I have. At work even. And I would wager that I am not alone. Would I want my boss to know this? Not really. He may understand but why take a chance? Give us workers a break GAOTD. Stop giving spyware away. You may be giving away software that gives too many bosses the wrong idea. Workers want to do their jobs but sometimes the job gets slow. It don't hurt to take a break and surf on the net. As for the parents spying on their child I have to argue against that too. My son, who will be 13 in Aug. goes on the internet for his computer and his Playstation 3. We trust him that he will use the proper judgement to avoid visiting sites that need to be monitored. It comes down to trust. We trust our child and don't need to monitor him. Parents that stoop to this measure have already failed to bring up their child in the right way. You need to examine yourselves... not your child. Bottom line... we don't need this type of software. Please give us something we do need.

Reply   |   Comment by gpc111  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#60

@ #15
As #27 pointed out, your employees are a reflection of your leadership. If you cannot inspire them to be self-motivated then what does that say about you?

Please read Peopleware by Tom DeMarco and Timothy Lister.

Reply   |   Comment by Guy  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#59

@# 57 Nikoly and others
Hope this helps.

I was wondering if just one copy would cover an office with 10 computers networked together and sent an e-mail to ValixSoft (support@valixsoft.com) for further clarifications. Below are the questions and the answers I received.

Hi,
I have 10 computers in my office networked together.
Q: Would I need to install the software on each computer or just the main computer/server?
A: Yes, you must install the client on each computer you want to watch.

Q: Also would the purchase of one license cover this or would I need to purchase additional licenses for each computer networked in?
Thank you for any info Jerry

A: You may purchase licenses as you want, for example if you have 10 computers to watch you can purchase 8 license + 2 license.
Thank you,
ValixSoft.

Obviously the licenses are sold in packs of different amounts.

Reply   |   Comment by Messenger  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#58

I just glanced at Hamachi from logmein.com. It requires Windows 2000/XP at a minimum and filling out forms. I've also attempted to use logmein. MUCH harder to get up and running than ShowMyPC. ShowMyPc will work on Windows 9x, doesn't require signup/forms filled, and only one, small, program for both "sides" does the job. Download, get password from other "side," connect! Doesn't get much easier! I've even talked the computer "challenged" through the process of downloading/running the small ShowMyPc program and generating the password. As mentioned, it's idiot proof! Lacks features, but hey, it works, works well, works easily, and is free!

Reply   |   Comment by sjfeinbe  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#57

I have tried installing this software and client portion does not work.
Any ideas?

Reply   |   Comment by Nikolay  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#56

Thanks for posting this

ShowMyPC.com
is what I keep on my USB key set, under 1 mb with full file and
desktop sharing over SSH. I found few others, but this is idiot proof
:)

We love it, provide free cross platform support.

Reply   |   Comment by Rob Jamison  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#55

#37

Check out sourceforge.net. They have all sorts of freeware/open source software, much of it for Linux/Unix boxes...often there are two versions, one for Linux and one for Windows. Sorry Mac users, nothing there for you either.

Reply   |   Comment by Whisperss  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#54

To #15: Calling your employees lazy bastards speaks for itself. In addition, sneaking their activity without their knowledge is probably illegal in the country where you live...

Reply   |   Comment by Mike  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#53

Ok, Here is what I'm looking for & I seriously doubt this software can do it. I own an XBOX 360 & it's on the same network as my home PC & my wife's PC by all connections going through the same router. My wife's is wireless, the 360 & my PC are straight ethernet connections.
What I want is a way to bring what's being displayed on the 360 to my home PC screen. So far the biggest limiting factor has been 2 things:
1) I have tried a TV video card, however unless you're willing to spend $1000 or more they just don't have low-budget high-def capture cards.
2) I can't install a "client" on the 360 as it doesn't have a user accessible OS (not sure what is uses I've heard a form of Linux to a proprietary form of Windows).
The only thing the two share is Windows Media Center.
It seems if they can share pictures, video, and music through simple programs on Windows Media Center there should be a way to take screen grabs or view a real time view of what the 360 is outputting (besides a monitor, lol). Sorry for the off-topic but as this is sort of down that road I wondered if any of you brilliant folks would have a viable solution that wont cost me $100's

Reply   |   Comment by JD Wohlever  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#52

Evil spyware for evil people. Shame on you.

Reply   |   Comment by Scotto  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#51

to #28

i installed both on the same computer, it works no problems. then i connected to myself and made it so there was only 1 screen showing on the server viewing thing and i got a strange tunnel.

Reply   |   Comment by me  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#50

Garbage! I don't have to spy on anyone! What a joke this is. Not even worth a post or an offer, especially on Saturday!

Reply   |   Comment by George  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#49

George Orwell had it right, he just had the wrong year...
Just another Big Brother tool here.

Reply   |   Comment by Curbrunner  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#48

One of the oldest solutions:
http://www.remote-desktop-control.com/pcanywhere.html

One of the latest:
http://mashable.com/2007/09/24/yuuguu/

For KDE desktops:
http://dot.kde.org/1130593003/

more:
https://www.iremotepc.com/

Reply   |   Comment by Funkster  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#47

If you want to configure a VPN connection from a Windows XP client computer you only need what comes with the Operating System itself, it's all built right in. To set up a connection to a VPN, do the following:
http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Configure-VPN-Connection-Windows-XP.html
You will need an account though to log-in

Reply   |   Comment by Funkster  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#46

Re comment #7: The site/service was hidden, but the link led to showmypc.com. Mudbugmo

Reply   |   Comment by MudbugMo  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#45

For remote help #34 try crossloop. Skip the account prompts. Install on both PCs and it works thru most firewalls. You may get prompted by spyware - accept - it's NOT spyware but uses similar protocols. Ones pc "shares" and the other has total remote access to your desktop during a session you can terminate at any time. hth
www.crossloop.com

Reply   |   Comment by Ray  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#44

internetexplorer,
Thanks I will check that out.
Rob

Reply   |   Comment by Rob  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#43

Thankyou Mike (#33) Logmein is by far the best remote access I've ever used and do not see the need for anything else......and its encrypted for security too, for any of you on corporate networks. Oh so easy...

Reply   |   Comment by noitall  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#42

My name is Boris,I will take screen captures and send them on the netAre you okay with this??

Reply   |   Comment by Scott  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#41

#8--you're right, it needs to be encrypted if it's not already.

Reply   |   Comment by internetexplorer  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#40

#19--I suggest you try the free Hamachi VPN from LogMeIn. It's good.

Reply   |   Comment by internetexplorer  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#39

#33--Logmein also owns Hamachi, which is a free VPN if you need it.

Reply   |   Comment by internetexplorer  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#38

sjfeinbe,
Thanks for the update, it is really appreciated.
Rob

Reply   |   Comment by Rob  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#37

cool, anyone know of a freeware for linux like this?

GAOTD needs some linux based stuff.

Reply   |   Comment by Curtis  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#36

For nr 14: Just like asking your kids where they are going when they go out for evening, this software in todays age, is just ONE step in ensuring an aditional level of safety. Maybe YOU think it's parinoia but having had to deal with IT threats our kids face today, this program can provide a little more insite to what your kids are up to. I have 2 teens and 1 preteen. All have computers or internet access. Yes, it's regulated. However, you can't be on their backs 24/7. So before you blow it off and let kids today run wild, pull your head out of the sand and take a look around.

Reply   |   Comment by tc1uscg  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#35

This program, and the extremely similar LanVisor (related? also russian!), both seem to work by fetching screenshots of the clients at regular intervals. I had been hoping that they were doing a realtime session like the Microsoft Remote Assistance, but scaled to allow several onscreen at once.

Thank you to the people who made suggestions for alternatives we could use in a university lab situation. I'll try italc at work on Monday. Unfortunately the ones which work like 'gotomypc' by first connecting to a remote server will not be an option due to externally imposed security constraints.

Reply   |   Comment by G  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#34

If all you are looking for is a remote access program, you may want to look into LogMeIn. You can remotely run any number of PC's from anywhere in the world through a web browser. It's also free for the remote portion, but you do have to pay a subscription in order to do file transfers. The remote part allows you to copy/paste from host to client clipboard and back and also has a chat mode, the ability to play sound from the client machine and more. They also have other types of remote access subscriptions available as well. www.logmein.com.

Reply   |   Comment by Mike Johnson  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#33

#19 Rob,
You asked, "Will the one you suggested be vpn’ish enough for what I will be attempting to test? Any danger in installing in my old weak pc?"

I don't know if ShowMyPc.com (the free alternate I recommended, but failed to make clear in my earlier post) is "vpn'ish enough." However, I see no problem in using it on your "old weak pc" as it isn't installed. You merely double click on the program to get it going. The ShowMyPC program easily fits on a floppy disk, seems to require no installation, and the exact same program is used by both sides of the remote access session. You don't have to sign up, make an account, download different programs for the different sides of the session, and you don't "install" anything (at least I don't think so). One side does have to give a password (generated new for each session) to the controlling side. I prefer getting the password via phone and keeping my client on the phone while I work so we can work together while talking (not just text chatting) in real time. The client learns a great deal and I can advise the client around any obstacles that remote access alone can't handle. Oh, one other thing: I can use a web browser on the controlled computer while accessing the computer via ShowMyPc! Seems really weird, but it works!! I also plan on auditioning some other choices mentioned here as I have no sentimental attachment to ShowMyPc other than the fact that it works simply and works well. If I find something better (and free!) that doesn't require XP or later and 1ghz. cpu power, I'd drop ShowMyPc in a moment!

Reply   |   Comment by sjfeinbe  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#32

Hi,
Try this one , it's freeware and real good , I use it for a year now without any troubles.
http://www.n37dev.com/Products/LanTool/
LANTOOL !

Reply   |   Comment by SpOoNeR1959  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#31

There is a difference between spying and helping.

If I were to spy on what you're doing, I try to make sure you don't know that, because you most probably won't like that and as soon you know about my spying you would take countermeasures, like turning your computer off or what ever comes to your mind to get rid of me.

When my father has a pc-problem he can't fix, I can help him. He lives not nearby, but making a connecting between our PC's is easy. He wants me to help, he knows when I'm doing this and he even has to enable me to do that.

That is the difference between spying and having no consent and helping while being invited to do so.

There are business situations where this can be very confeniant, like a helpdesk.
But also in private situations, like the case of my father and I this can be very usefull.
Ofcourse a boss that wants to play "Big Brother is watching you" is not making good use of this.
Mostly this kind of programs need consent from the client (watched pc).

The GAotD is very much featured (like watching multiple screens) and fit for several business situations, but for what most people want te be able to do something like the case of my father and I, SKYFEX (#25) is more then enough to fit there needs:

very simple,
no installation,
only with full consent,
save encrypted connection,
read mode and
if needed write & execute -mode aswell (with separate consent)
Chatfunction (I use the telephone)
and also free for limited timesessions

(you can use multiple serial sessions though) but if you want to use it very often you can register and loose the limitations and work in a more professional way.

I did not test the GAotD, I did never work with it and I don't need it, but it seems to be good software (for as much I can say so just by the look) but for most GAotD-visitors this wil be beyond there scope of use.

Reply   |   Comment by Funkster  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#30

If you want a program that will do all this and probably more (Chat, File transfer, chat, VPN, presentation, record screens, switch users) then go for TEAMVIEWER (www.teamviewer.com), this is FREE for non-commercial use, and is absolutely superb.

My family all have it installed, and rather than try describe a problem to me, I am able to goto their PC and see what is happening.

The File transfer and VPN means I can travel with my laptop and never have a problem getting hold of my files.

The connections are 128bit encrypted, and password controlled, and the program can be configured to start when windows starts, so is always available should I need it.

Also if you use WOSB (www.dennisbabkin.com), you can set your home computer to start up and shut down whenever you want, so it can be set to be on only when you intend to transfer files etc.

Reply   |   Comment by Rick  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#29

HOW DO I USE THIS PROGRAM??? HELP ANYONE???

Reply   |   Comment by STEVEN  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#28

Interesting program. Sort of a combination of Spyagent and a remote desktop utility...

Has anyone tried to install the client and the server versions on the same computer?!?

I have three (with sufficient specs) computers, and would like to use one as both server and client (not necessarily at the same time).

Reply   |   Comment by Viking  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#27

This software would be most useful for people who need TOTAL CONTROL over their employees,as stated by the comments of #15, also known as employer. Said employer could use it to sack the lazy bastards for, quote surfing the Internet all the time they should be working. That is i pay they for." unquote. Perhaps there will be software offered in the near future that could help him in his prospective employee interview and hiring processes. Perhaps software transmitting to a shock collar which delivers a jolt whenever the employer fails to be a Leader and just becomes the Boss. Although not a big fan, I would think this Boss would and should enroll in the next available Dale Carnegie Training Program for heavens sake. With a little help his employees may say, this boss ROCKS! Until then, the lazy bastards will probably just refer to their boss as....a...Dick!

Reply   |   Comment by Employee  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#26

I sure do not like the idea. spying is not polite at all.

Reply   |   Comment by ken kelly  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#25

try also http://skyfex.com/

Reply   |   Comment by Funkster  –  15 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
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