These new companies selling remote access support

[hambone2]

Lately, I've been hearing how the wave of the future is to fix someone's computer remotely. Some are selling their services on a monthly or yearly subscription type of service, so if a user (typically a non-computer saavy person) is having issues, they can call this same company up any time, and for the price of a monthly fee have their computer looked at and fixed. (at least software-wise)

Is this kind of thing catching on more and more? What are your opinions on them?

[photolady]

Problem is, they can't fix hardware this way and I'm sure I wouldn't want to allow someone access to my files on my computer.

[hambone2]

Problem is, they can't fix hardware this way and I'm sure I wouldn't want to allow someone access to my files on my computer.

Meh, minor setback....plus, there are plenty of other non-hardware related issues out there.

[Drs Orders]

I know someone who signed up for $40.00 . they made matters worst , then talked him into signing up for the $200.00 plan . that was when they destroyed his computer .

[photolady]

What drs orders said makes sense for these companies. Most aren't reliable, and most are a scam. I wouldn't trust them any where near my computer.

[hambone2]

What drs orders said makes sense for these companies. Most aren't reliable, and most are a scam. I wouldn't trust them any where near my computer.

What if they're a stock exchange listed company? Would that be enough to make them legit?

What would make such a company legit?

[Train]

Symantec, Norton's AV is listed and I would not touch them with a 100 foot pole.

[photolady]

You asked the question. If you're going to argue, then our answers, are for naught. But as I said I would not trust anyone to access my computer.

And since this isn't a hardware question, I'm going to move it to the correct forum.

[hambone2]

You asked the question. If you're going to argue, then our answers, are for naught. But as I said I would not trust anyone to access my computer.

And since this isn't a hardware question, I'm going to move it to the correct forum.

Well, I guess I would wait on answers from those who, well, perhaps would be a little more open to these kinds of services.

[hambone2]

Symantec, Norton's AV is listed and I would not touch them with a 100 foot pole.

Well, that's because they farmed the calls out to India...'nuff said there. lol

[Train]

Well, that's because they farmed the calls out to India...'nuff said there. lol

Wrong! Because they make a product that takes over your computer and you can not do anything.

And with some of the latest nasties, you can not get on the internet.

[hambone2]

Wrong! Because they make a product that takes over your computer and you can not do anything.

And with some of the latest nasties, you can not get on the internet.

I've been using Norton for YEARS, even worked at computer shops that install them on NEW builds.

I've never had a problem with Norton, not sure what you mean by, "take over' the system.

I've actually heard rumors on what you said, but I'm thinking to myself 'hey,if it aint broke don't fix it!"

(not to sound ignorant or anything, lol..sorry)

Me user of Norton for years = no issues = fails to see the issue.

[hambone2]

Okay, I have looked into this, apparently the whole "Taking over the computer" was being confused by Norton basically putting unnecessary "bloatware" on peoples systems, taxing the system...which I tend to agree on.

Though, I have heard lately, Esp in the 2000's and 2010, it's become less of a problem. That Norton actually has gotten better.

Apparently, the previous "stigma" still sticks to this day. lol

I've been using Norton for YEARS, even worked at computer shops that install them on NEW builds.

I've never had a problem with Norton, not sure what you mean by, "take over' the system.

I've actually heard rumors on what you said, but I'm thinking to myself 'hey,if it aint broke don't fix it!"

(not to sound ignorant or anything, lol..sorry)

Me user of Norton for years = no issues = fails to see the issue.

[HAN]

Lately, I've been hearing how the wave of the future is to fix someone's computer remotely. Some are selling their services on a monthly or yearly subscription type of service, so if a user (typically a non-computer saavy person) is having issues, they can call this same company up any time, and for the price of a monthly fee have their computer looked at and fixed. (at least software-wise)

Is this kind of thing catching on more and more? What are your opinions on them?

I would be very hesitant to recommend something like this. Who would you go to if things go bad during or just after the repair? How could you ever be sure you are dealing with someone competent? Just because flashy marketing sounds good or the guy at the other end of the phone says he can fix something is, IMO, a very big stretch. IMO, the best answer is always local or a store where you have someone you can deal with face to face.

I've been using Norton for YEARS, even worked at computer shops that install them on NEW builds.

I've never had a problem with Norton, not sure what you mean by, "take over' the system.

I've actually heard rumors on what you said, but I'm thinking to myself 'hey,if it aint broke don't fix it!"

(not to sound ignorant or anything, lol..sorry)

Me user of Norton for years = no issues = fails to see the issue.

**********

Okay, I have looked into this, apparently the whole "Taking over the computer" was being confused by Norton basically putting unnecessary "bloatware" on peoples systems, taxing the system...which I tend to agree on.

Though, I have heard lately, Esp in the 2000's and 2010, it's become less of a problem. That Norton actually has gotten better.

Apparently, the previous "stigma" still sticks to this day. lol

I fall in the camp that was no Norton fan for a very long time. To their credit, they finally listened to users and rewrote NAV/NIS from the ground up, beginning with the 2009 series of products.

Are they perfect today?? Nope. NAV and NIS are still large programs and depending on the computer they're on, they can still be sluggish. But IMO, if a user wants/demands set and forget, with decent anti-malware abilities, it's the one to run for now. (Note, I personally do not use NAV/NIS at this point. But I have used it within the last year and have it running on a few PCs I look after.)

[buf]

I have to agree with most of that which has been posted, until the Nortons 2010 NIS came on the market. I have now been using this version for nearly a year and have had [B]no[B] problems with it. Prior to the 2010, I had used Nortons NIS for years but finally stopped for about 3 years after having spent several hours removing all their "stuff" off my machine. After humbly thanking someone on this board for helping me--I said then that was the last of MR. Norton on my machines. Yep, I broke my word and reverted back to NIS. Have nothing but praises since.
I do agree with those who made the statement that they would not have some unidentified person working of my machines remotely.