Hey everyone! Like many of you who work in IT, I help my family with their tech issues outside of my regular job. I've been using TeamViewer, but I've just found out that using it for helping my grandfather counts as commercial use. So, I'm on the lookout for some alternatives that I can self-host. Ideally, I need something that works on both MacOS and Windows and allows him to download an agent and give me a code to connect. Any suggestions?
7 Answers
Quick Assist could be a good solution for you! It's already built into Windows 10 and 11, and after switching from TeamViewer, I've found it super useful for remote support without the commercial use hassle.
If you're open to something different, you might want to check out MeshCentral. I've been self-hosting it for a while now and love all the features it offers. You can set up one-time support sessions or permanent access, plus it can even interact with Android devices. It does require a bit of setup since it's a bit more complex than just using a code, but it's worth it!
Have you tried RustDesk? It's a really great tool I've been using. It has a clean interface, is designed for self-hosting, and it seems to work faster than TeamViewer. Plus, it's open-source, so you won't have to deal with those annoying notifications about commercial use.
Another option to consider is Tailscale. It lets you remote in using RDP, which is simple and effective, though it might take a bit of configuration depending on your setup.
You might want to look into Action1 too. While not self-hosted, it allows for remote access and helps keep your family’s computers patched and updated, which could save you time in the long run. Plus, it’s free for up to 200 endpoints!
I also use Action1 at work, and it works well for keeping everything up to date. It might be a solid alternative as well!
You might want to check out Chrome Remote Desktop too, although I don't think there's a self-host option with it. It’s been reliable for me in the past.
If you're exploring self-hosted options, Apache Guacamole could work for you. It's meant for remote access and is quite powerful, though it might involve a bit more setup than basic remote desktop apps.
Yeah, I agree! Quick Assist is great for quick remote sessions without needing anything extra. Definitely worth considering!