There are many tools out there to assist with these problems. Screen casting, whiteboards and synchronized file stores are just the tip of the iceberg. Here are 5 tools that may help you in your time of need.
Dropbox:In many circles, Dropbox is the end-all, be-all of all remote workers needs. This tool lets a user synchronize files between as many computers as they need. Have a office machine and a laptop? With Dropbox you'll never be anywhere without those important financial docs and backup configurations of your company firewall.
In addition to being able to sync files between your own machine, Dropbox lets users share files with the outside world. Users can share folders with small groups of people or setup image galleries on the fly directly within the easy-to-use web interface. This means that you can show your client their proofs and collaborate with your IT staff from within the same application.
In addition to being able to sync files between your own machine, Dropbox lets users share files with the outside world. Users can share folders with small groups of people or setup image galleries on the fly directly within the easy-to-use web interface. This means that you can show your client their proofs and collaborate with your IT staff from within the same application.
Dimdim:When you need to get work done with your project teams, there are a million and one tools out there to help you along your way. Dimdim is one of the simplest and most functional tools out there to get the job done. It's entirely Flash-based so there is no need for extra software to be installed (if you can play those time-wasting Flash games online you can run Dimdim).
Dimdim offers that ability to share whiteboards, documents, web pages and have audio conferences from their free edition. For a small monthly (or yearly) cost you can also do video conferencing, share your screen and have an overall faster experience since they put you on a dedicated server to host your meetings. Whether you're the project manager or a team player, Dimdim can help you get your point across.
Dimdim offers that ability to share whiteboards, documents, web pages and have audio conferences from their free edition. For a small monthly (or yearly) cost you can also do video conferencing, share your screen and have an overall faster experience since they put you on a dedicated server to host your meetings. Whether you're the project manager or a team player, Dimdim can help you get your point across.
TokBox:TokBox is a no-software way of holding multi-person video conferences. With Adobe Flash and a web cam you can host video conferences of 20+ people. Not only is TokBox free but they also offer tie ins to many of the most popular IM services and video emails. This means that even if your team is on the other side of the world (in a different timezone), you can still send them your smiling face.
LogMeIn:If you're the hands-on type of person then LogMeIn can be a life saver. This tool lets your install an application on any computer (Mac or PC) and then remotely control it from anywhere in the world. This can be very helpful for bother working remote on your desktop in the office and for supporting your coworkers when they need a little hand holding.
There are free and paid versions of LogMeIn and each comes with a slew of great features. Some of the best uses are when you reach the IT levels. A user can easily install a small application on their machine to let you take control at a moments notice. How's that for service?
There are free and paid versions of LogMeIn and each comes with a slew of great features. Some of the best uses are when you reach the IT levels. A user can easily install a small application on their machine to let you take control at a moments notice. How's that for service?
37signals' Products:Between Basecamp, Highrise, Backpack and Campfire, 37signals provides a huge arsenal of products that can assist in your remote work. There are tools for project management and organizing your contacts and they're all web based with no software needed. This means that you can log in and check on your project time lines or your lead statuses from anywhere with any computer.
These are only a few tools that help people who work away from their home office. A quick Google search can turn up solutions to almost all of your remote needs.
Do you have favorite options that you use when you're out and about?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex Rudloff says: (12:32PM on May 21st 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I've never personally used GoToMyPC.com, but I hear it's a pretty popular alternative to LogMeIn
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Jesse Middleton says: (12:45PM on May 21st 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I've used GoToMyPC.com as well and have found that for my needs, LogMeIn has worked much better. This is more of a personal preference as I know many people that have used GoToMyPC for plenty of support and remote-control purposes.
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Damon Billian says: (10:07AM on May 22nd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Many thanks for the Tokbox mention! Please do let me know if there's anything we can do to improve the service.
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Jesse Middleton says: (10:38AM on May 22nd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
@Damon,
I've been a huge fan of Tokbox since you guys started. It's grown tremendously (you used to only be able to talk to 6 people at once) and I've been known to fire off a chat here or there when it's necessary. Thanks for a great product and I hope others find it as useful as I do.
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Carlo says: (2:12AM on May 23rd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Being a freelancer is good in this kind of economic status. When you apply to a certain company you had no guarantee on how long will they operate. Just like ABC fall lineup 2009 has been announced. The lineup has breadth and depth, with some shows having dramatic subjects. At least one show will be about the recession, as the namesakes of the show, the Heck family from Indiana, weathers economic turmoil and installment loans. Also will be Cougar Town, about a south Florida town that revolves around the high school football team and a preponderance of aesthetically pleasant divorced 30 and 40 something women. (You know what we mean.) Since its all regular network, you won't need debt relief to catch the http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/05/19/abc-fall-lineup-2009-shows-americas-focus-economy/ ABC fall lineup 2009.
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Kevin Micalizzi, Dimdim Web Conferencing says: (1:42PM on May 25th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Jesse-
Thanks for including Dimdim on your list! To clarify, desktop sharing is part of our Dimdim Free web conferencing, as well as our pro web conferencing. With Dimdim Free you can record your sessions and the meeting host can share video. Dimdim Pro gives you 2-way video (though we are working on 6-way).
Thanks!
-k
Kevin Micalizzi, Community Manager
Dimdim Web Conferencing
e: kevin@dimdim.com
twitter: @dimdim
facebook: dimdim.com/facebook
Experience the Dimdim Live Webinar! Register at:
http://www.dimdim.com/aboutus/events.html
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Stephen says: (5:24PM on May 28th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Great post. Very informational.
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Andy says: (3:15PM on Jun 11th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2.5/3
Gosh, I've had several telecommuting gigs over the years and the only tool here that I've used is Basecamp. Guess I should look into some of these... :)
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