From the SolarWinds Family - DameWare Mini Remote Control (MRC) Version 8: THE Power Tool for Remote
Management
DameWare solves the problem of how to troubleshoot user problems
without leaving your desk. As a bonus, the same MRC interface
means that you can remotely control your Windows servers, thus saving
you that long walk to that noisy server room.
It may occur to you that you could use the built-in Windows Remote
Desktop instead of DameWare. The difficulty with that solution is
that the distant troubleshooter would lock-out the local user because
Remote Desktop licensing allows only one user at a time to see the
screen.
Remote support is more efficient if the user and techie can work
together, and another advantage of using MRC is that the two parties
can exchange chat messages.
It's quick to install the client agent from an .MSI package.
No connection problems as DameWare configures the Windows
firewall.
From the techie's point of view, they can navigate the remote
machine as if they were sitting at the user's desk.
Not only does the session start quickly, but there is no latency
when the technical support clicks on the remote machine's menus.
MRC licensing is based on the number of administrators using
DameWare, and not the number of client's machines they are examining.
The two new features in version 8 are Chat, and the ability to
capture screenshots.
Remote Operating Systems Supported
Windows XP or later.
Windows Server 2003 or later.
32 or 64-bit operating systems.
DameWare Connection Options
Works with IPv4 or IPv6 protocol.
Proxy Server available for Jump-Hosted environments.
Connects via Mini Remote style connection or RDP (Remote Desktop
Protocol).
Even has Wake-on-LAN ability if the user has gone away. See
screenshot right.
How DameWare Supports the User
Share sessions/ screen, but must give permission before
the support staff can connect.
Instant screenshot to capture and save symptoms.
Simple file transfer to repair machine.
Multi-monitor support.
Chat for the end-user and the helper to ask questions.
Evaluate DameWare MRC's Security
For banks, and other organizations that require maximum security and
encryption, DameWare MRC provides the latest encryption and other
security capabilities to protect the client machines.
Smart Card Login Interactive Smart Card Login is
available. Authenticate with
Remote Smart Card Authentication using a Smart Card and PIN from your
local machine. No Smart Card middleware is required, and no Smart
Card reader needs to be installed on the remote machine. MRC is
the only known third-party remote administration tool with this
capability.
Encryption and Other Security Measures Using
FIPS-140 certified Cryptographic Providers and CryptoAPIs which are
built-in to the Microsoft's operating systems.
You can also restrict access based on group membership and IP
Filtering. It's also useful for auditing as well as security to
send email notifications to a specified address each time a connection
is made to a remote machine.
Solarwinds MRC Demo Video
Here is a good way to review Dameware MRC:
If you are searching for tools to connect to users machines, then
evaluate this
remote control software from Dameware.
Remote Desktop Case Studies
When users find there is something wrong with their machine, not only
does it affect their productivity, but also their morale. A quick
call to tech support and an expert can connect securely and diagnose the
problem using DameWare.
In my experience, remote troubleshooting either
takes 2 minutes, and the user is grateful and gets back to their tasks.
Alternatively, it's a case of structured problem solving that could take 2
hours, at the
end of which the user thinks, 'I could never have solved that on my
own'.
Problem: User has deleted a shortcut to their contact software. Solution: Retrieve the icon from the Recycle Bin! (2 mins).
Problem: A corrupted registry. Solution: Perform a repair (Up
to 2 hours if it's a server).
Problem: System running slowly. Identify cause: A partial
hard disk failure. Solution: Backup any local data, order a
replacement disk.
DameWare Remote Support
As with many of their products, SolarWinds provide a basic entry
level tool for free, and then a 'big brother' application for those who
need scalability and more robust features. The MRC product I have
reviewed here has a 'big brother' see more on
remote control software. (DRS).
Summary: Review of DameWare Mini Remote Control
This MRC software is part of the SolarWinds family; it's designed
for troubleshooting remote machines, Dame Ware Mini Remote Control is
secure, flexible regarding Windows client operating systems and
transparent to uses.
More Free and Trial Network Software
Here are Guy's reviews, recommendations and download links for additional handy
utilities. Many of these programs are completely free, while others
are fully-functional, but time limited. One common theme is that
SolarWinds give you a free specialist tool ideal for testing, and then
supply a more comprehensive suite for bigger networks. To let you
into a secret, for small networks, the free tool is all you'll ever need.
Guy Recommends:
SolarWinds' NPM - Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds' performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages,
making it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.
This utility guides you through creating network maps; it also helps
identifying whether the
root cause is faulty equipment, or resource overload. Give NPM a try.
