Can anyone recommend a good reliable Remote Assistance Software either free or relitively cheap(as it is not needed very often), that i can assist a (PC Iliterate)family member when he deletes things on his PC accidently ? He is about 1.5hrs drive south of me and think if i can help him remotely this will decrease my fuel bill dramatically. I need something that will let me control his PC to change/modify whatever it is that he is having trouble with. I do not think i would need file transfer's but it may be needed one day i suppose. Corey....

What operating system is your friend running? If it is Windows XP Professional, Remote Desktop is integrated which lets you take control of the computer remotely, when ever you want. If the OS is Windows XP Home, "Remote Assistance" (a little different) is built in also. Remote Assistance allows your friend to send you a Remote Assistance request (typeically through e-mail as an attachment) which you accept and will connect you to your friends computer. The difference here is that your friend will be able to see everything that you are doing. The first solution mentioned above only allows (1) person to see what is going on at any given time. If you do not have either of these Operating Systems, Google "VNC".

Sorry forgot to mention the client end PC. He is running Win 98SE. I have a Wireless Modem/Router(Dlink DSL 604T from memory) at my end, and he has a Dlink (DSL200)ADSL Modem.

http://www.realvnc.com/products/per... Check out that link. The "server" application would need to be downloaded on your friend's PC. The "client" application would need to be downloaded on your PC. Once the "server" app is running, you would launch your "client", enter your friend's public IP address and it would connect. You are probably going to need to open up ports on your friend's router in order for the traffic from VNC to be pushed through his DSL modem to his PC.

For a very inexpensive remote assistance software that will do what you are looking for and has file transfer too if you need it, try http://www.4remotesupport.com . Their service provides you a system/tool for getting access of remote computers when people you know call you for help. It will save you a lot of time. The grass may not be greener on the other side . . . but it just might have less weeds. :-D