Remote Assistance Solution?

EDIT: I cannot stress how useable/easy this program needs to be. When it comes to computer illiterates, these people are Helen Kellers.

try logmein.com (they have to install it) or teamviewer.com (they can download and run it). Both are free.

LogMeIn is great, and it’s Windows and Mac cross compatible. All they need to do is create a free ccount and install the program

What about RealVNC? Has anyone ever used that?

As far as I am aware VNC has been cracked. Remote administrator is a good bet, you’ll need to configure the server on their machine and the viewer on yours, but once done they don’t need to do anything, as long as they are online you can log on. here it’s not free but by the sounds of your windows install you’ll know where to get it.

Vsee also works—if they can use an instant message client, they can use vsee.

Also—perhaps since you help family members with their computer problems, they could chip in towards your legit copy of windows? Not that microsoft needs more money, but it could help with your stress level =)

logmein.com is easy and free and works fantastic! Only issue I have had was with my nephews Vista Home Premium computer this past weekend but it works fine with my Vista Business Ultimate laptop.