webex or gotomypc equivalent service

[Keith Morse]

Keith Morse wrote:
> I'm wondering if any list members have heard of a OSS project that
> replicates this functionality?  I've been doing a good deal of free tech
> support with relatives and friends on their their MS Windows based
> pc's.  It would be nice if I could gain access to their desktop rather
> than having them verbally relay what they see.
>
> I'd have control of a server acting as proxy or controller and one leg
> of the connection (my workstation).  Also, VNC would be an acceptable
> protocol to use.
>
> I've also tried the Remote Assistance tool provided by Microsoft, but it
> fails when the client pc is behind a NAT firewall as the RA tool
> utilizes the RFC1918 address assigned to the client workstation.
> _______________________________________________
A reply to my original question as I'm not sure who's response is best
to reply to as well as for documenting purposes.

So far, three ideas have come to light.

EchoVNC

hamachi    ------    http://www.hamachi.cc/

http://faq.gotomyvnc.com/fom-serve/cache/88.html

Hamachi looks very interesting, though it still keeps the "server" under
someone else's control.  Which, I am trying to avoid.

Also a notable mention.  Some brought to light that the next release of
openssh will have vpn capability.  I haven't looked on the web site to
see, but based on what I know about openssh there is no "server" piece
that coordinates two seperate sources that want to hook up.