I use WEBEX all the time with my corporate clients for collaberating, training, and repairing computer software.

It is a little too expensive for an Individual product, but the Enterprise solution could be shared by many of your Website Administrators.

Fairly frequently, I have a classmate that just doesn't have a clue, and just can't follow instructions for example to Clear the Cache, or even to make a White List. LOL, one classmate even ask me to speak to her on the 3rd grade level.... Geez, my 3rd grader grandchildren know more about PCs than I do.....

Would it be feasible for Class Creator to offer an OPTION for websites to pay a monthly fee and have access to Enterprise Webex? In a few minutes, I could connect a classmate, fix their PC issue, and forget about the email exchanges.

Here is a link to the Webex that our company uses.

Your text to link here...

I'm a big fan of Webex. Always had very good results when we've used it. I have a hard time seeing most Admins using Webex to help Classmates. Some certainly would I'm sure, I just doubt a large percentage would. But let me throw it out there, who would use Webex to help solve Classmate problems? Should there be a lot of interest here we could certainly look further into it.

In 13 months, I haven't had a member ask for any help or report any problems.

I can not imagine not being able to email or even pick up the phone to help someone. I would not want the responsibility for when something weird happens on someones machine after I got in there to fix something. And then I wind up fixing everything. Trust me it would happen.

I have used crossloop a number of times to help people out on their computers. It is free, and fairly simple to download, install and use. It isn't the best connection in the world, but good for a one time remote connection if needed. It is at www.crossloop.com

I looked at the site and, although it sounds like Mac users like me can use the meeting and training features, remote software fixes would probably not be feasible.

Moreover, if I had the hardware, software, aptitude and inclination, like Charlie I can't envision taking on that responsibility.

Appearing that I am one of the few with the ease and comfort of connecting via Webex on a variety of platforms. I use it average of 8-10 times a day, but of course in our software business assisting Credit Unions. I am quite comfortable with general needs to show how to Clear Cache for instance, or show how to make a White List. Both of these, I get issues from classmates 3-5 times a month.

So how do you explain to a classmate to edit their White List for an email program you have never used and unfamiliar with the menu. If I could "see it" I could fix it.

I am losing classmate interest because they have no clue how to clean cache, and can no longer get into the website. I have one right now, but I try discussing email with her, then don't hear from her for 2 weeks. I could safely fix it in less than 5 minutes.

On the other hand, I can certainly understand how many Administrators would be cautious....completely understand. I am just VERY familiar with it, and would use it quite a bit. Makes a difference sounds like, since my entire profession is computer support over distance via WEbex.

I've been able to walk people through the fixes they need since I don't talk in "computer"....I give very visual steps. It would seem that if you're geting the same kind of questions every couple of weeks, you could create some visual docs for your people to use. Docs that show what each screen looks like along the way.
That being said, I think WEBEX is a good option for those admins who are willing to have a bigger time commitment. I see that you are Class of 1960. Those in our age group who do not like computers can be very resistant to spending any time to fix something. That's where the WEBEX could be a big help. I, personally, wouldn't want to get into that.

Diana Denholm wrote:

Thanks Diana, a very conscientous approach to my question.....appreciated! I have posted Help documents to guide classmates, and am even considering using a software program that I have to make some video help. Why would I personally do videos? LOL, my classmates don't seem to READ stuff!!! They just ask me, then when I point them to help, they say something like please do it for me Derrell. THAT, Dianna, is pretty characteristic of my 1960 class. Many of them are totally afraid of computers so to speak. A few are very knowledgeable. Those that are afraid, basically joined the website at the urging of friends, and a couple actually bought their first computer. WOW! Some of them, I laughed and suggested get one of their grand children to help. Ten year olds know a LOT of stuff these days.

I don't think the WEBEX is going to be a go for an Enterprise system to utilize by Administrators. I made some incorrect assumptions, as I am a Career computer support, and trained specialist myself. Oh well. I may look into a Private license and charge my costs to the Classmate needing assistance when they need Online assistance and can't handle successfully just reading my free Help and Videos.

Here is something worth looking at that is very user friendly and free for personal use. I use it so that I can access my PC when I am away and want to view something or even download to the remote PC I am using. I think it would solve the issue of helping the not so savvy user.

www.teamviewer.com

Larry

Thanks! I will look into that. Free is much better than $49/month..

In two years, I've never had issues with classmates having trouble or not understanding how to navigate the site...

That is a really good thing Sherry. Unfortunately, I have to add 32 years of classmate age to my classmates of 1960, compared to your class that grew up with computers.

However, I can be proud though! At least a couple of my classmates bought their FIRST computer so they could use our new website!!!! That is pretty kewl!

So far though, I have been able to talk them through anything that they don't understand. If all else fails, I have them go get their closest 10 year old grandchild!! Honest to goodness! LOL

I didn't take age into consideration at all, sorry.

An older thread, but here's my take. I tend to agree with the earlier comment
Quote:

Although my class (1961) has not had any issues (no more so than much younger groups), professionally I can vouch that over the years the latter comment exists. I've helped a few (in person) and there's nothing worse than a 5 year old system that has accumulated much more than just house dust. It's fun only if I can physically visit them to "fix", but getting a call when their DSL goes down because I installed Clear Type is pretty common. (Ever look at the cabling in home systems - now imagine getting them to figure out over the phone where stuff is plugged in.)