Php Remote Support

Update: PHPrs v.3b has been released, grab your copy today!

I am not a blogger, I want to state that up front!  I just wanted to have something quick and easy to maintain and update that lets me get my latest project out into the world.

Have you ever needed to provide support for a remote client or family member?  I’m sure we’ve all had times like that.  What are your options?

• Drive to the site  – time consuming, expensive (gas/tolls/etc), waste of time in most support cases.
• Use standard RDP technology — works great …if… the router is already configured for port forwarding. (ever try and walk your technophobe grandmother through configuring port forwarding on her router?).
• GoToAssist — amazing product that is easy for both parties to use, but it is not cheap (starting at $69 USD per month).
• WebEX — again, an amazing product, but also very expensive.
• CrossLoop (or alternatives) — again, a product that is easy for both parties to use and it is free! (however, it is not easy and straightforward for someone with zero computer ability to download and install themselves).

That’s where PHP Remote Support comes in, based on Rob Platt’s ASP version, PHP Remote Support allows you to host your own GoToAssist clone, FREE!  Using UltraVNC’s Single Click addon, PHP Remote Support will automatically generate a unique 5 digit session code that is provided to the user requesting support.

Upon entering their session key, the system will dynamically compile the UVNC server for their session key and automatically connect to your VNC repeater and wait for you to connect.  On the support side, it will also compile a VNC viewer that automatically connects to your repeater and to their session id.

After the support session is complete, the viewer and server will automatically remove themselves from their respective systems, leaving no trace of their existence.  Allowing the support technician to use any available workstation without requiring any sort of installation.

Nothing could be simpler!

Setup is also fairly easy, requiring only PHP5+, and a web server that has the 7zip and upx binaries installed, other than the repeater there is nothing else to configure except the ip address and port of your repeater.

Hit the read more link to see a complete workflow of the entire support process.

Example Workflow

Lets set the scene.  You are enjoying a beverage at your local coffee shop when a client phones you in a panic!

Client: HELP, HELP!  I was editing the monthly budget report and all of a sudden there are weird characters on my screen!! The budget needs to be printed in 30 minutes, you have to get here ASAP to fix it or I’ll be fired!

You: I’m sorry to hear about your troubles, however I am over an hour away at the moment, but I have a great idea how I can help you RIGHT NOW!

You whip out your net-book and log on to the coffee shops wifi and log into the PHP Remote Support admin web page.

You: Could you please open your browser and type the following into the address bar at the top: http://remotesupport.example.com

Client: What’s a browser?

You: *internal sigh*  Double click the big blue ‘e’ on your desktop. and type http://remotesupport.example.com into the white box at the top of the screen.

Client: Oh okay!  It’s asking for a session key?

You: Yep!  Please type in 12345 and click ‘Begin Session’.  When the box pops up just click run, and allow any security warnings that appear.

You now click on your own ‘Begin Session’ button on the admin page. Which will automatically connect you to your clients remote computer, allowing you to take control and see what they see.

You notice that the client has inadvertently enabled the ‘show hidden characters’ option in Word.  Two quick clicks and you have saved the day, all without leaving the coffee shop.

In short, PHP Remote Support allows you to support your clients anywhere, anytime, for free!

(Please Note:  PHP Remote Support does NOT currently include the repeater server.  However it is free, extremely simple to install and configure, and available for both Windows and Linux.)