Remote Support

Have you found that you often run into computer problems that impact your ability to get work done, but are too small to warrant an on-site visit? Do you have questions about how to improve your workflow that only come to mind when you're in the middle of that task? A few minutes of remote support can often take the place of a more expensive on-site visit.

iChat support is available whenever Tom Owad is in the office. Just click the "Chat with Tom" button on the front page (or click here) or add SchnitzTech to your contacts list. iChat support is billed in 5 minute increments.

We also offer phone and screen sharing support. To receive remote screen sharing support, download and launch Schnitz Remote, then click connect. Your screen will pop up on mine and I'll be able to remotely see your screen and control your cursor until you click the disconnect button. Telephone and screen sharing support is billed in 15 minute increments. Schnitz Remote was designed by Schnitz Technology's owner, Tom Owad, and has several significant advantages over other remote software. Most other screen sharing tools work in one of two fashions:

1. Your computer is always listening for incoming connections.

   This method requires you to open your computer and your network to incoming connections, requiring increased attention to security. If anybody, anywhere guesses your password or discovers a security vulnerability, they can gain access to all your data. It also means that a remote technician can gain access to your computer at any time.

2. Your computer maintains a connection with an intermediate server.

   This method doesn't require modifications to your local network or firewall. Hence, is far more difficult for a mistake on your part to lead to a serious security vulnerability. The downside is that security is no longer in your control: it's in the control of the intermediary service handling hundreds or thousands of remote connections, and such a service is a far higher profile target than your computer alone. Some of these services, like LogMeIn, require you to give your system password to the service each time you connect. I don't ever type my system password into anything other than a dialog box presented by the system itself.

With Schnitz Remote, all connections are initiated from your computer and they only remain active until you click disconnect. It's not possible for us (or anybody) to connect unless you initiate the connection. Schnitz Remote is less then 1 MB in size. It requires no installation and can be completely deleted simply by dragging the application icon to the trash.