Remote Computer Access a Priority for Americans
Remote access to a computer has become a priority for millions of Americans who connect to the Internet via multiple devices.
Nearly four out of five Americans want the freedom to control another person’s computer in order to help friends or relatives who live to far away for face-to-face sessions, according to a new survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Harris Interactive for TeamViewer, a manufacturer of remote control and online presentation software.
When accessing another computer, the remote display appears on the controller's desktop and he can navigate the remote computer as if it was his own.
Access is for teaching
Teaching opportunities was the most cited reason for wanting remote access. Two-thirds of the respondents said remote access was important to help someone learn how to fix a problem with their computer, while 58 percent said it would be helpful to show a relative how to use a complicated program.
Other reasons included helping someone check email and surf the Internet, play games with distant friends, help friends update their résumés and assist a loved one with researching a highly contagious disease.
However, remote access was not seen as just an aid for helping others. The study also revealed that Americans deem remote access as critical when away from their computers. If they can’t access an important document from another device, panic ensues.
No access prompts panic
What happens when remote access is not available? Anxiety sets in for about half of the respondents and 31 percent worry they will lose their jobs. Thirty percent of respondents run to the nearest phone, 25 percent said they “feel like they were kicked in the gut,” 22 percent shout expletives and 12 percent feel like vomiting.
Women and single people are more likely to feel nervous, worry about getting fired and become nauseous once they realize they’ve forgotten important documents. Men ages 35 to 44 were more likely than women in their age group to shout expletives.
