Google

This section describes how to use two Google products for getting remote help with issues that may arise during the course.

The first is Google Hangouts which is a video chat program, similar to Skype and FaceTime. The second is Google Remote Desktop which allows another person to access your computer.

Prerequisites

To use both Google Hangouts and Google Remote Desktop you will need:

Note

Please use a Gmail address for all your correspondence regarding this course.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts (shortened to “Hangouts”) is a video chat program that will allow you to communicate with an instructor remotely.

Prerequisites

In order to use Hangouts for the course you need the following:

  • a desktop or laptop computer
  • a working microphone and video camera

Installing

To install Hangouts first go to www.google.com/hangouts and click “Get Hangouts” and select the “Computers” target. If you are not running Google Chrome, this will prompt you to install it. Follow the instructions to install the Hangouts extension for Chrome.

Using

Once Hangouts is installed you may use it to start or join conversations via Google Plus. To start a conversation use Chrome to go to plus.google.com/hangouts. Next go to the bottom right and click “Start a video Hangout”. This will open a new window setting up the conversation. You can then enter the email address of the people you wish to invite or send them an email with the link.

Google Remote Desktop

Google Remote Desktop (shortened to Remote Desktop) allows you to share your computer with others.

Warning

Be aware that Remote Desktop gives someone total access to your computer. Please be careful not to provide access to an untrustworthy guest.

There are two phases to using Remote Desktop:

  • Setup: install and configure Remote Desktop
  • Sharing: allow access to your computer

Setup: Installing

To install Remote Desktop opening Google Chrome and navigating to the Remote Desktop application site. Next, click + ADD TO CHROME button in the upper right-hand corner.

Setup: Configuring

You then need to configure Remote Desktop by launching it. This requires you to authorize the application.

Once Remote Desktop is authorized launch it by opening a new tab in Google Chrome and clicking on the “Apps” icon on the upper left. Next click the “Google Remote Desktop” icon to launch.

If this is the first time running, click on the “Get Started” button in the “My Computers” box and click “Enable remote connections”. This may trigger a download of the Chrome Remote Host application which you should install. Finally you need to create a PIN and confirm it.

Sharing

In order provide access to your computer first launch the Remote Desktop application as described above. Now click on the “Share” button in the “Remote Assistance” box. This will generate a code for the session which you will need to communicate to the person you are providing access to. Once they enter this code the session will begin.

Note

The access code generated is valid only for the duration of the session.

Warning

As warned above, be aware this sharing gives total access to your computer to the guest.

Further Information

You can find more details on the Google Support website.