Review: Yuuguu - Easily Screen Share Mac and Windows

[ScottW]

I have longed to find a service/application that was easy for both user and tech to use that allowed screen sharing between not only Mac systems, but Windows and Mac. While you can easily screen share systems on the same network, or with previously configured internet routers and firewalls using applications like VNC or Apple Remote Desktop that provide a very pleasant remote control experience, but it is a nightmare to get access to remote systems that are behind firewalls and home internet gateways. You can make SSH Tunnels, you can do this or that, but quite frankly, what a royal pain for the non-tech, or the tech trying to get a remote user setup so they can access it.

Yuuguu appears to be making this entire process simple. Using a "Instant Message" type client, Yuuguu loads up with your contacts, and you can easily add contacts or invite contacts you wish to screen share with to join up, simply by adding their email address. Your contact then downloads the software, setups a quick account, and then login. Once logged in, they will auto-show on your Contact list. The entire process, while it requires email verification is easy and straight forward, even for those apprehensive about downloading and installing software.

Once your both online, you begin a standard IM type session, where you can chat the night away, but where Yuuguu breaks from standard IM clients is the "Show" button. This button allows a user to share their screen with, in this example a tech, or a family member providing remote support. The tech can then request remote control, and once the user approves, then screen sharing is fully activated. Mac users can control Windows and vise-versa.

The screen sharing interface is not as fully interactive as using VNC or Apple Remote Desktop, however, it is very fast. The default uses 256 colors, and remote screens load in a snap. The user may opt for full-color (I think should be the controlling user's preference) but is much slower, as you would expect. Instead of moving a curser around the screen, you move a red circle pointer. You can resize the screen being shared simple by adjust the window size which is very quick.

My first real world use of this came just after I downloaded it, having no idea what to expect, I contacted my accountant who is running Windows and was needing some assistance. I couldn't help him over the phone, as it was taking too long, and I tend to work better with a hands on approach. I sent him the link and a little bit later, he popped up on the Contact List. I started an IM session with him and asked him to "Show" his screen, of which he did. It worked great on the first try, it was fast, and I was able to resolve the issue my accountant was having much faster than trying to talk him through the process on the phone.

The application at this writing is in Beta status and use of the application is free.

For more information, visit http://www.yuuguu.com.

[hemel]

Hi Scott - thanks for the review. Just to let you know we're going to be releasing some new stuff at DEMOfall www.demo.com in a couple of weeks time. The Yuuguu client automatically updates with the new features so you don't have to reinstall again. Best Philip, Yuuguu.