If you’re accustomed to a daily tech-help call from Mom or Grandma, this tip is for you:

Use remote control software to see what’s going on with someone else’s computer. As long as you both have broadband, you can take advantage of this tool. CNET outlines two options:

• Use Microsoft’s remote control console. This free utility comes with Windows and allows your parents to send a help request to your machine. Microsoft even provides handy setup instructions for XP and Vista. Unfortunately many versions of Windows don't support being remotely controlled (only Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate), however any version of XP or Vista should be able to do the controlling.

• The other alternative is a third party application on. Running TightVNC will allow you to remote control any version of Windows XP or Vista.

Visit CNET’s Tech Support for Your Parents for elaboration.

Photo CC 2.0, Pim Rupert