• Windows Remote Assistance is a feature built in to Windows XP, Vista and 7, which allows a remote operator to take control of your computer over a computer network or the Internet. It is especially useful when you need remote service and support; a technician can review your settings and make configuration repairs without talking you through the procedure or charging you for an on-site visit. Remote Assistance includes features you should know about before you make your next technical support call.
  
  

Windows Messenger Integration

• You can initiate a Remote Assistance session directly from within Windows Messenger. Invite the individual from whom you want to receive assistance to chat in Messenger. Then click "Ask for Remote Assistance" under the "Tools" menu.
  
  

Recipient Confirmation

• The individual receiving Remote Assistance gets a notification when an outside party wants to initiate an assistance session, and he must confirm that request before the other party takes control of the remote computer.
  
  

Email Support

• If you wish to establish a Remote Assistance session, you can also invite a second party via email. Click "Help and Support" under the Windows "Start" menu. In the Web page that appears, click on "Ask for Assistance," which opens a dialog box that lets you send an email to someone who's help you want. This sends an invitation with a link, and when the recipient receives it, he can click the link to initiate the Remote Assistance session.
  
  

File Transfer Support

• If the person providing support needs to install a file on your computer, he or she can transfer files within the Remote Assistance screen. It's as simple as clicking "Send a File" in the Remote Assistance chat screen.
  
  

Continuous Chat

• All through the Remote Assistance session, the people on either end of the line can engage in live chat. This eliminates the need to keep a phone connection going during a Remote Assistance session.