Service News: Screen Sharing Saves the Day!

To enhance your experience with our service, we recently added secure Web-based screen-sharing capability that enables our analysts to remotely view and control your computer, with your permission, of course. This service has gotten rave reviews from Realtors who have been at a loss, such as Linda D. who wrote,

"It was wonderful, and immeasurably helpful!!!!!I love the idea of having the technician able to visually help solve a problem, and for me to be able to see how he resolves issues."

How does the screen-sharing service work?
Once it's been determined that screen-sharing might help in your situation, your tech analyst will have you click through to our website to connect to the service. Once you connect to the service, you are prompted to download a small, self-installing plug-in, which allows your tech analyst to view your desktop and share control of your mouse and keyboard. At any time during a support session, you can take control of your computer just by moving your mouse. You will be in charge at all times.

Can my tech analyst look through files without my knowledge?
Absolutely not. Your analyst sees only what you see and whatever you permit him or her to see on your computer screen. Before your tech analyst views your screen, he or she will first ask your permission and request that you close all documents containing private information.

How is security maintained?
At the beginning of a screen-sharing session, you and your tech analyst are connected via a communication server. The screen data that is passed between you and your tech analyst during a session is highly compressed using proprietary technology that can be viewed only with our software. This data is also encrypted using 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. Privacy principles are TRUSTe compliant. After the session has ended, your tech analyst can no longer see your screen or access your computer unless you make another explicit request for support.

What are the minimum requirements for my computer and Internet connection?
For your tech analyst to view your desktop, your computer should meet these requirements:

• 28.8Kbps or greater Internet connection (56K recommended)
• Required Pentium-class PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, NT 4.0 or XP
• Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape 4.0 or higher
• Recommended: Ability to make direct outgoing TCP connections, or availability of a SOCKS server or an HTTP proxy

Is the plug-in virus free?
Yes, the plug-in is safe. We're as concerned as you are about this issue, so regular virus checks and updates are conducted. This helps us maintain our technology at the highest standard to ensure superior quality service. The warning message you might see on your screen is a default message displayed by your browser when you download executable files. You can feel confident using this plug-in.

What is the size of the file that I will download to engage in a screen-sharing session with my tech analyst?
The file size ranges between 244Kb and 712Kb.

Are there any files or folders left on my computer after the session ends?
The downloaded file stays on your computer; however, the file is useless without a new "encryption key." To download a new encryption key, you would need to initiate a subsequent session with a tech analyst. Screen-sharing sessions have to be initiated by you, not a tech analyst.

Copyright 2003 FAR