Windows has a build in Remote Assistance option called MSRA
Windows has a build in Remote Assistance option called MSRA
I'm very unhappy that "Remote assistance" has been removed in Version 12.1.2272.+1 Lots of useres used Avast Remote Assistance to help their friends/parents
I used it quite a lot to support my parents and found it very handy that I didn't need to install a third party tool for this purpose on my parents laptops (like e.g. Teamviewer).
Please Avast, bring back the "Remote assistance"!
Everybody who agrees with me, let's vote for this together.
A security suite purpose is to protect the user and not to offer remote assistance.+1
There are far better alternatives such as TeamViewer etc and it is in the best interests to let Avast focus on the security side to prevent users from getting infected with malware.
A security suite purpose is to protect the user and not to offer remote assistance.Exact - I don't need a kind of leatherman for 20 totally different purposes.
+1
The "Remote assistance" function for many years make Avast the AV of choice for me, for all my relatives, and for many of my friends that rely on my ability to "fix" their Windows. Without it, Avast is a very regular AV that has many competing alternatives.
Then you may use the older version...
Then you may use the older version...
I actually attempted to install an older version on a friend's pc, today. None of the older versions had a checkbox for Remote Assistance.
I was thinking of trying Teamviewer out but reading this on the BBC's website has put me off trying it out.https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2016/06/04/has-teamviewer-been-hacked-should-you-change-your-password/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36459015
There are other options then TeamWiewer
http://www.howtogeek.com/170740/the-best-tools-to-easily-perform-remote-tech-support/
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/remote-access/tp/free-remote-access-software.htm
Maybe I'm the suspicious type, but when a feature component is removed (and not simply disabled for the free version), I have to believe there are reasons that haven't been mentioned.Lots of problems, many did not get it to work
QuoteMaybe I'm the suspicious type, but when a feature component is removed (and not simply disabled for the free version), I have to believe there are reasons that haven't been mentioned.Lots of problems, many did not get it to work
Avasts solution always worked fine for me.Indeed. It was not dropped due to bugs or problems.
The main goal is to focus (technical) resources in protection features and, in fact, Remote Assistance was a feature used by very few % of Avast's users (and we have this data by telemetry).So you don't need to keep a reason for these "very few % of users" to be your loyal clients anymore?
Avasts solution always worked fine for me.Indeed. It was not dropped due to bugs or problems.
The main goal is to focus (technical) resources in protection features and, in fact, Remote Assistance was a feature used by very few % of Avast's users (and we have this data by telemetry).
Attention folks, check out the german section here https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=187825.0
User Asyn just created a questionnaire survey on this issue. You can vote there!
If you're not so good in German, here's the translation of the titel and the 3 given choices.
Helping a less knowledgeable user in a secure environment isn't exactly not security related. It was also a good selling point of the product. User securely helping user. :)Avasts solution always worked fine for me.Indeed. It was not dropped due to bugs or problems.
The main goal is to focus (technical) resources in protection features and, in fact, Remote Assistance was a feature used by very few % of Avast's users (and we have this data by telemetry).
So surprised to see such a solidarity for RA here!Great. Hurry up. :)
Seriously, the service was totally underused, we typically only had a few dozens of concurrent RA sessions at a time (compare this to the 200+ million of Avast AV users).
But alas, I do see your point. I think it was a really good idea in the beginning, we just felt a bit embarrassed about its actual implementation and so we decided to get rid of it. As you probably know, it was causing a lot of issues and was quite slow (at least compared to the industry-leading solutions like LogMeIn, TeamViewer etc).
Here's our current thinking about this whole thing: instead of spending all the engineering resources and building our own custom solution, we'd rather partner with someone who's an expert in the field, and who has a top-notch product that we could integrate into Avast.
What do you think about that?
Cheers,
Vlk
So surprised to see such a solidarity for RA here!
Seriously, the service was totally underused, we typically only had a few dozens of concurrent RA sessions at a time (compare this to the 200+ million of Avast AV users).
But alas, I do see your point. I think it was a really good idea in the beginning, we just felt a bit embarrassed about its actual implementation and so we decided to get rid of it. As you probably know, it was causing a lot of issues and was quite slow (at least compared to the industry-leading solutions like LogMeIn, TeamViewer etc).
Here's our current thinking about this whole thing: instead of spending all the engineering resources and building our own custom solution, we'd rather partner with someone who's an expert in the field, and who has a top-notch product that we could integrate into Avast.
What do you think about that?
Cheers,
Vlk
instead of spending all the engineering resources and building our own custom solution, we'd rather partner with someone who's an expert in the field, and who has a top-notch product that we could integrate into Avast.No need of integrate into Avast for good.There are many alternatives and users can use it separately. :)
What do you think about that?
So surprised to see such a solidarity for RA here!
Seriously, the service was totally underused, we typically only had a few dozens of concurrent RA sessions at a time (compare this to the 200+ million of Avast AV users).
But alas, I do see your point. I think it was a really good idea in the beginning, we just felt a bit embarrassed about its actual implementation and so we decided to get rid of it. As you probably know, it was causing a lot of issues and was quite slow (at least compared to the industry-leading solutions like LogMeIn, TeamViewer etc).
Here's our current thinking about this whole thing: instead of spending all the engineering resources and building our own custom solution, we'd rather partner with someone who's an expert in the field, and who has a top-notch product that we could integrate into Avast.
What do you think about that?
Cheers,
Vlk
I am very sorry avast has dropped remote assistance because I have promoted avast to all my customers because it had remote assistance and one of the best internet security's systems out there and it made it very simple to connect to my customers pc's. I work on customers all over the US!!! Now I got to go back to turbo meeting which is more complicated to use!! I guess I will stop offering avast to my customers!!!!
Which other anti-virus suite offers remote assistance?
It's got nothing to do with tech-savvy in my opinion, however, I would agree it has been convenient for some users to just rely on Remote Assistance and not install any third party tools on users they are required to help.
I still stand by original point though that Avast have made the correct decision of removing it from a security suite.
Guess all of your friends and relatives are tech savvy ??? Lucky you. :)I am very sorry avast has dropped remote assistance because I have promoted avast to all my customers because it had remote assistance and one of the best internet security's systems out there and it made it very simple to connect to my customers pc's. I work on customers all over the US!!! Now I got to go back to turbo meeting which is more complicated to use!! I guess I will stop offering avast to my customers!!!!
Which other anti-virus suite offers remote assistance?
It's got nothing to do with tech-savvy in my opinion, however, I would agree it has been convenient for some users to just rely on Remote Assistance and not install any third party tools on users they are required to help.
I still stand by original point though that Avast have made the correct decision of removing it from a security suite.
Guess all of your friends and relatives are tech savvy ??? Lucky you. :)I am very sorry avast has dropped remote assistance because I have promoted avast to all my customers because it had remote assistance and one of the best internet security's systems out there and it made it very simple to connect to my customers pc's. I work on customers all over the US!!! Now I got to go back to turbo meeting which is more complicated to use!! I guess I will stop offering avast to my customers!!!!
Which other anti-virus suite offers remote assistance?
It's got nothing to do with tech-savvy in my opinion, however, I would agree it has been convenient for some users to just rely on Remote Assistance and not install any third party tools on users they are required to help.
I still stand by original point though that Avast have made the correct decision of removing it from a security suite.
So surprised to see such a solidarity for RA here!But what you expect for the feature that is really needed a few times in a year for a few minutes? A year has 525600 minutes in it, you know. So "a few dozens of concurrent RA sessions" is a great sign of the RA usefullness, for me.
Seriously, the service was totally underused, we typically only had a few dozens of concurrent RA sessions at a time (compare this to the 200+ million of Avast AV users).
Then you may use the older version...
<snip>
By the way does anyone else have a hard time reading the letters in the verification? It sometimes takes me 3 attempts.
I am very sorry avast has dropped remote assistance because I have promoted avast to all my customers because it had remote assistance and one of the best internet security's systems out there and it made it very simple to connect to my customers pc's. I work on customers all over the US!!! Now I got to go back to turbo meeting which is more complicated to use!! I guess I will stop offering avast to my customers!!!!
I hope everybody is aware of the poll!? If not, please see my post in answer #35 and give your vote.The massages in here have already gotten Avast's attention. I just hope the act on bringing something
If you don't get your wish, its simple to run portable TeamViever in portable sandboxie it works beautifully, it doesn't leave any traces of registry at all in your system.You seem to forget that the while idea behind this user helping user part of Avast was to make it simple so that even the novice
If you have limited resources as far is software goes, use 7zip and extract both in folder than run it, when my dad was still alive in Poland I was maintaining his laptop on regular bases.
I hope everybody is aware of the poll!? If not, please see my post in answer #35 and give your vote.
Indeed. The participation there is quite disappointing to me :( I had expected far more...
Of those who voted, only 27 voted Yes.
Of those who voted, only 27 voted Yes.
You forgot to mention that these 27 voters correspond to a percentage of 73% who wants to have it back. And this is quite a lot ;-)
I don't have time for silly discussions.Then why did you start it ???
For every person in this thread there are probably 100,000 that feel the same way but do not know there is a forum to speak up. I did not know about this forum until I searched Avast Remote Assistance.
For every person in this thread there are probably 100,000 that feel the same way but do not know there is a forum to speak up. I did not know about this forum until I searched Avast Remote Assistance.
Same here
Hi Avast team,Sorry but I think you're rushing things a bit. The promise has already been made to bring it, or something similar, back.
what a nobrainer!!! You cannot treat your customers this way.
I persuaded all of my clients to move to AVAST just because of RA and it's ease of use (and the argument that they don't have to spend additional money for a separate TW/similar software licenses is pretty strong). Now it's gone without any kind of warning and I look like an idiot...and I don't like that feeling.
So... You've just lost few dozens of paying customers.
Regards,
Pavel
Hi Avast team,Sorry but I think you're rushing things a bit. The promise has already been made to bring it, or something similar, back.
what a nobrainer!!! You cannot treat your customers this way.
I persuaded all of my clients to move to AVAST just because of RA and it's ease of use (and the argument that they don't have to spend additional money for a separate TW/similar software licenses is pretty strong). Now it's gone without any kind of warning and I look like an idiot...and I don't like that feeling.
So... You've just lost few dozens of paying customers.
Regards,
Pavel
Like you, I'd like that to happen yesterday. Unlike you, I'm willing to wait a while for it to happen. :)
'
Sorry but there is no instant gratification. Have a little patience.
If not, it's your computer and your decision.
serious problems I have to deal with NOW.TeamViewer is available NOW
Sorry but you're missing the point. It needs to be included within Avast and needs to be very simple to use.Quoteserious problems I have to deal with NOW.TeamViewer is available NOW
Sorry but you're missing the point. It needs to be included within Avast and needs to be very simple to use.Quoteserious problems I have to deal with NOW.TeamViewer is available NOW
Guess you haven't read all the posts in this thread. :)Sorry but you're missing the point. It needs to be included within Avast and needs to be very simple to use.Quoteserious problems I have to deal with NOW.TeamViewer is available NOW
With respect, I disagree. It doesn't "need" to be included in Avast - it's not a security feature.
Avast see statistics and they can tell - it's not used on a high enough scale with millions of users.
I would agree that remote assistance was "convenient" for some users since they didn't need to install another application but that doesn't warrant it staying in if its not used much. Avast would need to provide support for it etc.
Sorry but you're missing the point. It needs to be included within Avast and needs to be very simple to use.Quoteserious problems I have to deal with NOW.TeamViewer is available NOW
With respect, I disagree. It doesn't "need" to be included in Avast - it's not a security feature.
<snip>
He asked for it NOW to solve whatever problems he haveSorry but you're missing the point. It needs to be included within Avast and needs to be very simple to use.Quoteserious problems I have to deal with NOW.TeamViewer is available NOW
He's not the one with the problem. The ones he supports with the RA that was built into Avast.He asked for it NOW to solve whatever problems he haveSorry but you're missing the point. It needs to be included within Avast and needs to be very simple to use.Quoteserious problems I have to deal with NOW.TeamViewer is available NOW
i doubt avast will have it back this week (if ever), but TeamViewer is available NOWvast do.
TeamViewer is available NOWSure it is, there are just few gotchas. It's not free for commercial use and it's not installed NOW on my client's PCs. The reason why it's not there is (or better was) that AVAST had such functionality.
With respect, I disagree. It doesn't "need" to be included in Avast - it's not a security feature.
Avast see statistics and they can tell - it's not used on a high enough scale with millions of users.
Hi guys, in case you want to vote on it, see: Reply #35
-> https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1321072
Simply because AVAST pulled the plug on a feature, rather than make it optional, I am going to start reccomending other Antivirus software.And that other software has remote features?
Please Avast, bring back the "Remote assistance"!
Then you may use the older version...Sorry but that's a totally unacceptable answer. Recommending using outdated software is never good from a security standpoint.that feature back
They have already committed to bring that feature back. I just wish it would happen sooner not later.
Guess you haven't kept up with the thread. :)They have already committed to bring that feature back. I just wish it would happen sooner not later.
Where have they committed?
Guess you haven't kept up with the thread. :)They have already committed to bring that feature back. I just wish it would happen sooner not later.
Where have they committed?
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=187712.msg1321811#msg1321811 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=187712.msg1321811#msg1321811)
Here's our current thinking about this whole thing: instead of spending all the engineering resources and building our own custom solution, we'd rather partner with someone who's an expert in the field, and who has a top-notch product that we could integrate into Avast.
What do you think about that? Vlk
I would say it is more of a sign of what 'may' happen in the future, given what Vlk said at the end of his post.
Only Avast can definitely answer that question.I would say it is more of a sign of what 'may' happen in the future, given what Vlk said at the end of his post.
That is also my interpretation, nothing has been committed.
I may repeat it...Does a vote have any more impact than what's being expressed here ??? :)
Hi guys, in case you want to vote on it, see: Reply #35
-> https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1321072 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1321072)
Well, it certainly won't hurt to (also) vote on it.I may repeat it...Does a vote have any more impact than what's being expressed here ??? :)
Hi guys, in case you want to vote on it, see: Reply #35
-> https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1321072 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1321072)
So surprised to see such a solidarity for RA here!It would certainly be nice to get an update from Avast as to the status of the promised replacement. :)
Seriously, the service was totally underused, we typically only had a few dozens of concurrent RA sessions at a time (compare this to the 200+ million of Avast AV users).
But alas, I do see your point. I think it was a really good idea in the beginning, we just felt a bit embarrassed about its actual implementation and so we decided to get rid of it. As you probably know, it was causing a lot of issues and was quite slow (at least compared to the industry-leading solutions like LogMeIn, TeamViewer etc).
Here's our current thinking about this whole thing: instead of spending all the engineering resources and building our own custom solution, we'd rather partner with someone who's an expert in the field, and who has a top-notch product that we could integrate into Avast.
What do you think about that?
Cheers,
Vlk
I've gotten some complaints about removing remote assistance and wishes for bringing it back in the Japanese forum too.Send them here to vote: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=187825.0
For Windows 10 users, I think they saw the change coming. The rest of you, no-one cares, get used to it! :)Strange that you posted this while I was in the middle of working on the following:
If you have the Anniversary Update the 'Quick Assist' app is in the Windows Accessories folder, simple 6 digit PIN and you can use the drawing tool to draw on the remote screen as well as control the keyboard and mouse. Task Manager has a button.
Is quick assist any different than the remote desktop connection of Windows 8? I added that to my taskbar. I can use it for one relatives computer but it will not help me with my moms computer (Vista)Check you PM. :)
It has been a while now since the feature has been removed, and I know that we have ONE response from the Avast Team, but it sure would be nice to hear how things are going.Hopefully it means they are putting it back soon. :)
***EDIT***Did someone forget to pull the page? This is still uphttps://www.avast.com/en-us/f-remote-assistance
It has been a while now since the feature has been removed, and I know that we have ONE response from the Avast Team, but it sure would be nice to hear how things are going.
***EDIT***
Did someone forget to pull the page? This is still up
https://www.avast.com/en-us/f-remote-assistance
Hopefully it means they are putting it back soon. :)
Attention folks, check out the german section here https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=187825.0
User Asyn just created a questionnaire survey on this issue. You can vote there!
If you're not so good in German, here's the translation of the titel and the 3 given choices.
Titel:
Wollt ihr die Fernunterstützung zurück? >>> Do you want to have the remote assistance back?
Choices:
Ja, unbedingt, habe die Funktion regelmäßig genutzt. >>> Yes, absolutely. I used this feature frequently.
Nein, dieses Tool hat in einem AV nichts verloren. >>> No, such a feature has no place in an AV security suite.
Ist mir eigentlich vollkommen egal. >>> It's actually completely irrelevant to me.
So come on guys. LET'S VOTE THERE! We got only 60 days to do so.
Why have you taken off the remote assistance that was one of the main reasons that I went for Avast as My Friend has many times got me out of trouble with .....instead you have added some extra thing that most people don`t want....please bring it back fast as I have a problem now for which I can`t get my Friend to sort it out......and don`t say use windows assistance as it is too long winded and Avast was so easy to use...... so please do the right thing and bring it back ....as I think when it come`s to renewing a lot of people might just jump ship if you get my Drift ...No pun intended.If you happen to have the latest version of Windows 10, there is Quick Assist. It's not long winded and easy to use:
Hi guys,I for one don't understand considering the original post by Vlk.
sorry for the delay in reply.
No we aren't planning to return the feature. We might cooperate with some specialist in this area as TemaViewer in future but we don't plan to develop it internally.
The reason is that the feature wasn't good enough and wasn't used enough. We don't want to have half-baked features in avast.
I hope you understand.
The reason is that the feature wasn't good enough and wasn't used enough.Eh perhaps it is just me, but I haven't seen any complaints about it from users.
We don't want to have half-baked features in avast.What was "half-baked" in the remote assistance ?
I for One liked Remote Assistance in Avast, but since Windows 10 and Windows 7 Home Premium can't use Remote Desktop, so with that system i'll keep Teamviewer in, and be happy as can be then. Thank you for the reply MartinZ.If you and the party needing help are on Windows 10 v1607, you could use this:
Hi guys,
sorry for the delay in reply.
No we aren't planning to return the feature. We might cooperate with some specialist in this area as TemaViewer in future but we don't plan to develop it internally.
The reason is that the feature wasn't good enough and wasn't used enough. We don't want to have half-baked features in avast.
I hope you understand.
The reason is that the feature wasn't good enough and wasn't used enough. We don't want to have half-baked features in avast.
So I & my extended family have been using Avast Internet Security for last several years(on my recommendation). Tonight, after an update I lost remote assistance and was unable to troubleshoot an issue on my mother's computer.You can always use Teamviewer "it's free" :)
I use remote assistance about every other week with my parents and my in-laws, because of the ease of use (and have been from day one of installing avast). I have 160 days left on my license, if the feature isn't back by then, I'm leaving and switching them over as well!
BTW... after just a little research I found Bitdefender offers a free remote assistance tool with its AV for a comparable price.
http://www.bitdefender.com/remote/
http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/antivirus.html
Here's hoping you reconsider your feature choice!!
BTW... after just a little research I found Bitdefender offers a free remote assistance tool with its AV for a comparable price.
http://www.bitdefender.com/remote/
http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/antivirus.html
Here's hoping you reconsider your feature choice!!
According to the link you posted, the remote assistance offered by Bitdefender IS TeamViewer!! ;D ;D
Please Bring back the Remote Assistance, with it i can help my relatives with their computer problems such as viruses , usb viruses , unhide hidden file cause of virus, show them how to do something or fixing something, etc . Avast please bring it back!!!Install free USB protection MCShield > http://www.mcshield.net/ it is a install and forget tool and highly recomended
Please Bring back the Remote Assistance,Se reply #150
According to the link you posted, the remote assistance offered by Bitdefender IS TeamViewer!! ;D ;D
Good point!!
Several month passed.Ofcourse not. See reply #150
No return of the useful option.
No replacement to it that was promised above.avast never promised a replacement.
Avast Free registration expiredavast free doesn't expire anymore.
<snip>
As the Avast developers discard our desires, there is time to discard Avast from our PCs.
I will count the PCs of my and my relatives/friends that are moved to another AV solutions:
<snip>
See reply #150QuoteNo replacement to it that was promised above.avast never promised a replacement.
That's true for the new registrations only.QuoteAvast Free registration expiredavast free doesn't expire anymore.
That's my point of view:<snip>
As the Avast developers discard our desires, there is time to discard Avast from our PCs.
I will count the PCs of my and my relatives/friends that are moved to another AV solutions:
<snip>
Personally that is a bit strange as no other AV (that I'm aware of) has a remote assistance function, so they won't have it there either.
There was no better AV solution while Avast has the "remote assistance" featureSo just because had this feature, it was the best av solution ?
Add to this the stupid new user interfaceYou only have to open the GUI on rare occasions.
You apparently made up your mind long before you started posting here.I started posing here at reply #8, so you can see my starting reasons. The official replies #31, #38, and #150 are what "made up my mind" then.
You were given alternativesNot by Avast developers, though. I definitely take one of them, thanks.
A car doesn't drive better just because it has a radio while others don't.Do you mean, that is a good reason to trash out working radio from a car that has it?
<snip quote>
Man I miss it. I have bought Avast Internet Security but as other software are not reliable under fluctuating network like Teamviewer I thought avast can help. But now I'm unable to find that Remote Assistance in Avast. Please add the Remote assistance in next program version. I bought the Avast and it is not allowing any software for remote connection.
I bought the Avast and it is not allowing any software for remote connection.Simply allow it in the firewall and/or set the correct exclusions for the RDP software you are using and it will work.
Today I had an advertisement from AVAST show up that offered Remote assistance as part of the program! After purchase and upgrade, it was clear that Remote assistance was not included. Shame on AVAST for misleading clients.Would love to see the ad your received, re- remote assistance, since it's been absent for some time.
For an IT professional who supports 100's of clients in several states I have recommended AVAST to all my clients from individuals to institutions. These companies and individuals are now seeking other products. AVAST has straied from the lean clean effective product, to one that caters to ppl that value the look of pretty colors over the functionality of a good product.
Please remove the following useless programs - not essential to an Anti virus pgm:
Passwords
Shredder
Browser Cleanup
Annoying popups
PLEASE STOP changing your interface, there was nothing wrong with the pre Windows 10 look - but now there are all these large buttons, rather than simple drop menus. I cannot find anything, because it is not clear where things are.
Please bring back the Remote option - please consider making is a separate program, I am willing to pay for it.
PLEASE NOTE: WINDOWS REMOTE ON Win 10 it is a 7 step process involving sending an invitation file and conveying a password.
When you finally do establish a connection, then you have to jump through additional hoops to use the mouse, as the initial connection loads in read only mode. Then after all that if you try to open an executable or zip file remotely Windows kicks you out and you need to start the entire process over.
This is really not much fun for inexperienced users on the phone and completely unnecessary.
PLEASE BRING BACK REMOTE ASSISTANCE!@!!!!!!
Today the last copy of Avast installed on my family PC's ask for update. Instead it was removed with the reason explaining: "I have no reason to prefer Avast among AV programs without the 'remote assistance' feature". Then another AV was installed. There are still a few copies of Avast installed on our friends' PCs. But we soon get rid of them for sure.I would have thought that you installed Avast to keep your systems safe not for it's ability to remotely access another computer.
Goodbye for Avast and its "effective" managers! :P
I would have thought that you installed Avast to keep your systems safe not for it's ability to remotely access another computer.As i say before, Avast never was the best AV. There are many another AVs "to keep my system safe". But Avast was a lone "good_AV + remotely_help" solution. So, your assume is wrong: literally i installed and recommended to install Avast on many PCs just "for its ability to remotely access another computer".
If both computer are on Windows 10, you can use Quick Assist (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20534/windows-10-quick-assist-faq).Thanks, but this isn't an option. There is a wide range of OS in my near environment (family and friends) from XP to 10 (excluding Vista probably). Avast was the solution that covers them all. After losing the option (without any warning, as you definitely know, which is at least disrespectful) i was forced to switch to TeamViewer that is much more complex. So i was forced not only to install it on many PCs but also to teach their users how to use it correctly and safely. This abruptly task make me angry for a long time.