ShowMeWhatsWrong – a Simple Way to Screencast
The Sunday Afternoon App
If you’re your family or friend’s tech support, you know the frustrations of having to troubleshoot a computer issue without seeing what they’re doing and getting a play by play commentary with limited tech verbiage. Those less familiar in computers also feel the frustration when the have to refer their actions as “I clicked on the thingy.” (Mom, I’m talking to you 
)
ShowMeWhatsWrong.com is a dead simple way to get a screencast from your friend’s or family member’s computer. It is Java-based (Which when I tested it, I had to to download the missing plug-in. So heads up on that.), but helps those who are having the issue from getting lost in translation of geek-speak.
When you visit ShowMeWhatsWrong.com, you are prompted to enter your name and email. Hit “Generate”, and you’re sent an email with a link to share with the other person. When they go to that link, they will see this message, “Brett (Or your name when you do it) would like to help you by recording a video of your computer screen with audio from your built-in or plugged-in microphone if present.” All they do is type in their name and hit “Record”. When they’re done, they hit “Stop Recording”. ShowMeWhatsWrong prepares the video, and sends you another email with a link to where you can stream or download the screencast. ShowMeWhatsWrong also supports webcams and microphones to make it even easier to find out what’s wrong.
The screencast URL expires itself after seven days. It is a public URL, so you might not want to record yourself doing banking or confessing your life’s secrets. It also requires an internet connection (obviously), so if it’s an issue with internet connectivity, it’s not as helpful. But ShowMeWhatsWrong is a great and free service that is so simple a caveman could do it! Or even your non-tech friend and family.
If you have an app that you’d like to nominate for the Sunday Afternoon App, email me at brettbarner@godlysheep.com. Thanks for those who have already suggested some things. You’ll definitely be seeing your suggestions here soon! Keep ‘em coming!
ShowMeWhatsWrong [via MakeUseOf]
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Awesome find! I wasn't aware of this service.
If you're looking for something more advanced but still free, try logmein.com….
Definitely agree! Love logmein!