Help in offering computer help services

[ViceOfBTC21]

I understand that most people here are tech savvy.

I'm an power user when it comes to computers in general, including Bitcoins. Recently I wanted to offer a computer help to people who might have difficulty doing something on their computers and smartphones. People would pay me in Bitcoins if I manage to fix something. Of course it's going to be escrowed so the people can't try to scam me.

I'm aware of TeamViewer screen sharing, however, the risk is that people might call me a scammer because it allows me to control the computer which I'm connected to, even though I have no malicious intentions. So what app should I use instead?

How high should prices be?

[jossiel]

How high should prices be?

Depends to you if you will set per hour rate or per help. You should be the one that's declaring price on it and if someone asks for your help and he finds your rate to be high then negotiate but, if you think they're low balling you, negotiate too.

Start your thread on Service for that.

[NeuroticFish]

I'm aware of TeamViewer screen sharing, however, the risk is that people might call me a scammer because it allows me to control the computer which I'm connected to, even though I have no malicious intentions. So what app should I use instead?

If you think that the one you are helping can do the steps you are telling him (which usually is not really true or it's extremely slow), Microsoft Teams, Skype or Zoom allows you work with screen sharing in view only mode. Possibly also Google Meet, but that one I never used. Some of these options also allow you get full control of the other's computer if (and only if) the other user allows it.

[pakhitheboss]

I have been using Microsoft teams for the past 5 months now and it is a great app if you know how to use it?

I recommend you to use this app as it does allow you to share your screen with others you can ask the user to follow the screens and then can guide him to resolve the issue.

You do not need to take control of thier screens. You can also create possible scenario PPT which you can show them in live conversation.

[GreatArkansas]

(...)
I'm aware of TeamViewer screen sharing, however, the risk is that people might call me a scammer because it allows me to control the computer which I'm connected to, even though I have no malicious intentions. So what app should I use instead?

How high should prices be?

The software you use now is quite good, I already tried to use TeamViewer. There are a lot of other alternatives besides TeamViewer.
Try some open-source software for screen sharing like https://tigervnc.org/ or https://www.tightvnc.com/.
Your kind of service is possible here, try to make your thread in Services section and you just state what you can do and just name your price, start with the minimum, or based on how difficult the work is.

[Pffrt]

Any app give you access will be risky for the other side. On the other hand, without getring access by yourself, I doubt you can solve a lot of problems.

How high should prices be?

It should be fixed by you only. You know how much afford you are giving to and how much your afford worths. Some people charge $10 for 1000 words article while some other charges $100 or in some cases higher too. It depends on people who offer the services.

[crwth]

So you are offering software services? Anything that could be done remotely? Is that your whole gig? I think it's not a bad idea, but most software-related things can be researched/googled now. So what's your edge against that?

You do know that the person could see what you are doing on the PC, right? If you were to do something, they could see it right away.

You could also use AnyDesk for your remote connection needs.

For the thread here in the forum, you could follow what jossiel mentioned, the service board could be a good start.

[asianguy845]

I think a solution would be screen-sharing (using Zoom, Discord, etc.) and you can see their screen but not control it. You can tell them what to do to fix their PC and there would be no problems.
As for the price I have no idea. I guess it depends on the problem and how long it takes. Look at the services for more ideas on how to price it.

Hope this helps 

[Raja Singa]

I think a solution would be screen-sharing (using Zoom, Discord, etc.) and you can see their screen but not control it. You can tell them what to do to fix their PC and there would be no problems.
As for the price I have no idea. I guess it depends on the problem and how long it takes. Look at the services for more ideas on how to price it.

Hope this helps 

Yes. ZOOM application is better compared to the others. The advantage is that you can study in groups. Apart from that, operators can schedule discussion times. https://us04web.zoom.us/

[LbtalkL]

If you are worried to be called scammer or what, why not just call them or chat and guide them on what solution that's needs to be performed. In my part, I am not really comfortable sharing control with my PC, what if some people downloaded a file and then it gets most important data of your system in just 1 click right? So I cannot blame some people being careful. It is really hard to get some clients online some people prefer to fix their gadgets and computer personally, If you really want to start a career with it why not build a shop and accept bitcoin payment.

[Harlot]

I have been using Microsoft teams for the past 5 months now and it is a great app if you know how to use it?

I recommend you to use this app as it does allow you to share your screen with others you can ask the user to follow the screens and then can guide him to resolve the issue.

You do not need to take control of thier screens. You can also create possible scenario PPT which you can show them in live conversation.

Yeah this might solve OP's problem when it comes to the client having trust issues with his services since the client has the full control of his own computer, however will the clients actually like this kind of service? Where they asked to be instructed by the service provider? On my part if I'm a client and I'm paying I personally don't think it would be a great idea if solving my own pc will require me to do even half of the work. It might be best for the OP to only build his reputation for his work and I know this is his best way to be trusted in his business. Also MS Teams also have a "Give Control" function that lets you permit someone to gain access in your shared screen.

[TheBeardedBaby]

Keep in mind that after helping those people if something happens sometime in the future like they get hacked or someone steal their funds, you gonna be the one to blame because you had access to their devices. Even if you have a positive intentions, there's always someone who will point a finger at you.
Just be prepared for such an outcome.

No good deed goes unpunished...

[DdmrDdmr]

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Team viewer or whatever other tool you use to access a third-party’s computer will always put you under the suspicion spotlight. With some tools you can determine to share the screen but not to render the control to an outsider (i.e. MS Teams), but then the support you provide will become arduous, and may well depend on the ability of the person to receive instructions through the chat or a voice ip call on the platform.

I recall receiving calls from an alleged Microsoft Services operator, kindly telling me that my laptop has a virus (pronounced with a very long rolling 'r'), and that they will kindly remove it (after gaining access to the computer of course). Such snake enchanter type kindness on behalf of Microsoft Services (an obvious scam, if that is not clear by now) makes any unknown/untrusted party near to guilty by association, even if it is just from a pre-emptive perspective to nullify all risk.