CrossLoop: A free and very easy to configure screen sharing app

August 22, 2008 by admin

Screen sharing is one of the last of the holy grails of true collaborative computing. It’s so much easier to show somebody a process as opposed to trying to explain it over the phone. While screen sharing has been free and around forever, going through a complex set of software and network configuration to get it working is a hassle.

Enter CrossLoop, an upstart that has simplified the process and made screen sharing as easy as instant messaging. Zero configuration, no router settings, and a very simple interface for folks a little intimated by this sort of thing.

After selecting whether to “access” or “share” all the user needs to do is hit connect. The host is given an access code to share with the person connecting, and it will only accept connections for two minutes after the connect button is pushed.

CrossLoop uses the open source VNC for the actual screen sharing. Connections are fast and responsive, and each session is encrypted to prevent network snooping.

CrossLoop is free for individual use. They will be monetizing their business by running a matchmaking service that connects those in need of computer help with freelance techies who will assist for a fee. It’s an innovative business model that might actually make them profitable. It sure beats calling foreign call centers or having the Geek Squad mangle up your computer.

My only complaint is the lack of Mac support. Given that CrossLoop is built on VNC, which powers Apple’s own remote desktop application, I’m sure a Mac version won’t be far away.

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Comments

Mrinal

Lon - Thank You from us all at CrossLoop. We appreciate your recognition and the fact that you shared it 'with the world'. Means a lot to us!
As far as your only complaint - coming soon to a blog near you ;)
Have a great weekend

lonseidman

You are quite welcome. I needed to walk somebody through a rather complex process this afternoon and this was a huge lifesaver. Keep up the great work, can't wait for a Mac client!

Constantin

Dear lonseidman,

Please also consider TeamViewer (www.teamviewer.com) for a post.

It is a free tool for desktop sharing, remote control, online presentations, VPN,...It offers very comprehensive features like session recording, Mac OS compatibility, remote reboot and is completely free of charge for private use with no limitations at all.

Today we reached the 15 million user boundary and also implemented a Whiteboard feature, which allows you to draw on the screen. BTW, we also have a Mac Client;)

We would be glad if you would also share your impressions about TeamViewer with your readers.

Please feel free to contact me if any questions should remain.

All the best,
Constantin

lonseidman

Constantin,

Thank you for the recommendation! I will try and review teamviewer the next time I have an opportunity to use a desktop sharing app.

-Lon

andy boyd

Thanks Lon, looks like a very promising product.

Anyone know of something similar but that supports two mouse cursors? I'm looking for something I can use to do one-on-one software training sessions, so it would be nice if I got a cursor and the user did also, that way I can point to things on the screen and walk them through the process while they do the actual execution, as opposed to having to bounce control back and forth with only one cursor.