One of the biggest features of OS 10.5 Leopard that often goes un-noticed is the Screen Sharing you can do thru iChat. I do remote service with clients across the country at a moment's notice - no delays, no travel time! Sure, it doesn't beat actually being there - especially when you have to switch DVDs or plug in a drive but I find it covers 90%+ of the emergency service that needs to be done.

I see your screen on my end. We share control of the mouse. We talk over the computer - crystal clear audio, no long-distance. You sit back and learn!

I do a lot of desktop application support as well - I don't know the apps as well as some of the graphics pros I deal with do, but my job is to keep their applications working. So if you're stuck with any application, let me try to help remotely - it's instant support and it'll save you time and frustrations.

How to do it:

1. launch iChat (it's installed on every Mac)
2. signup (thru iChat) for a .Mac (free) or MobileMe account
3. add me to your buddy list using the PLUS sign in the bottom of your buddy window (my account is 'mdowsett@mac.com')
4. if I'm online, send me an Instant Message (double click my name in your buddy list and start typing) - if I'm not online, just call my cell
5. I'll initiate the screen-sharing for you

System Requirements:

• Any Mac running OS 10.5 (Leopard) (which has it's own requirements)
• any high-speed Internet Connection (any Cable or DSL)

Costs: My iChat screen-sharing support rates are 30% off of our on-site service charges and we bill a half-hour minimum. A credit card number is required for new clients prior to the support.

Automatic Connection: I'm up for helping anytime of the day...whenever I'm free. So some clients even allow me to automatically connect to their computer even when they aren't around. It requires a minor script installation that we can set up on our first Screen Sharing that you manually initiate. Ask me about it.