Crossloop logo, shamlessly kiped from their website.

Chances are very good that since you’re reading this post, you posses at least a modicum of computer knowledge. Most of you, likely much more than that. That in mind, I’m sure that many of you, like me, have heard the dreaded words, “Hey, I’m having this problem with my computer….”

Alright. There are two basic responses us techies generally lean towards. Some will perk up a bit and start fishing for more useful information, pleased to have the opportunity to show off some of their stuff. Others instantly develop a searing pain in the pit of their guts, and frantically begin scanning the room for the nearest window to leap out of, mindless of glass-inflicted lacerations, already imagining phrases like “The cup holder on my PC won’t retract!”

In the end, many of us relent, and may turn to remote assistance tools. I’ve used one or two of them, and I eventually got them working, but configuring on my end was a PITA, and even harder to walk a n00b through configuration over the phone 1000 miles away.

On their website, Crossloop has a blurb from a user comment that states “Brilliant little application. How could I ever live without it?”. I may not go that far, but even having not heard of it until a few days ago, it’s going in my ‘keeper’ file.

In the creation of this handy little utility, the designers of Crossloop appear to have successfully stuck to the mantra “K.I.S.S.” – Keep It Simple, Stupid. Perhaps they’ve stuck to it a tad too aggressively, but I digress for the moment.

The installer is less than 3 megs, quick to download and easy to drop onto a USB stick and take with you. Installation was done here in about 20 seconds.

The interface is very simple, but don’t let it fool you. It might be dressed like a Volkswagen, but it’s packin’ a Hemi! Upon opening Crossloop, you are presented with 2 fields, already pre-filled for you. The program generates a 12 digit code for you, which ensures that only the computer you wish has access to Crossloop’s servers and your machine.

Hosting tab view

Join tab view

There is no configuration needed at either end, and the connection was established in seconds. I had full access to all aspects of the remote machine, the connection remained open without a hitch for over 30 minutes.

Crossloop does have a few options, such as a wide variety of available languages, and several skins to choose from.

Since security is such a big issue with utils like this, here’s what Crossloop themselves have to say about the subject:

Crossloop is powered by the proprietary Crossloop VIP Tunnel, a secure peer-to-peer data transmission system. Crossloop encrypts all files and messages exchanged on our network to ensure user privacy. Only you and your invited friends or family can view or share control of your computer. A Crossloop session can only begin on your computer by explicitly inviting them to begin a session. All data sent over the Crossloop network is encrypted at the endpoints using a 128-bit Blowfish encryption. For more detailed information on Crossloop security, visit our security page.

Another tidbit many of you may enjoy is the knowledge that Crossloop uses an open-source VNC (Virtual Network Computing) viewer and server combination from TightVNC. Score another one for the Open-Source movement!

In short, this *is* a brilliant little program. I’m quite certain I’ve been won over, and will undoubtedly make use of it. While the intent was to make it absolutely painless to use, if you’re accustomed to being elbow-deep in things, you may feel that Crossloop lacks a bit in the bells & whistles area, but I feel confident that you’ll like it anyway.

Pros:

Small, easy, stable, free.

Cons:

Veterans may yearn for more options.

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