Remote access software

[#1]

I occasionally need to gain remote access to my brothers laptop as he is not that savvy when it comes to anything computer related. Can anyone recommend some free easy to setup software that could give me this, preferably something that has reasonable security and doesn't slow the machines down. I used Real VNC many years ago but seem to recall it was often hit and miss. I googled it and found some software called 'Teamviewer' which appears to be free for non commercial users but it seems to get mixed reviews.
My brother's laptop runs windows 7, my old faithful runs XP but I could use my wife's laptop on windows 7 if required. I would need to be able to create folders for email, move stuff around, help with configuring bits and bobs, basic stuff really.
Any suggestions appreciated.

[#2]

I have used teamviewer without issue for a while now, both mac to pc and pc to pc.

[#3]

Log Me In (even the free version) seems to work well.
Also has an iPhone app.

[#4]

@dvorak - that's good to hear, it might give it a try.
@Alex - we did register for the free trial of logmein, installed it but didn't have cause to use it in the 3mths or whatever the trial period was and then promptly received an email saying the trial period had expired !, not sure if they do a permanently free home user version now?

[#5]

No they do a free version, but it'll default to a trial of the paid-for version (obviously in the hope you'll pay for it).
I use it on my server here - was handy to have a backup means of access when I was playing with port forwarding and killed my remote desktop connection
It's used by the sysadmin at work too - I think the main limitation of the free version is you can't transfer files.

[#6]

Well I've used a few different pieces when I was working as an IT Admin, I've found Teamviewer is the best in my opinion, the free version is as good as the commercial (without the cost) and you can even use it browser based or with Iphone/Linux/Android etc.
Logmein is okay but we moved away from that in favour of teamviewer.
Norton had one as well (PCAnywhere), not used it in years though (rubbish)

[#7]

Windows Remote Assistance works very easily from one Windows 7 machine to another and you don't have to install additional software.

[#8]

Interesting responses, thanks.
Can you use remote assistance on Win 7 home edition or do you need pro?

[#9]

I have W7 Home Premium and have used Remote Assist.

[#10]

TeamViewer QuickSupport is a simple and secure solution.
Works very well in my experience.
It also supports pretty much any OS, including XP.

[#11]

Never had any issues with LogMeIn (free).
I've been using it for many years including accessing several remote machines in different locations at the same time. There is a limit to 10 remote machines, though. I have just reached that limit but I don't envisage requirements for more.

[#12]

Quote from: rja66

Can you use remote assistance on Win 7 home edition or do you need pro?

I use remote assistance between pro (64) and home (32) edition, works well, both systems have multiple monitors all monitors are shown.

[#13]

Quote from: Strat

I have W7 Home Premium and have used Remote Assist.

Likewise.  Recently I used it from my Windows 7 Home computer to another Windows 7 Home computer a few hundred miles away.  It was very easy to set-up. 

[#14]

Another vote for Teamviewer. I have a disabled, computer (fairly)illiterate sister in law who lives 100 miles from us. Use Teamviewer for support, she has Windows 7, I am still using XP, it supports VoIP thus allowing conversation. Free for personal use.

[#15]

Teamviewer  best free one