They say there?s nothing better than someone showing you how to perform aparticular task. Back in the late 80s, this was how information about how tounderstand computers spread from person to person. Problem is that we now haveto rely on books, the Internet and our own skills to teach ourselves how tocomplete a particular task.

However, there's a different way. You could ask someone to help you over theInternet. With fast broadband, you could easily either offer your skills toanother person or find someone with particular skills to help you finish a task.For example, if you wanted to get up to speed with Microsoft Excel, you couldask for someone to show you how to use the application, or do some of your workfor you, over the Internet.

How does this work? You need a specialist tool and TeamViewer is one of thebest applications available. On a private home-user level, you can organise a1:1 connection for free. This would enable you to you to help a friend for free.You install the TeamViewer software on your computer and the remote user (oryourself, if you're asking for help) simply initiates a TeamViewer module ontheir machine. This module does not need installation. The remote user can thencontrol your computer, upload/download files and show you how to performparticular tasks. Of course, they could help you fix issues, too. You can stopthe session and any time, too.

The best thing about TeamViewer is that, if you possess certain computerskills, you could put these to use helping other users understand their machinesand charge a fee for this service. You'll need to purchase a TeamViewercommercial license to use it to make money, and these start at around $649 for aBusiness license. This would also enable you to help more than one user, openingmultiple sessions and also track and manage multiple customers.

Note that the download here is the Mac version of TeamViewer. Your users, orthose requiring help, will need to download the separate TeamViewerQuickSupport module from the website.