Something that we do here at ELC, is pairing and remote pairing. We used several programs like iChat, Coda, Screen, Adobe Connect and even presentation software (like GoToMeeting, Yumga, and Glance). Here’s my opinions on them, except for the presentation sites.
The Programs
Screen
- + Works between Linux, Windows, and Mac
- - No audio chat support
- - Needs to be setup on a *nux environment
- - No GUI
iChat
- + Audio Chat
- + Allows both users to control the machine of one person
- + Comes with OS X 10.5
- - Only works in iChat and between Mac users.
- - Does not work between firewalls
Coda
- + Both Users can collaborate on one machine
- + Works behind firewalls
- - No audio chat support
- - The way to share files is a hassle, need to drag files in editor.
- - Mac Only
Abode Connect
- + Fast and good quality images
- + Audio chat and telephone conference line supported
- + Anyone can screen share
- + Works for Windows and Mac users
- + Works behind corporate firewalls
- - No one can edit files on the same machine
- - Doesn’t work for all users
Skype
- + Audio Chat
- + Anyone can screen share
- + Works for Mac users only currently
- + Works behind firewalls
- - Audio quality is not that great
- - Image quality is not great for high resolution screens
VNC Server
- + Users can modify file on one machine
- + Works for Windows, Mac, and *nix users
- - Does not work well behind firewalls
As soon as screen sharing with iChat came out, I used it exclusively. It was great for a while, until I had to screen share with non mac users and users behind firewalls.
I decided to tested out Skype’s new Screen Sharing feature and it’s pretty solid. It doesn’t allow other users to control your machine but it will show them your screen or a section of it. The audio is not too good. However, I was able to screen share while we could not establish a VNC connection or iChat connection.
I’m wondering what everyone else use for screen sharing? Please put your suggestions in the comments.
RightSignature
5 Comments
I typically use iChat for 1 on 1 collaborative kinda stuff, but has anyone given subethaedit a try? I’ve always wanted to but never got around to it.
http://www.codingmonkeys.de/subethaedit/
Have you considered http://copilot.com. It is basically VNC but without the firewall or other connectivity problems. Obviously a commercial product so you have a subscription. But with their OneClick feature you could easily connect to a developer you often deal with or you can do the ad-hoc invitation codes for developers you deal less often with. Works mostly on Mac and Windows but I have actually run their client in Wine successfully so you can even do it on Linux if you want.
I haven’t tried copilot. I also just heard about of netOp from Shane. They both might be worth trying next time.
It may be a bit unrelated, but Max and I have recently been pairing at the same desk on our own computers using the built-in Mac screen-sharing facility. It works wonderfully and we don’t feel like we’re breathing down each others’ necks. I highly recommend this setup in your favorite coffee shop.
TJ is right, using the built in mac screensharing is pretty nice, I think that it’s VNC all gussied up with some mac UI elements.
I have a great story about Subethaedit(formerly known as Hydra). Back in ‘03 I had just started a new job, acting as an all encompassing IT manager for a small business. I had just sat down at my new desk, opened up my laptop to setup our brand spanking new Xserve(G4!) and someone IM’s me over the Rendezvous(now bonjour, this was seriously way back when!) network and we start talking. Python eventually comes up and I get a link to grab this crazy pair programming tool called Hydra, we start hacking at python, I don’t get any real work done that morning and the person that IM’d me is still a very good friend almost 6 years later. In short, SubEthaEdit rocks!