Fog Creek CopilotSM is a simple and inexpensive service that allows friends, relatives, and customers to help each other solve their computer problems by letting one person temporarily connect to the computer of the other over the Internet. Fog Creek Copilot is inexpensive, fast, easy, secure, and works with any firewall or router without having anything to install or any settings to configure.

Using the Fog Creek Copilot service.

While connected as a helper, you see the desktop of the person you're helping in its own window. As you move your mouse within this window, the other's mouse pointer moves, and as you type, the text appears on both of your screens. A status bar on top of the window tells you how much time is left in the Day Pass. Troubleshoot and fix your family's, friends', coworkers', or customers' computers as if they were your own. Save time and energy by not having to physically be at the problematic computer. If your computer is the one being fixed by a helper, you'll see a dialogue box that tells you about your connection and that has a button allowing you to kick off the helper at anytime. Sit back and watch as the helper navigates your computer, seeing exactly what the problem is and taking the necessary steps to fix it. The control isn't exclusive. At any time you too can move the mouse to point something out, or to press the disconnect button. You can also use your keyboard to type in a password, or locate a specific file for the helper.

Simplicity.

There is nothing to install, no settings to configure, no usernames or passwords to remember, and no external factors to worry about. All Fog Creek Copilot requires is a 30-second or less download and you're ready to go. Everything is preconfigured to help the copilot and pilot connect hassle free.

Security.

Fog Creek Copilot uses 128-bit SSL encryption, the same type of security offered by major online retailers. The 12-digit invitation code ensures that only the helper who gave it is the one connecting to the computer needing the assistance. After disconnecting, the person being helped is given the option for Fog Creek Copilot to delete itself so that no further connections can be made without his or her permission.

It just works.

The Fog Creek Copilot connection is routed through our secure servers so it doesn't matter if either person, or both, are behind office or home firewalls. You can connect quickly and easily with no external settings to configure. Fog Creek Copilot just works.

No commitment or easy subscription.

With a Day Pass, no registration of any kind is required. Either party can pay for the service and both credit card and PayPal are accepted. Invitation codes are treated as Day Passes that last 24 hours from the time a connection is first established. While a Day Pass is active the helper can use the same invitation code to connect to as many computers as he or she wants, as many times as needed.

Subscriptions allow those who provide frequent support a more complete option. Signing up takes only a few minutes, after which connecting becomes even faster and easier. See www.copilot.com/signup/ for pricing plans.