CrossLoop is a free-to-use one-to-one screen-sharing and remote control software that allows any two Windows PCs to connect and collaborate together in real-time.
Essentially derived from a desktop application called HelpOnMyPC, CrossLoop is one more elegant implementation of the VNC screen-sharing shareware originally developed by AT&T.
The interface is absolutely essential and reduced to its bare bones. This makes for an extremely simple and easy to use screen-sharing solution. Furthermore CrossLoop integrates 128-bit encryption and 12-digit password protection guaranteeing basic privacy right out of the box.
Among the many screen-sharing solutions available today, CrossLoop is characterized by its free price and extreme ease of use. The only limits being the Windows-only compatibility and a maximum of two-users per session.
Here the details:
To connect to a CrossLoop screen-sharing session you only need to know a unique access number, issued automatically by the system for each new session. The session host passes the number out to the remote partner she wants to connect to and that's all is needed for the invitee to log in. You don't even need to register to start using CrossLoop.
Starting a screen sharing session
Once downloaded and installed the micro 1.2 MB Windows application, you are already set to go.
Upon launching CrossLoop a very readable window dialog box invites you to choose between "joining" a screen-sharing session help by someone else or to "host" your own.
If you select to "host" a session CrossLoop automatically generates a numeric code that you can easily pass on to your invitee to join in in your screen-sharing session.
Your invited guest enters the 12-digit code and then automatically connects to your computer.
At that point, you receive a message asking whether you want to proceed in sharing your screen and in giving control of your keyboard and mouse to the guest user.
On the invitee's screen a dialog window pops-up displaying the screen of the host user.
In fact, one of the key characterizing traits of CrossLoop is that since the very instant you start a screen-sharing session with your invitee, both you and her can control and see your screen at the same time. At all times. No need to ask for permission. Your invitee can type and mouse around on your screen as much as you do.
When you want to disconnect or end the session, a large "Disconnect" button
makes it easy to bring the screen-sharing session to an end.
That's all there is to it!
Performance
Speed-wise CrossLoop performs quite nicely on a standard ADSL connection, and the quality of the screen rendering is also on a par with similar solutions. Compression artifacts can be noticed at times on the screen areas containing lots of details or abrupt color changes.
During a normal session the presenter (host) cursor can be seen moving in real-time on the screen allowing for many technical support, training and demonstration applications of this collaboration tool.
What other commentators have said about CrossLoop
Mark Kaelin reports on TechRepublic:
"Applications that make such connections possible have been available for some time, but they can be frustrating and unwieldy to configure and administer.
CrossLoop has distilled the connection of two PCs to a simple one-button interface that works as well as any application currently on the market, only without all the hassle. If you want to connect two PCs across the Internet securely, I cannot think of a more efficient or satisfying application than CrossLoop."
Rick Broida comments on Lifehacker:
"CrossLoop is a must-have tool for anyone who serves as the go-to tech support guru for friends and family. It's even easier to work with than my beloved LogMeIn, though it does require a person to be at the other end, so you can't use it for unattended remote access. A fabulous freebie."
Pete Warden says on MashProxy:
"So far, I'm very impressed by the simplicity of the whole workflow. I love that they're taking a traditionally uber-geeky area, remote desktops, and democratizing the interface. They've removed all the config fluff that's a barrier to 90% of computer users, and made it almost as simple as dialing a phone call."
System requirements
CrossLoop requires Windows 98 or later, 128 MB RAM or greater, 2 MB hard drive space and a broadband internet connection.
Price
CrossLoop is free to use.
Learn more
Read the FAQs of CrossLoop.
Check out the CrossLoop blog to stay updated with the development of this software.
Read the CrossLoop Help section for support.
Try it out
Download CrossLoop.
Editor's comments
CrossLoop is a Windows-based downloadable software that allows you to carry out screen-sharing cum remote control sessions between any two PC users.
The simplicity of setup and the extreme ease of use are CrossLoop key strengths. With a minimalist interface CrossLoop facilitates real-time collaboration even among non-technical users.
Impromptu collaboration is also facilitated by CrossLoop immediate remote control feature which allows your invitee to immediately control your keyboard and mouse as much as you do.
Rough corners for CrossLoop are few and rare, but still important to smooth out to make this tool a truly killer one-to-one screen-sharing solution.
Copying and pasting the access code to your invitee is not always easy the first time around, as the code becomes "unselectable" the moment that you start a session.
The CrossLoop minimal interface remains visible on the host screen also during a live collaboration session, limiting somewhat full navigability of the screen real-estate. It would be nice to see the CrossLoop auto-reduce itself to a minimalist control panel as your invitee joins the session, with the option to open it up again whenever you want to.
As mentioned, Mac and Linux users cannot join a CrossLoop screen-sharing session, as this tool is for now only compatible with Windows PCs and ma maximum of two users only is allowed in each session.
CrossLoop is completely free and it is based on the AT&T original VNC screen-sharing protocol.
