Since the appearance of COVID-19 the trend to work from home has been increasing. When teleworking, the screen sharing option becomes an important function, since it allows sharing the screen of our computer with the participants in the video calls that we make during our work. In addition, it allows providing technical support to users in the event of any incident so that it can be resolved quickly.
Today we are going to talk about the main tools with which we can share the screen of our computer. For this we will talk about specific tools with which to share screen, as well as programs that offer this possibility as a complement to its main functions.
Specific tools for screen sharing
Mikogo, share with up to 25 people
It is a tool that allows us to share the view of our Desktop by creating virtual meeting rooms. Transmissions are encoded using the 256-AES system . That is why it is an ideal application for both online meetings, presentations and remote support. It is compatible with both computers with Windows operating system, mac OS, as well as Android and iOS mobiles. It allows up to 25 people so they can be connected to the same computer.
Mikogo can be downloaded from its website . It has a free plan that only allows one organizer and one participant per session. It also has a Professional version that allows up to 25 participants and has a cost of 15 euros per month.
ThinVNC, share without installation and with HTML5 support
This program allows us to share screens and incorporates different remote desktop functions . It does not require the need to install client software, since the remote control of our Desktop is done through our web browser, as long as it has HTML5 support . In addition, it has a practical presentation mode that allows us to show what we do on the computer, but the people who view it can have control of it. Its main drawback is that it does not have many configuration options and its security level is lower than that of other applications.
If we want to start using ThinVNC we can download it for free from the Sourceforge website .
ScreenLeap, designed by and for screen sharing
This software has been designed to share screens, being very easy to use, since it does not require the download of any additional software by the user. Sharing is possible with just one click, counting as the only requirement that we have Java installed . We just have to register and provide our code to the other person so that they begin to view the screen of our computer.
Screenleap is a web tool that has a free program, although it has the inconvenience that it is limited to 40 minutes per day for a maximum of 8 users. It also has different pricing plans, starting at $ 15 a month.
TeamViewer, a classic for sharing desktops
It is a popular remote control tool . Among its functions it has the possibility to share and control desktops , online meetings, videoconferences and file transfer between computers. For it to work, it is only necessary to enter the access data previously established for the computers to be connected. This program also allows you to share files securely over the network quickly. In addition, it is cross-platform so we can use it on Windows, Mac OS or Linux computers, as well as Android and iPhone mobiles.
The main drawback we will have when using TeamViewer is that when it comes to security and image quality it is not up to other market options. We can download TeamViewer from its official website , as well as subscribe to one of its pricing plans.
Ammyy Admin, share screen safely
This remote connection program allows us to remotely share our desktop screen , even allowing it to be controlled. The connection between the server and the client is made in a simple way since it does not have a complex configuration for both the firewall and the router. In addition, it has compatibility with HTTP proxy servers with 100% secure connections . We can use this software for distance training as it allows us to share materials and enables communication via voice chat. Its main problem is that it needs a very fast connection otherwise we want to have connection problems.
We can download Ammyy Admin for free from its website for non-commercial use, with a usage limit of 15 hours per month. Additionally we can purchase some of its paid versions from $ 33.90.
MingleView, for unlimited free desktop sharing
It is a free application, without ad windows or email registrations, with which to share desktop unlimitedly and with high image and transmission quality. It has a secure point-to-point connection using an SSL certificate . No need to open ports or perform firewall settings. Joining a meeting is as easy as inserting an ID and six digits. The application is ideal for both remote assistance and online meetings with both work and friends.
MingleView is a 100% free tool compatible with Windows, which we can download directly from the developer’s website .
Screen sharing programs as a complement
Skype, the most popular video calling app
One of the most popular video calling applications on the market is Skype. This software has a wide range of functions such as video and voice calls, among which is the possibility of screen sharing . During the video conference it is possible to share the current screen or use the application window to share. In addition, we can even record the shared screen . Its main drawback is that it can only be used to access Windows PCs from a remote location. On the contrary, it does not have configuration options as if they have other competing tools such as Zoom.
Skype is free software that we can download from its official website , although some of its functions require a payment plan to be able to use them.
Zoom, the most complete to share
Another of the most outstanding programs that we find to make video calls, being the possibility of screen sharing one of its best functions . We will have three options to share the screen (Basic, Advanced and files). The Basic allows to share the current screen or minimized applications, as well as a Whiteboard function. With the Advanced option, it allows you to use part of the screen to share, while with the files option we will have full integration with cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Box, from where it will be possible to share files and share them on the screen. Its main drawback is the security problems in which it has been involved in recent times, which causes some insecurity in many users.
Start using Zoom for free, simply by accessing its website . We can also choose some of their payment options, which start at $ 14.99 a month.
Hangouts, share screen from the browser
It is a well-known Google tool used to make chats and video calls, but it also has a screen-sharing function with other users. It is a simple and intuitive communication application that can be used interchangeably on Android smartphones, tablets and computers. It has several sharing options , being able to choose whether to share the entire desktop or just the window of our browser, making it a practical tool to share the screen of our computer as it does not need to download or install any problem.
It is possible to use Google Hangouts from any web browser by accessing its official page with our Gmail username and password or from any mobile device, be it Android or iOS.
Discord, ideal for screen sharing between players
This application is known within the gaming world since it is dedicated to communicating with teams through the Internet in different cooperative games. Among its functions is the possibility of sharing the computer screen and in this way planning strategies with the companions of games, so that they can see what we do on our computer, as well as show a specific website or content. You have the option to share the full screen or share an application that we have open.
Discord is a 100% free application, and we can access it from its official website .
