Once you connect to the service, you are prompted to download a small, self-installing plug-in, which allows your support representative to view your desktop and share control of your mouse and keyboard. At any time during a support session, you can take control of your computer just by moving your mouse. You will be in charge at all times.

Absolutely not. Your representative sees only what you see and whatever you permit him or her to see on your computer screen. Before your support representative views your screen, he or she will first ask your permission and request that you close all documents containing private information.

At the beginning of a screen-sharing session, you and your support representative are connected via a communication server. The screen data that is passed between you and your support representative during a session is highly compressed using proprietary technology that can be viewed only with GoToAssist software. This data is also encrypted using 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. Privacy principles are TRUSTe compliant. After the session has ended, your support representative can no longer see your screen or access your computer unless you make another explicit request for support.

For your support representative to view your desktop, your computer should meet these requirements:

• 28.8Kbps or greater Internet connection (56K recommended)
• Pentium-class PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, NT 4.0, or XP
• Internet Explorer 4.0 or later, Netscape Navigator 4.0 or later, or Mozilla Firefox 1.0 or later
• Recommended: Ability to make direct outgoing TCP connections, or availability of a SOCKS server or an HTTP proxy

Yes, the plug-in is safe. We're as concerned as you are about this issue, so regular virus checks and updates are conducted. This helps us maintain our technology at the highest standard to ensure superior quality service. The warning message you might see on your screen is a default message displayed by your browser when you download executable files. You can feel confident using this plug-in.

The file size ranges between 329Kb and 580Kb.

The downloaded file stays on your computer; however, the file is useless without a new encryption key. To download a new encryption key, you need to initiate a subsequent session with a support representative. Screen-sharing sessions have to be initiated by you, not a support representative.