Ever have a friend ask you computer problems? Sometimes, it would just be easier if you could take over their desktop so you could see the problem yourself or even fix it… Like your company’s computer guy would say, “MOVE!”

If you use Windows Live Messenger in Windows Vista, you can offer Remote Assistance to the remote user. With Remote Assistance, you can watch their desktop (if the user allows it), or even control their desktop (again, with their permission).

While instant messaging them, press the Alt key to make the menu bar appear. Then, click the Actions menu, and click Offer remote assistance.

After that, the person you’re helping will be prompted to allow you to view their desktop. Just follow the prompts. Windows Vista Remote Assistance also includes some very cool improvements to help Remote Assistance work through firewalls–namely NAT traversal using Teredo and IPv6. If you’re interested in how it works, check out this video.