Comparing screen sharing programs for remote usability testing

Today I'm reviewing several screen-sharing apps to conduct some remote usability testing. These particular tests have some interesting constraints:

• My subjects are parent-volunteered kids, 8-16 years old and all in the same family
• I'm on a mac, they're on PCs
• Tests should be about 45 minutes long
• If possible, I should be able to take over the screen to type in URLs

I tested on the following hardware

• Presenter: Windows XP with 1920 x 1200 resolution
• Client: Macbook pro running Leopard

Yuuguu

Pretty good, but not quite good enough for usability testing.

• Free
• Marginal refresh rate (I foresee missing some important clicks and mouse wandering)
• Requires registration of host and client for optimal use
• Very easy transfer of control to attendee
• Nicely integrated chat notifications (for passing URLs, for example)

TeamViewer

Pretty much pure awesomeness after looking at all the other apps.

• Not so free (free for evaluation, $39/mo or around $650 for full license)
• Awesomely spectacular refresh rate
• Transfer of screen control is more difficult than with Yuuguu, but not bad
• Presenter can run a small executable without having to install anything
• No account is needed on either side, however the presenter has to type in a 9-digit code plus 4-digit password to connect.

Mikogo

Very simple interface, but didn't quite cut the mustard. The Mac version has a permanently disabled 'preferences' menu item, indicating it's probably in beta whether they say so or not.

• Free
• Uber-simple interface
• Extremely crappy refreshing, probably totally unusable for a usability test
• Registration needed by host, but not client

ShowMyPC

Not too bad, except for that refresh rate. Darn you, TeamViewer, you've spoiled me!

• Free
• Surprisingly works for a mac
• No installation required
• No accounts required, just pass a (long) code (and don't forget to type the dash)
• Fairly dismal refresh rate
• Rather obscure interface (screen sharing button is a black box in a gray box in a another gray box)

Bosco's Screen Share

I *maybe* should have been wary of the playful doggy-centric identity, but I gave it a go anyway. Apparently you have to configure your router and firewall to get it to work. I don't think I'm going to start a usability test with a router configuration. No sir.

Persony

Pretty cool stuff, especially the 3D conference room motif </toungeincheek>.

• Free for 1-to-1 meetings
• Web-based, you just need to pass a code. You might need to install some Java though, which could really hang things up in a usability test.
• Absolutely the worst refresh rate of all the apps
• Setting permissions for different attendees is pretty nifty
• Lots of features, like voice and webcam sharing
• Did I mention the horrible refresh rate?

Conclusions

I guess we'll be using TeamAssist tomorrow on an evaluation basis. The other apps just don't compare in terms of refresh rate.

Sources

http://webtoolsandtips.com/freeware/screen-sharing-remote-access-web-tools/ - Good leads on several apps
http://www.masternewmedia.org/screen-share-top-25-best-screen-sharing-tools/ - Good list, not entirely accurate