I need a quick, cheap solution for implementing a video conference, with the possibility of remote control.

My initial thoughts were Skype and a couple of web cams, microphone and speakers, and VLC for the remote control...

But two software packages for that? I then thought about MS Netmeeting.

I'm going to check out BacktomyPC and a similar web based meeting service, which is being plugged on a couple of podcasts at the moment, both have free 30 day trials, so might be worth looking at.

I've used expensive, bespoke systems in the past, but for a quick, cheap solution for a one-off or irregular (at the moment) VC...

Edit: I had a look at "gotoMeeting" form Citrix, that looks interesting, but only does VOIP, not video...

Windows messenger has has the video bit & you could use remote assistance for the control bit.

How is it with firewalls these days? I've never managed to video with anybody, or remote control, when using Messenger, we always had to drop back to netmeeting...

Seems to be fine now, used to get confused if both ends were nat'd but has works eveytime I've tried recently.

Thinking about it, logmein.com has the free product that does the whiteboard & remote control thing. You could use that along with Skype or similar

Thanks Saspro,

I'll give it a "look-see"...

Have a look at http://www.wamey.com/ I've got a demo account on it at the moment, but haven't got round to checking it out yet.