Hello Drooler Brigade,

Have you ever wished you could easily share your computer screen with someone?  (By the way, I’ve learned how to wave, look!)

Among the numerous screen-sharing web services, the new webapp called Screenleap seems like the easiest way to view someone else’s screen, especially from a mobile device.

That includes tablets.

Screenleap’s in-browser sharing requires no account set-up or payment.  And a person’s computer screen can be shared within 14 seconds, so long as his or her computer already has Java installed.  Most computers do.  Viewing a screen is as easy as clicking on a link your friend or colleague sends to you.

My good canine friend, Deets, will help me demonstrate how Screenleap works.  Happy 90^th birthday in dog years, Deets!

Certainly, Deets!  First, share your computer screen with me so I can better help you.  Go to www.screenleap.com.  It’ll look like this:Click on the green “Share your screen now” button.  Next, Screenleap will need to run a Java applet.  Please allow it.  A moment later, you can click on the “Share my screen” button.  Now, your screen is live!

And if you ever need to broadcast to multiple viewers you could also set up a handle such as http://screenleap.com/deets.

For me to view your live screen, you have a few choices:

I entered the 9-digit code and I am now viewing your screen!

I can see your birthday e-card:

(After we finish this post, I’ll help you print the card, Deets.  Thanks for your patience!)

Screenleap is quick and easy to start using.  However, the screen-sharing service is pretty basic; there’s no audio or advanced tools like chat, zoom or annotations.  In place of audio, users typically just talk over their phones, while groups use conference call lines such as www.freeconferencecall.com.

What Screenleap does offer is the ability for the “presenter” and “viewer” to switch back and forth easily during a live session at no cost.  This is useful.  And if you log in to Screenleap, you also have a “friends” list to make screen sharing easier.

Soon, Screenleap will release plug-ins for Gmail and Facebook so users can initiate screen shares from within those accounts.  I can sink my tooth into those!

And for business users, Screenleap is developing customized handle pages and an API so businesses can integrate screen sharing into their products.  The API service will cost money.

Oh, really, dad?

 Dad and Mom, you boneheads are just sitting on the couch watching TV.

Ahem, I apologize for the interruption.

If you try to use Screenleap and your computer doesn’t already have Java, you’ll be given the option to install the free software.

Java is a programming language and computing platform which runs on laptops, cell phones, and the web.  Many applications and websites need Java.

When you download Java software, you won’t get spyware or viruses.  And installing the periodic, free updates from http://java.com ensures that your Java applications run well.

And for Mac users on the Mountain Lion OS, be sure to enable Java after installation.

To appeal to potential users who don’t necessarily keep their Java up-to-date, Screenleap also plans to offer an option to download an app in the near future.

If you need to manipulate what you’re sharing on your screen or want good video conferencing, then you may opt for a different screen-sharing service.  For example, GoToMeeting is a popular choice for teleconferencing.  Additional screen-sharing companies include WebEx, GoInstant, Join.Me (which is part of LogMeIn), TeamViewer, GoToMyPC, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts.  With any of these choices, just be ready to set up accounts, pay, and/or download and install software upfront.  Some screen-sharing services limit what can be shared, too.

Screenleap is new, so it has the usual slight bugs, but it’s the overall easiest way for people to share screens and it’s the service I prefer to use.

I tracked down Screenleap’s co-founders, Lawrence Gentilello and Tuyen Truong.  They told me I’m a “precocious baby.”  I was in shock from the compliment!

Drool on,

Alexandra