Mikogo: A Free Screen Sharing Program

Perhaps one of the best ways to learn online poker or improve your game is by watching other players play.  Some players just search sites for the best players and rail them trying to pick up on tendencies, while others are friends with players that they like to watch and get advice from.  Instant messaging is probably the most popular way to discuss hand histories and various poker situations.  Some players are able to take railing a bit further by using screen viewing software to watch how their friends and poker coaches handle different situations in real-time.

A program called TeamViewer has been a staple in the poker community for a while now.  Countless poker coaches and players have used this program to shadow others and the program was free.  However, in recent weeks, there have been reports from the forums that some players are no longer able to use the software for free.  It’s hit or miss if you will be asked to purchase the commercial license to continue use TeamViewer, which will run you $699.  Unfortunately, this has left poker players searching for a new solution.

A program called Mikogo provides high quality desktop sharing.  Mikogo will allow you to share your desktop, meet with multiple participants at once, record the session, transfer files, and many other very useful activities.  You can even hold a conference call, allowing you to view the screen of the presenter and talk back and forth with participants.  You simply call an appropriate number and enter a session ID.  All participants will then be connected to a conference call.  Mikogo employs 256-bit AES encryption, website encryption, third party access prevention, and many other security features. Here's how it works:



Mikogo is really easy to set up and use.  There are no installations or registrations required for participants. You simply run the software and enter a session ID.  Let’s take a look at how to use Mikogo:

1) To start a session from your desktop, you will assign a unique nine-digit session ID from the Mikogo server and distribute it to the participants of the session
2) Participants open their internet browser, go to Mikogo.com, and click on “Join Session”
3) A connection is instantly established and the participants can view the organizer’s screen in real-time via the Mikogo viewer window:



You will need to be careful how you use the program so that you do not violate any online poker site’s Terms and Conditions.

If you have any questions or concerns about Mikogo, please make a post in the Software Discussion forum and we will be there to help.