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Screen sharing

What is screen sharing?

Screen sharing is a feature that enables a user to share the contents of their screen with another user or group of users. This can be done over the internet using various software applications and voice over IP (VoIP) platforms. The shared screen can include anything that the host is viewing or working on, such as documents, applications, or individual windows.

Screen sharing is often used in conjunction with video conferencing apps and other tools to make online collaborations and presentations easier. The ability to share screens especially makes remote meetings and training sessions more interactive, but screen sharing can be used to show others any kind of visual content on your PC.

How screen sharing works

Screen sharing works by capturing the display output of a device and transmitting it over the internet to another device. This is typically done using screen sharing software, which comes as a standalone application or a feature built into a larger platform like Zoom or Discord.

Screen share software captures the screen activity, compresses it into a video stream, and sends it to the receiving devices, where it is decompressed and displayed to other users. The process is fast enough to allow for real-time interaction: changes on the host’s screen are relayed almost instantly to the viewers as they watch.

Benefits of screen sharing

Screen sharing offers a host of benefits, particularly for businesses and educational institutions. It can significantly enhance communication and collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together, even when they are geographically dispersed.

One of the primary benefits of screen sharing is that it allows for real-time collaboration. Participants can view the same content at the same time, making it easier to discuss, review, and edit documents or other materials. This can help to improve productivity and efficiency.

Enhanced communication

Screen sharing can also enhance communication by allowing participants to visually demonstrate and explain concepts. This is perfect for in teaching or training context, where visual aids can significantly improve the trainees’ ability to comprehend a concept or understand a process.

Furthermore, screen sharing can help to build trust and transparency in a remote working environment. By sharing their screen, a team member can show exactly what they’re working on, making it easier for others to gauge their progress on a project.

Uses of screen sharing

Screen sharing has a wide range of potential uses, both in a professional and personal context. Here are a few examples:

  • Remote Meetings: Screen sharing can make remote meetings more interactive and productive, allowing participants to share presentations, documents, or other materials.
  • Live Streaming: Screen sharing is great for making live content in a budget-friendly and simple manner. While it isn’t the highest quality option for broadcasting, it’s a perfect medium for rudimentary guides, showcases, or basic visual communication. Furthermore, screen sharing can be especially useful for live content when coupled with high-quality equipment, an encoder, and streaming software.
  • Technical Support: Support teams can use screen sharing to view a user's screen and guide them through troubleshooting steps, making it easier to resolve issues.
  • Collaborative Projects: Teams working on collaborative projects can use screen sharing to work together in real time, even if they are not in the same location.

Choosing a screen sharing tool

When choosing a screen sharing tool, consider how high you want the resolution of your projected screen to be, how many functions you want access to, and the security features of the screen sharing app. It's also worth checking whether the tool is compatible with other apps that you use, such as video conferencing platforms or project management tools.

Pick the screen sharing software that’s right for you based on these factors, and you won’t regret it. There are many great free options for screen sharing, so it won’t be a difficult process.