We’ve all been there, a less than computer-savvy friend calls and says something like “When I click the button my internet won’t work.” and you’re left frustrated trying to help. ShowMeWhatsWrong lets you help your friends show you.

Three years ago we highlighted a simple to use Java-based screencasting tool called Screencast-O-Matic. Someone took that ultra simple screen casting tool and made it require even less input from the user and automated almost the entire process with a focus on helping your non-techie friends and family show you what is wrong with their computers instead of giving you instructions over the phone like “Why does it do that? You know, when I click the thingy I normally click it doesn’t make the blue box open.” or other equally as cryptic messages.

When you visit ShowMeWhatsWrong you input your name and email. This generates a link for you to give to friends and family. When they visit the link they are given a very simple message, that you would like to help them by recording a video of their computer. They enter their name and click “Start Recording” it records their screen and ends when they hit the little floating stop-sign button, and then the video is automatically compressed, uploaded to the site, and an email is send to you indicating that your friend has taken a screencast of their computer screen to share with you. All your friend has to do to use the service is click the link, start recording, stop recording, and the rest is handled automatically. The service even supports audio from microphones and webcams with microphones so you’ll finally know exactly what “doesn’t make the blue box open” means.

ShowMeWhatsWrong is a free service and requires no information beyond your name and email to generate a link to share with your friends. Have a favorite service or tool for helping your non-techie friends out? Let’s hear about it in the comments.

ShowMeWhatsWrong [via MakeUseOf]