Join.me is a free and easy-to-use screen-sharing tool that allows you to create instant online meetings and presentations of up to 10 people, with the absolute minimum of hassle.

The process starts when you download and run the join.me application. There's no installer, no complex options to worry about - it just pops up a toolbar at the top of your screen, and displays a multi-digit code, like "801-625-337".

Now all you have to do is get that code to everyone you'd like at the meeting: email is fine. Then your recipients must go to https://join.me, type your code into the "join" box, click the green button - and that's it, they'll be connected to your join.me session.Everyone who joins can see your screen, so you can immediately use this opportunity to present some ideas to them.

A chat tool helps out, allowing you to talk to one particular meeting attendee, or everyone at once.

A remote control option lets a participant take control of your PC, useful for troubleshooting or perhaps if you just want to share the presentation duties with someone else.

And you can send files to your participants, too, for example giving them a copy of your work when then meeting is over.

Powerful though join.me is, the Pro version has even more features. Upgrade and you'll be able to host meetings for up to 250 people; a Scheduler allows you to set up meetings and send out invitations; the Meeting Lock gives you more control over which participants can see your screen; and user management tools allow you to add others to your account, set them up as presenters and manage their access. The Pro version costs from $19 a month, with a 14-day trial available, and you can read more at https://join.me.