Third-party programs for creating a remote desktop. How to set up Windows Remote Desktop. Remote desktop connection. Setting up a remote desktop connection

Free solutions

Remote control involves connecting to another computer to gain access and manage resources. Thanks to this feature, the user can solve many additional tasks remotely: conduct consultations, diagnostics, and computer monitoring. Thus, tasks are simplified that are often impossible or irrational to perform at a distance.

As part of the review, 10 solutions (6 free and 4 paid) for remote management will be considered. The main attention will be paid to the following features of the software of the selected category:

• Contents: what components are included in the distribution, types of installation on the host and client computer
• Connection modes: supported protocols, working with RDP (see below)
• Presentation functions: this means the possibility of audio and video accompaniment, screen capture, the presence of additional tools (“pointer”, “drawing board”, etc.)
• Security: supported encryption technologies, storage of confidential data, types of authorization on local and remote computers, availability of necessary settings
• Platform support: mobile platforms and OS, online version available.

Standard Windows capabilities will not be left unattended, namely the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which will be considered first. At the end of the review there is a comparison table with detailed information about the presence of the necessary functions in the mentioned applications.

RDP - Windows Remote Desktop Protocol

Starting with Windows NT, support for the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is provided. Accordingly, Windows 7 offers the user RDP 7 (an update is also available for Windows XP), Windows 8 - RDP 8 (also available for Windows 7 SP1). The capabilities of the current version, RDP 8, will be reviewed.

Connecting to a remote worker is carried out using the mstsc.exe application, after entering the name of the remote computer. Connection parameters are also available in this dialog.

The “Screen” tab specifies the resolution of the remote desktop (with the ability to enable full-screen mode), color depth (up to 32 bits).

In the “Local Resources” section, you can select the audio playback mode (on the remote or current computer), enable audio recording from the remote desktop. This section also configures access to the printer, local disk, drive, PnP devices, and ports.

The quality of data transmission is regulated in the “Interaction” tab. You can not only select a connection profile, but also independently determine the display parameters: desktop background, anti-aliasing, visual effects, image caching. All these options affect the speed of data transfer during remote access and can significantly optimize network traffic.

Security settings are available through the System component (System Properties in Control Panel). In the “Remote Access” tab, you can allow Remote Assistance connections, as well as remote connections to your computer. Authentication is performed at the network level. You can also limit access by specifying a list of allowed remote desktop users yourself.

Thus, Windows provides basic tools for working with the RDP protocol. But, as expected, advanced security settings, support for mobile platforms, and presentation functions are not offered to the user.

Teamviewer

TeamViewer is perhaps the most famous free remote control program. The toolkit allows you to establish remote access to your home computer, manage your desktop from various platforms and devices, and administer Windows servers. In addition, the developers highlight the corporate capabilities of TeamViewer: the program can be used to organize conferences, consultations and help colleagues at work.

TeamViewer is available for Windows, Linux, Mac platforms (with restrictions), remote access from OS-based devices is possible. TeamViewer client in the full version of the distribution kit (“All in one”), as a system service (TeamViewer Host), in a portable format, on a terminal server and other options. It is worth highlighting the TeamViewer QuickSupport module, which does not require installation and is optimal for performing urgent tasks.

The full version of the program has client and operator parts available. The TeamViewer interface is represented by a main window with two tabs - “Remote control” and “Conference”.

Remote control

The user receives a unique ID to identify the computer on the network and a temporary password. Also, using the partner's ID (optional IP address) and knowing his password, you can establish a connection to a remote device.

Three connection modes are available:

• Remote control: remote control of a device or collaboration on the same computer
  All actions are performed on another computer through the remote control window. At the same time, it is possible to change the resolution and scaling, switch between active monitors and other options.
• File Transfer: Share files during a session
  To exchange data in TeamViewer, a two-panel file manager is used, in which host and client resources and basic file operations for working with them are available, such as creating folders, deleting, copying, etc.
• VPN: virtual network mode
  You can set up a virtual private network between computers to provide shared access to devices (printers, removable media, etc.).

Conferences

In this TeamViewer tab you can create a blitz conference or connect to an existing one. Among the available tools are voice and video communication, screen sharing, and session recording with the ability to convert to AVI. Whiteboard is used as a canvas for drawing, sketching, and commenting.

One of the undeniable conveniences of TeamViewer is the “Computers and Contacts” list, which provides quick access to devices. In addition, here you can monitor the network status of computers and exchange messages (group chat options are available). Looking ahead, it should be noted that not every review participant offers an address book for quickly connecting to other devices.

For security purposes, the program uses encryption of sessions (AES 256 bit) and traffic (RSA key exchange). Files transferred during the session are signed by VeriSign and the end user must consent to receipt. Through the TeamViewer settings, it is possible to restrict access: setting access to all operations only after confirmation or prohibiting outgoing sessions.

Summary

TeamViewer is a universal solution with the ability to choose a remote control method. Thanks to its wide range of multimedia functions and convenient organization of contacts, the program is optimal for holding conferences.

[+] Wide functionality of the free version
[+] Conference tools
[+] Security
[+] Presentation capabilities
[−] Remote session limit (5 minutes in free version)

Ammyy Admin

Ammyy Admin does not require installation and combines a simple interface and flexible functionality. The program is free and has no restrictions for home use. Distributed for Windows, Linux/FreeBSD platforms, mobile devices are not supported.

Client and operator modules are available in the main window. The user receives an ID that is generated in connection with the equipment. Optionally, you can use IP when connecting.

The client part can be activated or stopped, thereby prohibiting connections; By default, Ammyy Admin works in standby mode. You can track the connection status using indicators, the explanation of which is in.

There is an address book, contacts can be combined into groups, the order of contacts can be changed, and new addresses can be manually added. The network status of computers, however, cannot be monitored.

The main connection modes include Desktop (remote desktop), File manager and Microsoft RDP. RDP allows you to connect to a remote desktop; standard Windows functions are provided.

Other modes include Voice Chat and Speed ​​Test. Obviously, the multimedia capabilities here are not as fully presented as in TeamViewer: Ammyy Admin is not positioned as a kind of corporate solution. You can note the screen sharing function, which in combination with voice chat makes Ammyy Admin a program suitable for remote assistance.

By going to “Ammyy → Settings → Operator”, you can specify RDP parameters, select the encryption type and codec profiles, thereby reducing the load on the network. More importantly, the “Network” tab allows you to configure the Ammyy Admin connection, manually specify routers, enable or disable data transfer over the Ammyy Worldwide Network.

The file manager is a two-panel one, through which standard file operations between the client and the operator are available.

In the access rights settings (“Client → Access Rights”), you can set separate parameters for each ID. The authentication mode (connection to a PC) is available to choose from: by Hardware ID, password or user permission. Thus, you can minimally protect your computer from unauthorized remote connections.

Summary

The main advantages of Ammyy Admin are its speed, simple and fast interface, relative independence from Ammyy servers and free of charge. This is probably not the most optimal solution for working in a team, but for individual use, with several computers at your disposal, it is quite possible.

[+] Speed
[+] Easy to set up
[+] RDP support
[−] No support for mobile devices

Supremo Remote Desktop

Supremo Remote Desktop is a convenient portable tool for remote control and remote assistance to other users. Runs Windows XP and higher, mobile devices are not supported.

The program starts without installation; to start working, the host and client must download Supremo Remote Desktop from the developer’s website. Traditionally, two operating modes are supported: using a computer as an access point and connecting to a remote device. In the first case, access is opened by pressing the Start button. In the Your credentials section, the data required for connection is available: ID and password generated at the beginning of the session. The client requests authorization when logging in (Ask authorization option), thereby preventing unauthorized access attempts to the computer.

To connect to the host, use the Your partner field; you can also select an address from the Address Book. The list of active connections is displayed in the Connections section of the main program window.

During transmission, the HTTPS (SSL) protocol is used, the data is encrypted. The security settings are poorly disclosed: you can set a password to launch the program and specify the IDs allowed for the connection.

Other tools available in Supremo Remote Desktop include multiple connections of users to one machine. To transfer files, a manager is used that is similar to the classic two-panel one; uploading and downloading files is available. There are no presentation or multimedia functions provided. This certainly limits the use of Supremo as a remote assistant.

Summary

Supremo Remote Desktop is an easy-to-use program that has a standard set of tools for remote control. Users who do not need multimedia functions may pay attention to it.

[+] No router setup required
[+] Simple interface
[−] Few settings
[−] Slow screen rendering

mRemoteNG

Speaking about universal tools that allow you to work with several protocols simultaneously, it is worth mentioning mRemoteNG. The program provides access to VNC, ICA, SSH, Telnet, RAW, Rlogin and HTTP/S, and also has RDP support. Distributed in a portable and standard version of the installer for the Windows platform.

The mRemoteNG interface is presented in several sections, with panels and tabs - as a result, the user can easily customize the appearance of the program in his own way. Basic options are available in the “Configuration” section. Here you can specify the protocol required for connection and related parameters: connection settings, protocol, gateway, appearance, resources and others. “Configuration” displays the host connection status.

Connection to devices is carried out through the quick connection panel - here it is easy to create several configurations, which, in the case of multiple protocols, is very convenient. Connections can be grouped and configurations can be easily imported/exported.

File transfer is carried out via the SSH protocol - which is not very familiar to the average user and at the same time, more reliable in terms of security. Additional features include a port scanner, and you can add external tools to the list.

The vagueness of mRemoteNG is striking. This is manifested in an unusual interface: it is not so convenient to work and configure with each specific protocol. In the connection configuration, many parameters are reduced beyond recognition - this can be attributed to the quality of localization. When trying to find a description of the functions, the documentation is silent, its sections are empty.

Summary

A notable feature of mRemoteNG is the combination of popular protocols into a single graphical shell. By setting up multiple connections, there is no need to use multiple specialized solutions. This plus to some extent compensates for the unintuitiveness of the program and the lack of documentation.

[−] Unintuitiveness
[+] Support for multiple protocols
[+] Transferring files via SSH
[−] Lack of documentation

TightVNC

Homepage: http://www.tightvnc.com/

TightVNC Software develops several products: TightProjector, RFB Player, VNC Reflector and TightVNC. TightVNC is a program for remote control; it can be used to solve computer problems, educational purposes, and administration.

TightVNC is a cross-platform solution. For Linux, however, at the time of writing this review, only the old version of the program is available; Mac OS is not supported. However, there is a version of TightVNC available on the Java platform, which allows for remote control via a web server. On the Windows platform, TightVNC is installed as a regular application or as a system service. “Silent” mode is supported, it is quite easy to transfer the configuration to other computers or update servers remotely.

The TightVNC toolkit is divided into two modules: WinVNC - a server part installed on a remote machine, and a Viewer application designed to view the contents of the remote server's screen. In the Viewer connection settings, the VNS server address and transmission speed are set.

It should be noted that TightVNC does not generate an access password; you need to define it yourself in the settings. The connection status can be recognized by the icon displayed in the notification area: if at least one user is connected to the computer, the colors of the icon change.

The developers hint that data transfer via VNC, despite the original DES password protection, is imperfect. For security reasons, it is recommended to use SSH tunneling. At the same time, TightVNC settings reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to zero. In future versions of the program it is also planned to introduce more reliable protection methods.

Summary

TightVNC surprises with a large number of settings regarding connection and security. This is a good choice for an administrator, but in terms of transfer to a server and further maintenance, it is not the best option for an inexperienced user.

[+] Flexible setup
[+] Java version
[−] Non-operative setting
[−] Unintuitive interface

Remote Utilities

Remote Utilities is a solution, according to the developer, intended for small and medium-sized businesses. Remote control is possible directly, via a local network or the Internet. When working with a set of utilities, no firewall adjustments or preliminary configuration are required.

The complex works only under Windows; for Linux it is suggested to install the Wine emulator - but only for working with RUT-Viewer. There is no mobile version.

Remote Utilities consists of three modules: viewer - installed on the local computer, host - on the remote computer, agent - a module for supporting users. The agent, it should be noted, is optimal for quickly establishing communication between the client and the host. Remote installation, as well as updating, is easy thanks to the Remote installation tool.

A connection in one of the above modes is made using the New connection dialog (Connection → Add Computer), you can specify an IP address, Internet ID or DNS as an access point. The connected computer is added to the list of the address book, from which the necessary devices are subsequently selected.

Standard tools for remote control are provided, such as a remote device manager, registry viewer, terminal and file manager. The manager is two-panel, with the ability to copy and move data, launch and open applications and documents on a remote host. Also available is terminal support and power control.

Text chat is quite simple, but be aware that Remote Utilities also offers audio/video chat for users. Here it is worth mentioning the ability to capture video and adjust the transmission quality - from 24-bit color transmission to an optimized “picture” for a network with limited transmission (in addition, there is a Network usage mode parameter in the Properties settings of the remote computer). In a word, there are those features that have been repeatedly listed in similar programs with RDP support.

Remote Utilities provides 3 types of authorization, AES encryption with a 256-bit key, and a 2048-bit public key. Incoming connections are filtered by IP, and you can also create a list of trusted users with different access rights. The security subsystem is optional: you can choose RUT or WinNT. Both modes allow you to flexibly configure access to certain functions for each user; there are no significant differences between them.

Summary

A simple set of utilities for remote connection, without selecting a connection protocol, but extremely easy to install and configure. Essentially, it lacks cross-platform functionality and a user-friendly interface for working with multiple devices simultaneously.

[+] Remote installation and update in remote mode
[+] Availability of basic settings for RDP
[+] Work via local and Internet
[+] Free (for non-commercial use)

Remote Desktop is a useful feature, especially for heavy users. We have previously talked about the pros and cons of connecting and logging into the system. But before you start tinkering with the settings, it’s worth talking about the parameters, their changes and functionality.

Changing Remote Desktop Settings

With connection and login we are already . Now it’s worth paying attention to less important settings - changing the remote desktop settings.

Windows 10 has limitations, but still, it is possible to configure a remote PC, taking into account your own preferences (sound schemes, screen parameters) and it’s quite easy to do it!

1. Let's go to the menu.
2. Open the “Settings” section.
3. Click “Connection Settings”. Please note that if you have the Russian language set in your settings, the section may be called “Settings”.

It is also possible to enable or disable the use of the printer, microphone, clipboard, etc.

You can configure the location of the remote desktop, but this is only in the updated Windows 10 OS. How to do this? The Settings window (on the left) displays all recent connections with the IP address of the computer to which they belong. You can hide them by right-clicking.

Using multiple accounts

If you want to log into Remote Desktop using a different account, there are a few very simple steps to follow.

1. We exit to the initial program window.
2. Click “Change account”.
3. In the window, delete the used account.
4. Then, enter your own information (password, login).
5. Use the Enter button to log in.

Again, you can configure all the necessary settings to make working in the tenth generation operating system more convenient: add language, sound options, etc.

There are not many settings options in Windows 10, but sometimes they can be needed and can be very useful. If you need advanced functionality, it is better to use professional computer programs (utilities).

Most beginner and intermediate users are recommended to use the RDP client. However, as practice shows, this method is quite limited for complete control of the remote terminal. But that's a completely different story!

For more useful and interesting things, look at YouTube channel Impression Electronics, in the section "

The Windows system has been providing the ability to implement remote access via the RDP protocol for a long time. This standard tool appeared in the version of Windows NT 4.0, released in 1996. It was more or less functionally modified in the Windows XP version, and found its completeness already as part of Windows 7. Versions of Windows 8/8.1 and 10 inherited remote access via the RDP protocol from Windows 7 without functional changes.

Below we will take a closer look at how remote access works via the RDP protocol in versions of Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.

1. Remote access via RDP protocol

Connection using the RDP protocol is carried out between computers located on the same local network. This type of connection is intended primarily for IT specialists who maintain company computers integrated into their production network. Without leaving their workplace, connecting remotely to the computers of enterprise employees, system specialists can solve problems that do not require intervention in the hardware of the machines and carry out preventive measures.

Connecting to a remote computer using the RDP protocol is also possible outside the local network, over the Internet. But this will require additional steps - either forwarding port 3389 on the router, or combining it with a remote computer into a single VPN network. In view of this, connecting to a remote computer over the Internet is much easier using other software tools that do not require unnecessary actions. This is, for example, the standard Windows “Remote Assistance” utility for providing computer assistance over the Internet. It works on the principle of sending an invitation file to the user who will provide computer assistance. Its more functional analogues on the Windows software market are programs like .

The RDP protocol is also used to connect to virtual machines. A remote connection via RDP can offer more opportunities than the standard connection window of a standard hypervisor. The Hyper-V connection window does not provide sound playback in the guest OS, does not see connected USB storage devices, and cannot offer more connection with a physical computer than pasting text copied into it. Whereas an RDP connection can provide the virtual machine with visibility into various devices connected to the physical computer, a better image of the guest OS desktop, work with sound, etc.

To connect via RDP, the remote computer must meet the following requirements:

• It must have a password-protected account;
• The system must allow remote connections;
• If you do not want to change your access data every time you connect with a constantly changing dynamic IP address, you must assign a static IP address in the network settings.

Remote access is only possible on computers with Windows Pro, Enterprise or Ultimate editions installed. Home versions of Windows (Home) do not provide remote access via RDP.

2. Password on the remote computer

If you are working on a remote computer using a Microsoft account, and using a short PIN code instead of a long password, when connecting via RDP, you must enter that same long password, and not a four-digit PIN code.

If an unpassword-free local account is used on the remote computer, and there is no special need for a password, such as when connecting to Hyper-V virtual machines, you will have to create at least a simple password like “777” or “qwerty”.

3. IP address of the remote computer

When connecting via RDP, you will need to enter the IP address of the remote computer. The internal IP address is visible in the system network settings. But in versions of Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 these are three different paths. In Windows 7, this is a section of the Control Panel, and in Windows 8.1 and 10 it is the Settings application, with its own organization inherent in each version. Therefore, we will find out the internal IP address in a universal way suitable for each of these systems - through the command line. The shortcut to launch Command Prompt in Windows 7 is available in the Start menu. In Windows 8.1 and 10, Command Prompt is launched from the context menu on the Start button.

In the command line window, enter:

After pressing Enter, we will get a summary of the data, where the internal IP address will be visible.

4. Allowing remote connections

Permission to connect remotely on Windows systems is usually initially disabled. In any case, this definitely applies to licensed assemblies. The ability to connect via RDP on a remote computer is activated in the system settings. We need the "System" section. In the Windows 7 version, it can be accessed by searching the Start menu. And in Windows 8.1 and 10, you can get to the “System” section from the context menu on the “Start” button.

Click “Setting up remote access”.

In the system properties window, you must set the option to allow remote connections to active. There is no need to remove the authentication option. To apply the changes, click “Apply” below.

Such settings will open the path to a remote connection, but only for the administrator account. Regular account users are not allowed to provide their own computer for remote control. The administrator can give them this right.

Below the option to allow remote connections there is a “Select users” button. Let's press it.

In the field below, enter the name of the user who is allowed to connect to him via the RDP protocol. For local accounts, this is their name, and for Microsoft accounts, this is the email address used for authorization. Click "Ok".

That’s it – now this user’s account will be accessible from any computer within the local network.

5. Connect to a remote computer

All necessary actions on the remote computer have been completed, let’s move on to the main computer from which connection and control will be carried out. You can launch the standard RDP connection utility by finding its shortcut using a search within the system. In Windows 7, this is a search in the Start menu.

In versions of Windows 8.1 and 10, press the Win+Q keys.

A small connection window will appear. In the future, it will be possible to connect to remote computers using exactly this abbreviated form. But for now, click “Show Options”.

In the “Computer” field, enter the IP address of the remote computer. In the field below - “User” - accordingly, enter the user name. If a Microsoft account is connected to the remote computer, enter the email address.

If you work on the computer using a regular local account, the user name must be entered in the format:

Computer\User

For example, DESKTOP-R71R8AM\Vasya, Where DESKTOP-R71R8AM is the name of the computer, and Vasya– username of the local account.

Below the username there is an option to save authorization data on a remote computer. Connection parameters - IP address, username and password - can be saved as a separate RDP file and used to open it on another computer. Click “Connect”, and then “Connect” again in a new window.

Enter the password for the remote computer account.

Click “Yes” in the certificate error window.

We will get more settings for connecting via the RDP protocol in the utility window initially, before establishing the connection.

6. Connect to another account on a remote computer

Below the column for filling in the user name of the remote computer, if the “Always request credentials” checkbox is not checked, options for deleting and changing access data are displayed. By clicking the “Change” option, in addition to the authorization form in an existing account on a remote computer, we will see the ability to connect to another account that is present on the same computer.

After entering a new username and password, the authorization data for a specific IP address will be overwritten.

7. Connection settings

In the opened window for connecting to a remote computer, we will find tabs with customizable parameters. The first two concern the convenience and functionality of remote access.

“Screen” – in this tab you can set the screen resolution of the remote computer; the utility window will open with this resolution after connection. If accessing from a weak computer, you can set the resolution to low and sacrifice color depth.

“Local resources” – here, in order to save system resources, you can disable sound playback on the remote computer. Or, on the contrary, you can also set up audio recording from a remote computer. In the column of local devices and resources, after clicking the “Details” button, we can, in addition to the active printer, select devices of the main computer that will work on the remote computer. These are smart cards, separate hard drive partitions, flash drives, memory cards, external hard drives.

An obstacle to using the RDP protocol may be its blocking by antiviruses. In this case, the RDP protocol must be enabled in the settings of antivirus programs.

Have a great day!

Reading time: 6 minutes. Views 411 Published 02/20/2017

Hello everyone, we continue to consider the topic about . Today we will look at a built-in Windows tool that allows you to connect to a remote PC. This tool is called RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) client, if translated into Russian - remote desktop protocol. Using this protocol, you can control a remote computer running the terminal connection service. The RDP client appeared in Windows XP and is still supported in new versions of the operating system. Most likely, many of you don’t even know what this is, but with the help of this tool you can easily connect to a remote computer and control it. In this article I will tell you in detail how to connect to a remote desktop on a local network. Therefore, read the text in full.

Preparation before using the RDP client.

In most cases, an RDP client is used when working on the same local network. For example, in order to connect from one computer to another at home, they must be connected to the same router. It is also possible to connect to a remote computer via the Internet, but this is a more complex way of setting it up; I think we will discuss this topic in a separate article.

The first thing you need to do to connect via Remote Desktop Protocol is to know the IP address of the remote computer. As a rule, if the network connection on your computers is configured automatically, then every time you restart the operating system, the IP addresses will change. Therefore, first of all, we set static addresses for all devices on your local network. But first, you need to see what addresses the computer receives automatically. For this . We enter the “ipconfig” command and see which: network mask, subnet mask and gateway the network card receives during automatic settings.

Note! As a rule, on all routers the default network mask is (192.168.0. or 192.168.1.), respectively, we write all the lines as shown in the screenshot and save the changes.

That's it, now we have set a static IP address for our computer, this will allow us to easily use the RDP client.

How to grant permission to connect to a remote desktop.

After we have dealt with computer addresses. Let's move on to enabling the Remote Desktop Protocol function. These steps must be performed on the computer to which you want to connect. To make everything work, follow the steps:

We have completed all the preparatory steps so that the RDP client can work with us. Let us now move directly to the consideration of the connection process.

We connect to a remote computer via RDP.

In the previous paragraphs, we figured out the settings that need to be made to work using the remote desktop protocol. Now let's look at how to connect.

Note! We will use the standard Windows tool. Accordingly, we will not have to download any third-party utilities; everything we need will be at our fingertips.

To launch the Remote Desktop Connection tool, open the Start menu - All Programs - Accessories - Windows. In the menu item that opens, we launch the RDP client and see a field called “Computer”. You must enter the address of the remote computer, i.e. the one on which we set a static IP address. After clicking the connect button, the program will ask you to enter your “Login and Password” to connect to the remote PC.

You can also open additional settings; to do this, open the “Show options” item. Here you can immediately specify the user of the remote computer, configure local resources, as well as screen settings. But I think it’s better to leave everything by default and start managing the remote PC.

RDP client - pros and cons.

To be honest, I don’t have to use the RDP client very often, but sometimes it’s simply necessary. For myself, I have identified the following advantages:

• In order to connect to a remote PC, you do not need to search for or install any programs. Everything is provided by Microsoft developers and the tool is built into the operating system;
• Using Remote Desktop, you can gain full access to your computer. Which allows you to perform any actions on it;
• Unlimited access time to a remote PC.

This is where the pros end, let’s move on to the cons of using this utility:

• The program works correctly only on a local network; to set up a connection via the Internet, you need to go into the router settings to forward the port, which is a problem for many users;
• If you are using a VPN, then in order to connect to a remote computer using an RDP client, you need good Internet speed, otherwise you will watch a slide show;
• The program has a minimal set of functions, and also does not have a built-in file manager, so there is no way to transfer files;

Let's summarize.

Today we looked at the RDP client for Windows. This tool for remotely connecting to a computer can be considered as an alternative to third-party programs such as, but it is unlikely that RDP will be able to replace them completely. Since the built-in tool does not even have all the necessary set of functions that are typical for remote access programs. The speed of operation leaves much to be desired, but it is perfect in cases where there is no opportunity or time to search for and install other programs and you urgently need to gain access to a remote PC.

Virtualization,

shells,

Network technologies

I briefly mentioned the use of remote desktop technology to organize the interaction of distributed teams. Now I would like to dwell on this topic in more detail, understand the limits of application of this technology and compare the most popular implementations.

Why use remote desktop technology?

I want to start by saying that, in my opinion, the lower the percentage of network resources accessible only through a remote desktop, the better. If it is possible to directly connect to the required network resources through a browser or other application on your mobile workstation, you need to use it. Agree, this is much easier than connecting to a server, which, in turn, will connect to the required resource.

But still, what makes organizations use remote desktop technologies?

Safety

It is generally accepted that a connection using a “graphical” protocol is more controlled and secure. For example, due to the fact that mouse movements and clicks on a graphical interface are easier to record and analyze (after the fact, or even in real time) than to listen to and parse “raw” network traffic.

In addition, file exchange is usually limited or completely closed between the mobile workstation and the remote desktop server. Therefore, it becomes difficult to “drain” a large amount of data without attracting the attention of the monitoring system and antivirus.

The attacker has only two options for leaking information via a remote desktop - taking photographs of each data upload screen, which, you see, is somewhat tedious. Or use the clipboard (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V), but it has a limited capacity and, in general, can be prohibited between the mobile workstation and the remote desktop.

Autonomy

Some employees in a company may not have a physical work station with a desk, chair, and computer at all. For example, if their work involves moving, and we mainly take place on the customer’s premises. But, with all this, such employees need access to the internal systems of their company. With minimal risk of losing or compromising private data.

Then a remote desktop comes to the rescue - an employee connects to it from anywhere in the world from his laptop, or even from various customer computers in several offices.

Resource intensity

If you work with office documents, mail and video calls on a laptop or smartphone, then the power and battery should be enough for you to work comfortably. But, for example, if you are involved in big data, video transcoding, or even compiling programs from source code, problems may begin in the mobile workplace. Although a desktop computer of average power copes with such tasks quite well.

The solution is to run resource-intensive tasks on a stationary work computer and monitor their execution from a mobile workstation.

Job cost optimization

If in a large company we take the total capacity of all workplaces and look at utilization over time, most likely, even during working hours they will be underutilized (not to mention evening or night time). To prevent resources from being idle, it is easier to concentrate this total power in one common distributed server, and at workplaces keep only light and cheap terminals for accessing it (monitor, mouse, keyboard, minimum CPU, RAM and HDD). As a bonus, at night on this server you can run resource-intensive tasks, for example, load testing of daytime builds, or bitcoin mining :)

Cross platform

Perhaps some applications you need only run Windows code, or only through Internet Explorer, and you have a MacBook. The solution is to connect to a remote desktop with the required operating system.

Another good idea is to use a class of applications such as local virtual machines (Virtual Box, VMware, Parallels...), which are worth dwelling on in more detail. Usually they run directly on a mobile workstation, consume its resources, while providing a similar remote desktop interface. Although, the desktop here is quite local; when connecting to it, the same schemes and laws work as to a remote one.

Disadvantages of Remote Desktop Technologies

Isolation

Most often, this flaw occurs when an employee combines a remote desktop with the desktop of his device. It becomes inconvenient to switch between windows, drag & drop objects, search for an open application in two places, and work with files. The ideal option is to use only a remote desktop for work, using the mobile device only as a terminal. Or use the remote desktop to solve infrequent, autonomous tasks, for example, planning your vacation calendar once a year.

Interface responsiveness

Although modern networks are very fast and stable, the factor of communication problems should not be underestimated. For example, this applies to the mobile Internet, especially on the road when moving a mobile phone. If you add to this the possible “brakes” of the interface on the remote server itself, the response time to pressing a key or moving the mouse may be uncomfortable for work.

Inability to customize

Typically, a user has administrator rights (at least local) on his laptop or smartphone and can install additional programs or customize them for himself. If the workplace is located on a remote server, most likely it is managed by a team of administrators who are not always ready to share rights for configuration.

The easiest way for an organization is to create configurations not for a specific employee, but for the specialization of employees (all field managers, all Java developers, all designers...). Thus, if you and your colleague write in Java, he likes Eclipse, and you like Intellij IDEA, you will first need to negotiate with the administrators about installing both development environments. And then decide the question, for example, about the default application for *.java files.

Scaling screen resolutions

Most often, the resolution of the remote desktop may be higher than the resolution of your laptop. It’s one thing when you change the resolution on your computer, all applications organically adapt to it, start optimization, font smoothing, etc. Another thing is when a remote desktop client asks the server to send it an image in a different resolution, optimizing it a second time in the process. The result may not be a completely smooth, beautiful picture. Especially if there is a task to take a screenshot, most likely there will be three different results: the vision of the eye on the screen, the picture through a remote program, the picture through a local program.

Overview of remote desktop technologies

This review will not pretend to be complete and objective, since there are so many sales on the market that it is almost impossible to keep track of them. But it will claim validity, because the author used each of them in practice for a noticeable period of time. And the review will be conducted from the perspective of convenience in the work of an ordinary user, and not the administrator of the system, or the organization using these technologies.

Radmin

One of the first programs for working with remote desktop for Windows from the late 90s. Many subsequent remote desktop implementations used Radmin's functionality as a basis. It has basic functions: viewing the screen (possibly while the user is working with it, sometimes even without his knowledge), working with a remote desktop, transferring files, restarting/shutting down the remote computer.

Microsoft Remote Desktop

Included as standard with Windows under the name “Remote Desktop Connection”. Similar standard feature set to Radmin, well integrated into Windows OS. Although it has a quite suitable implementation for macOS.

VMware Horizon

Supports two-factor authentication via one-time password on a software or hardware token. Another memorable feature is the ability to prevent the transfer of the clipboard from the remote desktop to the local one.

Like most of the following applications, VMWare Horizon has a version for tablets and even smartphones. But their use for everyday work seems doubtful. Still, for now, computer operating systems are focused on working with a keyboard and mouse to a greater extent than on touching the screen.

Apple Screen Sharing

In the Apple ecosystem, it allows you to remotely connect to the desktop of servers on the macOS platform, for example, on a Mac Pro or Mac Mini, which do not always come with an additional monitor, keyboard and trackpad.

Citrix XenDesktop (+StoreFront)

Makes it possible to gain remote access not only to the server desktop, but even to its individual applications:

Moreover, each such remote application lives in a separate window (not necessarily full-screen), which is adjacent to the windows of local applications, which creates the effect of a deeper presence:

In addition, the product contains a ready-made module for creating and maintaining a VPN tunnel (Citrix Receiver), conveniently integrated with the remote desktop application:

One of the nice features is the rebinding of the Ctrl keys to Cmd when you connect from a client on macOS to a server on Windows.

The technology works both as an application in the operating system and from a browser that supports HTML5.

Parallels Desktop

This product belongs to the class of managing the desktop not of a remote machine, but of a completely local machine, moreover, a virtual one. Parallels Desktop is interesting because it was the first to attempt to combine windows of both local and virtual applications on one desktop. It turns out that next to the Finder window on macOS the Paint window on Windows can be located and look quite natural.

The scope of application of this product is the simultaneous operation of applications from different operating systems. For example, Microsoft Internet Explorer or Visio are simply not available for macOS, but from time to time you may need to check the site layout, or open a diagram, without restarting the computer.

Chats

The next class of applications, again, does not relate to managing a remote desktop, but to showing your desktop to one or more chat participants. This technique is good if listeners want to see an example of a person working on a computer, which may be hundreds of kilometers away, while simultaneously hearing his voice.

Slack, Cisco Jabber, Atlassian HipChat/Stride, Zoom.US.

Bottom line

In conclusion, I want to say that there are many tasks for broadcasting and managing a remote desktop. Of course, there is nothing better than going to a computer standing on a table and starting to work on it. But often this is not possible, this computer is located far away, the described techniques and approaches were created to smooth out this drawback and ensure full-fledged work for remote employees.

What are your impressions of the listed software solutions?
Do you have any favorite solutions not listed in this article?