Remote control of computers. The best programs to control another computer

Remote access applications allow you to solve a range of problems. Previously, such products were used exclusively in corporate networks, but recently they have become quite widespread among non-professionals. An overview is presented in the article.

General information

You can compare the remote connection with the control panel. That is, you don’t have to leave your apartment to administer your PC. In this case, large companies save money, since in the vast majority of cases IT employees do not need to be sent on business trips.

Ordinary users also need such tools from time to time. For example, if a relative or friend who is not computer savvy asks for help, it is enough to ask him to run a small program on his machine, which is very convenient.

When you go on a trip, you can install the application on your PC or laptop so that you can copy important documents from it even from afar.

Anyplace Control

This utility has two operating modes - administration and viewing. The first is designed to intercept control of a PC; it allows you to gain full remote access to the client computer. The second only displays what is happening on the screen, and observation can be carried out secretly.

The undoubted advantage of this tool is the ability to simultaneously administer two or more computers. In this case, in one operation you can send a shutdown or reboot command to several machines at once.

Another interesting feature is the implementation of a shared buffer. After copying a file on a remote PC, you can paste it onto an administrative one, and vice versa. Working with text and graphic elements is carried out in the same way. In addition, you can send a message to a remote computer at any time.

Connection methods

How to establish a connection between machines? Anyplace Control offers the following three options:


Ammyy Admin

Ammyy Admin can work without installation. The utility combines great functionality and a clear interface. The tool is absolutely free for home use. Supported operating systems include Windows, BSD and Linux.

The main window consists of two modules - client and operator. The connection is made using a randomly generated ID, but it is also possible to use an IP address. The client part can be completed at any time. This will establish a ban on remote control of the computer via the Internet.

The application has an address book. It adds computers to which it is possible to connect. For ease of navigation, the user is provided with the functions of combining PCs into groups, changing the order of addresses, and adding new contacts manually. However, it is impossible to track whether the user is online.

Basic operating modes

Ammyy Admin implements several connection modes:

  • Desktop - complete takeover of desktop control.
  • File manager. Transfer files between computers.
  • Microsoft RDP. Launching built-in Windows remote administration tools.
  • Voice chat.
  • Speed ​​Test. Checking network speed.

As for RDP, for settings it is not the standard Windows dialog that is used, but the tools built into the utility. At the same time, the "Network" tab allows you to select codecs and color resolution, which is useful if the remote computer is connected to the Internet at low speed.

Supremo Remote Desktop

Supremo Remote Desktop is a convenient portable utility specifically designed to provide remote assistance to users. The program operates only under operating systems of the Windows family.

The application does not require installation. You can download it absolutely free from the developer’s website. Before you start, the program must be running on both computers. Traditionally, there are two modes: server and client. To start the first option, you need to click on the "Start" button. The "Your credentials" field contains the information that the administrator needs to connect: ID number and password. At the beginning of each session, these values ​​are generated randomly.

If the user has enabled the Ask authorization function, it will be impossible to log into the remote computer without his consent. This provides the best possible protection against To connect to the host on the administrative PC, enter the identifier in the column under the heading “Your partner”. In addition, you can select a contact from the address book.

Supremo Remote Desktop also includes a file manager. It is similar to the classic TotalCommander with two panels. It is possible to download documents to the client machine or transfer them to the server. Surveillance mode and voice chat are not provided.

TeamViewer

When describing the best for a computer, you cannot ignore TeamViewer. This tool is completely free for non-corporate use. The program not only works under popular operating systems, it can also be installed on a phone or tablet running iOS and Android. Separately, we should highlight the QuickSupport solution, which does not require installation and is perfect for performing urgent tasks.

The full version of the utility provides both client and operator parts. The interface is made in the form of a single window in which there are two tabs - “Conference” and “Remote control”.

Remote control

The user is provided with a unique ID number (it is necessary to identify the PC) and a password (which can be randomly generated or set independently). An administrator, knowing both of these values, can gain remote access to a computer via the Internet.

Several connection modes are available:

  • Control: complete takeover of control. However, the user is not blocked at this time, which may create inconvenience. All operations are performed in a single window. At the same time, you can change the resolution, scale, and switch between monitors.
  • File transfer. Like many other programs of this type, TeamViewer uses a classic two-panel manager. All standard actions are available in it: deleting, copying, moving, creating folders, renaming.
  • VPN. This mode was created for organizing a virtual local network. It can be used to browse shared directories or access devices.

Conferences

This tab provides tools for organizing blitz conferences or connecting to an already created one. The free version has a limit of 25 participants. It is worth noting the possibility of using voice and video communication, screen sharing, and recording sessions in AVI format. The Whiteboard function resembles a blackboard and is used for drawing.

To make access to devices quick and easy, TeamViewer has added a Contacts module. In addition, you can use it to send a message to a remote computer or create a personal or group chat.

All incoming and outgoing traffic is encrypted by the utility. A digital signature is attached to documents transferred from one PC to another. The file cannot be transferred unless the end user has consented to it.

UltraVNC

The main advantage of this program is that it is absolutely free, even for commercial use. At the same time, many paid analogues are inferior to it in terms of functionality.

The settings of the server part of the utility are very interesting. If you want to hide its presence on the PC, you can call up the configuration dialog and limit the user's permissions. At the same time, he will not be able to not only close the program or change its parameters, but also check whether it is running.

It must be said that the administration tools implemented in UltraVNC allow you to take control of a remote PC without any questions asked, even if the end user does not want it. It’s hard to imagine why remote access to a computer at this level on a home network is needed, but for system administrators monitoring the performance of dozens of machines, UltraVNC is indispensable. In addition to the features described above, the application has the function of locking the keyboard and mouse immediately after connecting to the client PC. If it is activated, no one will be able to interfere with the operator during work.

The utility also has a View Only mode. When enabled, the administrator only monitors the screen. In this case, detection of your presence is excluded.

All the main server PC controls are located at the top of the viewport. With their help, you can easily send CTRL+ALT+DEL information to a remote computer, switch between full-screen and windowed mode, open the Start menu, update data if the picture on the screen is frozen, open personal correspondence with a client, or launch a file manager.

November 27, 2014 at 03:31 pm

Free programs for remote computer control

  • Server administration,
  • Network technologies ,
  • System administration

Remote computer control programs allow you to remotely control another computer over the Internet or on a local network. This is convenient when you need to help a less experienced user, for example, a relative or friend who is not well versed with a computer, do something on it without leaving your comfortable chair and without wasting your nerves and time on telephone conversations. Such programs are also convenient to use for remote work, for example, from home to connect to the office and vice versa - to access your home PC, for system administration of an entire fleet of computers and servers.

Let's conduct a comparative analysis of remote control programs and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

TeamViewer

One of the most popular programs for remote access, it can be quickly downloaded and installed or launched immediately, without installation, even a not very experienced user can handle it. When launched, the program displays a window with an ID and password to access this computer, and TeamViewer also allows you to connect to another computer by specifying its ID and password.

Advantages:
The program has several main modes of operation: remote control, file transfer, chat, demonstration of your desktop. The program allows you to set up 24/7 access to your computer, which will be convenient for system administration. The speed of operation is quite decent, there are versions for all mobile platforms, for various operating systems, which is very pleasing. A simple and completely understandable interface plus a number of additional utilities to expand the functionality of the program will be useful for remote support services.

Flaws:
Although the program is free, it is only for non-commercial use, and when working with it for more than 5 minutes, a number of difficulties arise, for example, TV can block a remote connection session, recognizing it as commercial use. For round-the-clock remote access or administration of several computers or a computer network, you will have to pay for additional program modules. The cost of the program is high.

Result:
This program is ideal for a one-time remote connection or for using it for short periods of time. Convenient to use from mobile platforms, but not to administer a large number of computers. You will have to pay extra for additional modules.

LiteManager

A simple, but quite powerful program in terms of capabilities, consists of two parts, the first is Server, which needs to be installed or launched on a remote computer, and Viewer, which allows you to control another computer. To operate, the program requires a little more skills and experience from the manager, although working with the server is even simpler than in TeamViewer, the server can be installed once and no further actions are required from the user, the ID will always be constant, you can even set it yourself manually, which very convenient for memorization. The LiteManager Free version is free for personal and commercial use.

Advantages:
In addition to the main remote access modes: remote control, file transfer, chat, task manager, registry editor, the program also has unique functions, for example: inventory, screen recording, remote installation. The program is free for use on up to 30 computers, it can be used for round-the-clock access without any additional modules. There are no restrictions on operating time. It is possible to configure your own server ID to set up a corporate help desk. The program does not have any restrictions on operating time or blocking.

Flaws:
There is not enough client for mobile platforms or other systems, there is a limit of 30 computers in the free version, to administer more you need to purchase a license. Some specific operating modes are only available in the Pro version.

Result:
The Litemanager program is suitable for providing remote support, for administering several dozen computers absolutely free, for setting up your own remote support service. The cost of the program is the lowest in its segment and the license is not limited in time.

Ammy admin

The program is basically similar to TeamViewer, but a simpler option. There are only basic operating modes - viewing and control, file transfer, chat. The program can run without installation and is free for non-commercial use.

Advantages:
A simple and lightweight program, you can work both on the Internet and on a local network, has minimal settings and does not require any special skills. Compared to TeamViewer, the licensing policy is more lenient.

Flaws:
Minimum functions for remote management, it will be difficult to administer a large fleet of computers, with long-term use, more than 15 hours per month, the work session may be limited or blocked, paid for commercial use,

Result:
This program is more suitable for a one-time connection to a computer and not very complex manipulations, for example, to assist an inexperienced user in setting up a computer.

RAdmin

One of the first remote control programs and well-known in its circle, I could not help but mention it, more intended for system administration, the main emphasis is on security. The program consists of two: server and client components. Requires installation, it will not be easy for an inexperienced user to figure it out, the program is designed mainly to work using an IP address, which is not entirely convenient for providing technical support. Internet support. The program is paid, but has a free trial period.

Advantages:
The program has high operating speed, especially in a good network, thanks to the video driver for capturing the desktop, increased reliability and security. Intel AMT technology is built-in, which allows you to connect to the BIOS of a remote computer and configure it. Only the basic operating modes are implemented: remote control, file transfer, chat, etc.

Flaws:
There is almost no way to work without an IP address, i.e. connect by ID. There is no client for mobile systems. There is no free version, only a 30-day trial period. To work with the program, you need the skills of an experienced user. When connecting a video, the driver may disable the Aero graphical shell, sometimes the screen flickers.

Result:
The program is more suitable for system administrators for administering computers and servers on a local network. To work over the Internet, you may have to set up a VPN tunnel.


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Preface

Since our site is designed for average users, some disagreements arose within the non-Oshibka.Ru team regarding the usefulness of this article. Typically, such material is intended for more experienced users who at least have a good knowledge of the Windows OS.

On the other hand, where should a novice user go who has only a vague idea of ​​what RDP, TCP, UDP are? But you really want to know? Again, is this necessary for the average user? Maybe one simple program is enough for him?

A difficult situation.

Explain in one article what remote access to a computer via the Internet is, but in such a way as not to frighten off the visitor.

We decided to experiment. Talk about difficult things as clearly as possible. We will take your comments into account.

What is this article about?

This article will tell you about two types of remote connection, briefly tell you what it is ID. Will tell you about the programs Remote access And Remote Desktop. We will also try to configure your computer in order to access it remotely without using third-party programs. Complex terms in the article are highlighted in brown and provided with explanations in the form of tooltips.

Remote access concept

Remote access to a computer via the Internet refers to operating system tools or a third-party program that allows you to gain visual or file access to a computer located at a remote distance, but still connected to the Internet.

How is the required computer identified on the Internet?

Conventionally, all remote access programs can be divided into two groups according to the type of connection:

  • Using ID
  • Using IP addresses And domain names

Remote access programs using ID

Of great interest are programs that use ID(unique identificator). Receipt method ID something like this: when a remote access program is launched on the computer to which you plan to connect, it sends a request to its server through which the connection will occur.

Having received this data, the server generates for the computer unique identification numberID. This number is assigned to the computer. In the screenshot below it is highlighted in red.

Knowing this identification number and password, you can connect to a computer from anywhere in the world with this ID.

It remains unchanged until the hardware is replaced or the OS is reinstalled.

So using such programs is very convenient. When you change Internet provider, city, and even country, your computer ID Will not change.

Lack of programs using ID one - they are paid or shareware. Condition - you must not use the program for commercial purposes.

Example of programs using ID— TeamViewer, Ammy Admin. But the list is not limited to these two. They are simply the most popular and always heard by users.

We will not spend a lot of time on these programs, since their interface is simple and allows you to learn the program in 5-10 minutes. We may look at each of them in the future.

You won't have any problems with these programs. Use it for your health without overusing it. If TeamViewer will connect to a large number of ID- then sooner or later, the communication session will be limited to five minutes.

Remote access programs using an IP address or domain name

With this category everything is a little more complicated. They need a static IP address or domain name. Connection via IP address, this is a classic connection type. It does not allow as much flexibility in the location of the computer and is most often used in "office space".

In order to use it, you need to do the following.

Connecting a fixed IP address or domain.

You need to activate an additional service from your provider - Fixed IP address . This service is provided by many providers, including mobile ones. This service will assign your home network an external IP address in the format 123.123.123.123

It is this address that will allow you to find your computer from outside.

An alternative to a fixed IP address can be the service DynDNS. When registering, you will be given a custom domain, for example:

neoshibka.dyn.com

Next, you simply install a program on your computer that, when turned on, will track your current IP address and send it to the server DynDNS, which in turn will match your current dynamic ip address , with address yourlogin.dyn.com

Thus, no matter where you are, no matter what provider you use, no matter how often your IP address—the address of your computer—changes, yourlogin.dyn.com

We won’t undertake to say, but getting a fixed IP address from a provider is somewhat easier and cheaper than using DynDNS. For example, at the time of writing this article, the cost of a dedicated IP address was only 20 rubles. / month

Opening a port to a target - a remote computer.

Even now, knowing our IP address or assigned to us DynDNS domain, we can hardly connect to the computer - the firewall will not let us through. Most likely the port 3389 used by the program Remote Desktop which we will tame in this article will be closed. For everything to work as it should, we will have to open it and redirect it to the desired computer on the network.

Difficult? Not at all. Let's try to figure it out in practice.

Remote access to a computer via the Internet using Remote Desktop

So, first what we did was get a fixed ip address from our ISP. Let's remember, write it down, draw it.

Second. Let's find out intranet IP address our computer. To do this, we will follow the following path: Network and Sharing Center => Local Area Connection => Details
As you can see in the screenshot, the address of our computer within the network 192.168.1.102

Third the point will be opening the port 3389 to the above address. To do this, let's go to the router. In our case it is ADSL modem TP-LINK. We will show everything using his example. There’s nothing you can do about it, but you can’t do without instructions if you don’t know how to configure the modem yourself.

In our case we enter through Google Chrome by the address 192.168.1.1 and under the combination admin/admin. We get to the information page.

Let's go to Advanced Setup => NAT => Virtual Servers and press the button (add).

Here you can choose ready-made services or create your own.

We will create our own and call it Udalenka, but the name can be absolutely anything. We register the local address of the computer, the one we spied earlier. In the table we enter the port everywhere 3389 and select the protocol TCP/UDP. We do all this based on a standard Windows application. Remote Desktop. For other programs, the ports may be different. A good list of applications and the ports they use is provided. (What we are learning may even be useful for games).

If, for example, you want to use Remote Desktop, and advanced RAdmin, then you will have to register a different port for it: 4899 .

Press the button to save.

Item fourth, we will run on the computer we are going to control - Terminal Server Service. It’s worth clarifying something here.

Using the method described below is not recommended from the point of view of licensing purity if you do this in the organization where you work. Not sure about Windows 10, but in Windows XP - 7, the license was not violated if only one user connected to the computer.

We do all this for the purpose of familiarization and in order to learn the principles of remote access to a computer via the Internet.

So, to run it on your computer Terminal Server Service. In Windows XP this was done simply - Go to AdministrationServices and applicationsServices found it and simply turned it on. This allowed one user to connect to the computer. In this case, the user who was sitting locally was disconnected.

In Windows 10 we need to do things a little differently. We need a special patch. You can download it from here. This patch will allow you to run on the system Windows 10 terminal service.

Recently, the search engines Google and Yandex began to consider this file as a virus threat. In fact, the file lay on the site for two years, and not a single scanner ever considered it to be malware. However, the file is now stored outside of notOshibka.Ru - you download it at your own peril and risk.

Let's unpack the downloaded file to any location. For example on Desktop. Run as Administrator file install.bat

A successful result will be indicated by a black command line window with the following content:

Fifth In this paragraph, we will set a password for our user, and also add him to the group.

For this purpose on the icon Computer and right-click to select Control.

In the window that opens, on the left side, we need to expand the list Local users and groups, select sub-item Users.

In the list of users, you need to find yourself and right-click.

Enter your password twice, press and the system will confirm that the password has been set.

Now we need to add our user to the group Remote Desktop Users.

To do this:

Right click on the user − Properties.

In the window that opens, go to the tab Group Membership and press the button <Добавить…>


Next, do everything in the same order as in the screenshot:

As a result of the work done - Remote Desktop Users should appear in the general list of groups to which the user belongs.

We would like to draw your attention to the following. The above describes how to assign a password to your user. But it’s better to create a new one and add it to the groups. Otherwise, you may lose some data. For example, we logged out wherever possible. I had to enter all the passwords again.

Let's check if we were able to gain remote access to the computer via the Internet using Remote Desktop.

We go to another computer, go to START menu => All programs => Accessories and run the program "Remote Desktop Connection".

Enter the IP address previously assigned to us by the provider into the window that appears, click the button <Подключить> .

If we did everything we did earlier correctly, then we will be asked almost immediately Name And Password user on Remote machine. Enter them and don't forget to check the box to remember your credentials.

And the last “security touch” will be checking the Remote Machine certificate. Here, too, you need to agree with everything. And also check the box.

That's all. If everything works as it should, you can go through the Remote Desktop program settings. Here you can turn on/off the sound, change the picture quality, connect local resources to the remote machine.

Very convenient utilities for controlling another computer from a distance. All actions occurring on the connected device are displayed in the work environment. Basic key combinations, the ability to save a connection template and automatic connection diagnostics are supported. Allows you to gain administrator rights or log into your account.

Free programs for remote access

– a compact utility that allows you to perform all the necessary actions on another resource via the network. The main advantage of this remote access program is that it works like a portable one.

The source file takes up less than a megabyte and can be launched from external media. The utility connects according to the specified parameters and can remember them. This way there is no need to enter a value every time.

All actions are displayed through the connection: mouse cursor, keyboard input and pop-up windows. The user receives full rights to copy, modify and read files.

– a utility for administering a server or workstation via a network. If you need to download a program for remote access, then this is the best solution.

Its functional part is divided into user and server, each of which is intended for its own purposes. It works through the popular VNC protocol, as the name suggests.

In addition to managing the system remotely, data exchange and communication through a general chat are available. Audio transmission comes directly from the system and is not compressed. The user sees all the actions of the connected computer in the program's working environment.

– a simple and reliable program for remote access to a computer via a network or local connection. Well suited for training other users, staff and training.

The Quiet operating mode has been implemented - allows you to quickly exchange data and does not take up space on your desktop during use. Works well with the company server, from which it is convenient to control the work process.

The utility can be updated on another device remotely, and all settings can be transferred in a few clicks. The system has a solid level of security that is regularly improved.

– a utility for remote access to a PC via another PC or smartphone. The application is now available for Android smartphones, which makes work easier.

It has ample opportunities both in management and accompanying information. With its help, it is easy to conduct trainings and lessons; it allows you to immediately transmit sound and display information on the screen.

It is divided into the main version and Pro, which is suitable for various tasks. Fully compatible with most versions of Windows OS. It is an ideal solution for simple administration and data transfer in batches and individually.

– designed for remote access to a server or workstation. It works via the Internet quite quickly and does not consume much system resources. In the settings you can set the data transfer speed and all the necessary parameters.

It has high-quality connection security for all used protocols. Can connect automatically when the system or application itself starts.

There is a built-in diagnostic and system correction module. Very useful for inexperienced administrators or beginners. The control interface is simple and clear, has pop-up tips.

is the most popular remote administration utility that can be downloaded for free. It has everything you need to quickly create a high-quality connection with data protection. The interface is simple and intuitive, well suited for beginners.

Among analogues, it has a large number of advantages, including line diagnostics and automatic recovery in case of a break.

It is valued for its speed, consumption of less traffic and portability, which is suitable for working from removable media. The operating mode is divided into three parts, each of which is responsible for its own set of commands.

It is very important to choose a high-quality program that suits you best.

For example, certain programs can work over the network, while others also function over the Internet - this also needs to be taken into account.

The type of license is very important: paid or free.

To understand which program to choose, the table below presents programs with basic characteristics to users.

Main comparative characteristics of the programs
The name of the program Number of connections in the free version File access Smartphone access Russian language
TeamViewer 1 Yes Yes Yes
AeroAdmin 1 Yes No Yes
Ammy admin 1 Yes Yes Yes
Comodo Unite Not limited Yes No No
RemotePC 1 No Yes No
Supremo Remotr Desktop 1 Yes No Yes
Radmin Trial only Yes No Yes
Splashhop Streamer 1 Yes Yes Yes
Ultra Vnc Not limited Yes Yes No
AnyDesk 1 Yes No Yes

Based on the specified data, it is possible to choose the program that is suitable for you from the list below in the shortest possible time.

TeamViewer

Talking about all the utilities that provide remote access, it is impossible to ignore the most relevant of them -.

It can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website, after which the program is installed or launched without installation.

Even an amateur can cope with this. As soon as the startup occurs, a window will appear on the screen in which the ID assigned to the computer will be indicated, as well as the password.

To connect to a PC on an administrative device, you must specify the identifier in the “ Manage your computer».

  • The program will be free only for non-commercial use; to add it to corporate devices, you will initially have to pay. Sometimes, after a few minutes of work, the operator disconnects from the client automatically, and the application independently analyzes the work and is able to decide that it is being used for commercial purposes.
  • To set up permanent access, you will have to purchase an additional tool. The price of the application is high.

TeamViwer is perfect for occasional and short-term user support; however, the utility is not suitable for administering networks with a huge number of devices.

AeroAdmin

The presented program is also ranked as the leader in the list of utilities for remote access. The first connection time will be less than 20 seconds.

When sending an image, the program itself can analyze the channel capacity and select the best image quality.

Data encryption is performed using the RSA-AES algorithm.

As in most of the solutions presented, the free version of this program makes it possible to establish a connection with only a single computer.

Advanced versions of this utility have the function of uncontrolled access, are able to track the history of all past actions, and support a diverse number of machines in multi-session mode.

The cost of a license will range from 2990-5990.

  • As an advantage, it is worth noting that there is a very high connection speed, and the number of broadcasts is selected automatically.
  • The disadvantages include the fact that there are not very good tools for communication.

Ammy Admin

A very powerful utility, the functionality of which is in many ways superior to a large number of similar solutions - built-in VoIP chat, a convenient file manager, high connection speed, and the option to select the normal connection speed.

The free version is available for no more than 15 hours per month in session mode.

For a large number of ordinary users, this limitation will not seem particularly inconvenient.

The price for a license will depend on the number of places to work and starts from 1,200 rubles.

  • The advantages include excellent functionality and high connection speed.
  • The main disadvantage of the application is its insecurity. It is recommended not to expose yourself to risk or to install the specified software on an isolated virtual device.

Comodo Unite

A multifunctional program for organizing your personal network, within which there is a tool for managing your desktop.

Information is encrypted using a 128-bit protocol.

For ordinary people, all functionality will be presented in free mode.

RemotePC

The scope of use of this program is remote connection to a desktop when using a mobile device, but there is still a possibility of access to a PC when using the web interface.

It is possible to connect when using a proxy server.

It is worth saying that when controlled using a phone, certain key combinations simply do not work.

Still, in the free version it is possible to establish a session only using the “blue tooth”.

The price for a licensed program will depend on the number of records and devices registered and starts from $50 per year.

Also, in the situation of using a mobile utility, you will additionally need to pay the cost on the mobile market.

  • As advantages, one should note support for various platforms, as well as a common administration console for existing devices.
  • The disadvantages include difficulties in accessing the file system, as well as the double fee that is charged for both the computer and mobile versions.

Supremo Remote Desktop

It is a common remote access tool that uses a 256-bit encryption protocol during information exchange.

As in AnyDesk, the function of setting up a pair of connections together is available only in the paid version.

However, its price is more reasonable - approximately 100 euros per year.

The creators of the utility talk about the very high speed of the first connection.

Still, during testing, the result of the software seemed average.

  • A plus is the integrated file manager, as well as the use of the latest AES 256 bit encryption algorithm.