Remote desktop allows users to control one computer from another, with features like file transfer and text chat. Security is important, and there are options for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. Compatibility must be checked before use.
Remote desktop is an application that allows the user to control the desktop – and, in effect, the entire contents – of one computer from the second machine. This application gives the “main” computer access to all content on the remote computer and often provides features such as file transfer and text chat. One version of the application comes standard with all new Windows® computers, but other versions are available for that operating system (OS) as well as for Mac® and Linux®, as well as between systems, such as Linux® and Windows®.
How does it work
This application requires client, or “master” and remote computers, also called “slaves” or hosts, to be connected to the same network. The remote desktop network can be wired or wireless. Wired networks can use direct connections or through routers, while wireless networks can be formed using routers or the Internet. It is quite common for an application to be used to control a host computer away from the client, connected only via the Internet.
Advanced security protocols are standard practice in remote desktop software, especially when the network is wireless and/or the Internet. The nature of this application, which allows another computer to control the host machine, makes security extremely important. Anyone running the software, even if the connection is direct wired, should ensure that the connection is secure and password protected to reduce the possibility that an unauthorized user can gain access to the remote computer. Some security features can be built into software protocols so that the client computer cannot delete or otherwise alter files without the remote user’s permission.
Once the administrator has entered the correct password, the software allows him to access the remote computer. The person using the client computer can use any software on the remote machine and access any file. Software maintenance is one of the most common uses of this type of program, allowing an administrator to shut down a malfunctioning software application or install a software update. This saves the time needed to physically insert a CD or other storage device into the host computer or to perform a manual software update download.
In most cases, the host computer is still able to access all of its core functions; it may be possible to lock down or disable peripheral devices on the host computer, however, so that a user cannot interfere with client actions. With some software, many of these functions, including the main clipboard, can also be shared between the remote computer and the client. This software may also allow the client administrator to run an audio or video application on a remote computer and redirect the images and/or sounds to the client computer.
Windows® operating systems
Most modern computers running Windows® include Remote Desktop Protocol, which allows remote connections. The remote tool is usually found in the computer properties settings; To be able to access a computer remotely, this setting must be turned on. However, not all versions of Windows® can be accessed using this tool; in most cases, the remote or host computer must be running a professional or corporate version of the operating system, although you can usually connect from any version of the operating system. Also, it may not be possible to connect between operating systems; a computer running Windows Vista Home Basic®, for example, cannot connect to a Windows XP® computer.
In addition to the standard tools that come with Windows® computers, there are a number of third-party applications that will allow a person to connect computers remotely. These applications are often more robust than the standard version and are usually designed to be easier to use. They also offer features like file transfer between machines and text chat, which allows someone at the controlling computer to send a message to a person at the remote machine. Many of these software programs come in free versions, although more advanced features are usually exclusive to paying customers.
Apple Machitosh® operating systems
Apple offers downloadable software to facilitate remote desktop connections, although it’s not standard with most machines. However, the application allows management of multiple computers and includes a range of features, including updates and remote reboots. Third-party solutions are also available, and some software is designed for both Windows® and Mac®. There are apps for iPad® and iPhone® that also allow remote access to Mac® or PC computers.
Linux® and other operating systems
There are several open source tools available that allow remote desktop connections between computers running Linux® or between Linux® and Windows®. Much of this same software also allows computers running a variety of operating systems to connect to or from UNIX® machines. There are also applications for mobile devices in addition to the iPad® — versions for Android and BlackBerry® devices are also available.
As with any remote desktop application, not all operating systems can be client or host in all situations, and many applications only work with certain operating systems. Before using any application, the user must ensure that all machines accessed are compatible with the software.
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