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Remote Desktop Software

Remote Desktop Software

The term remote desktop refers to a software or operating system feature that allows a personal computer's desktop environment to be run remotely on one system (usually a PC, but the concept applies equally to a server), while being displayed on a separate client device. Remote desktop applications have varying features. Some allow attaching to an existing user's session (i.e., a running desktop) and "remote controlling", either displaying the remote control session or blanking the screen. Taking over a desktop remotely is a form of remote administration.

Remote access can also be explained as remote control of a computer by using another device connected via the Internet or another network. This is widely used by many computer manufacturers and large businesses' help desks for technical troubleshooting of their customers' problems.

Remote desktop software captures the mouse and keyboard inputs from the local computer (client) and sends them to the remote computer (server). The remote computer in turn sends the display commands to the local computer. When applications with many graphics including video or 3D models need to be controlled remotely, a remote workstation software that sends the pixels rather than the display commands must be used to provide a smooth, like-local experience. HP Remote Graphics Software is one such remote workstation solution.

Remote desktop sharing is accomplished through a common client/server model. The client, or VNC viewer, is installed on a local computer and then connects via a network to a server component, which is installed on the remote computer. In a typical VNC session, all keystrokes and mouse clicks are registered as if the client were actually performing tasks on the end-user machine.

The target computer in a remote desktop scenario is still able to access all of its core functions. Many of these core functions, including the main clipboard, can be shared between the target computer and remote desktop client.

A main use of remote desktop software is remote administration and remote implementation. This need arises when software buyers are far away from their software vendor. Most remote access software can be used for "headless computers": instead of each computer having its own monitor, keyboard and mouse or using a KVM switch, one computer can have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and remote control software, and control many headless computers. The duplicate desktop mode is useful for user support and education. Remote control software combined with telephone communication can be nearly as helpful for novice computer-users as if the support staff were actually there.

Since the advent of cloud computing, remote desktop software can be housed on USB hardware devices, allowing users to connect the device to any PC connected to their network or the Internet and recreate their desktop via a connection to the cloud. This model avoids one problem with remote desktop software, which requires the local computer to be switched on at the time when the user wishes to access it remotely. (It is possible with a router with C2S VPN support, and Wake on LAN equipment, to establish a virtual private network (VPN) connection with the router over the Internet, if not connected to the LAN, switch on a computer connected to the router, then connect to it.)

Remote desktop products are available in three models: hosted service, software, and appliance.

The most popular products in category Remote Desktop Software All category products

Chrome Remote Desktop
5
19
Microsoft Remote Desktop
13
7
Citrix XenApp
2
4
HP Remote Graphics Software
9
11
Symantec pcAnywhere
10
0
Apple Remote Desktop
17
16
Zoho Assist
12
2
ISL Online Remote Access
4
20
TeamViewer
19
10
Logmein Pro
11
18
Splashtop Business Access
13
11
AnyDesk
10
17

Compare of products in the category Remote Desktop Software

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Compare: Remote Desktop Software

Characteristics

License

Free Use

OS System Support

Remote Assistance

Simultaneous Connections

File Transfer

Copy/Paste

Drag and Drop

Printing

Multi Sessions

Session Recording

Audio Support

Video Support

3D

Seamless Window

Whiteboard

Access Permission

IPv6

Blank Remote Screen

H.264 Support

USB Forwarding

Chat

NAT Passthrough

Browser Access

Smartcard Authentication

Encryption

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  • BSD
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  • GPL
  • Proprietary
  • Proprietary
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  • Proprietary
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  • GPL
  • GPL
  • Proprietary
For personal
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For personal and commercial
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N/A
For personal and commercial
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For personal and commercial
For personal
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For personal
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For personal and commercial
For personal
For personal
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For personal
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For personal and commercial
For personal and commercial
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  • Chrome OS
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  • Blackberry
  • Windows Mobile
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Windows Mobile
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Windows Mobile
  • Windows
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Windows Mobile
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Windows Mobile
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • FreeBSD
  • Windows Mobile
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
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  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
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  • Windows Mobile
  • Chrome OS
  • Windows
  • macOS
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  • Chrome OS
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  • Linux
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  • Blackberry
  • Windows Mobile
  • Windows
  • macOS
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  • Android
  • iOS
  • Blackberry
  • Windows Mobile
  • Chrome OS
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Blackberry
  • Windows
  • Windows
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Unlimited
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Unlimited
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Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
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3-15
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Unlimited
2-6
  • SSL
  • TLS
  • AES
  • AES-128
  • SSL
  • TLS
  • SSL
  • TLS
  • SSL
  • AES-256
  • DES-56
  • DES-168
  • Yes
  • SSL
  • AES-256
  • SSL
  • AES-256
  • SSL
  • TLS
  • Yes
  • AES-256
  • SSL
  • TLS
  • AES-256
  • SSL
  • AES-256
  • AES-256
  • AES-256
  • Yes
  • AES-256
  • AES-256
  • N/A
  • Plugin
  • SSL
  • TLS
  • AES-256
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Vendors Remote Desktop Software

Google
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Citrix
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IBA Group
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Apple
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Seasia Infotech
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ISL Online
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  • ESP
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  • IND
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  • KOR
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  • SVN
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TeamViewer
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  • USA
Netop
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  • ROU
  • USA
VOLO
ARM...
  • ARM
  • UKR
  • USA

F.A.Q. about Remote Desktop Software

What is Remote Desktop Software?

Remote Desktop Software is a tool that uses Virtual Network Computing (VNC) to allow one computer to remotely access and control another computer over an internet/network connection.

How does Remote Desktop Software Work?

Remote Desktop Software uses a client-server model to connect to and control a computer remotely:

  • Server: The server is a remote device that is being controlled.
  • Client: The client is the local device used to control the server.

The server's UI is displayed on the client monitor which enables the client to control the server via keyboard and mouse inputs. These inputs are executed in the server's environment, and the UI is updated in the client's display accordingly.

Why is Remote Desktop Software used?

Remote desktop software is a tool that allows you to use the remote desktop feature seamlessly. It is used mainly for the following purposes:

  • Troubleshooting: IT Admins are on call 24/7 and a remote access tool helps them save time and effort by allowing them to fix issues remotely within a few minutes.
  • Help Desk: Help Desk technicians' primary responsibility is to resolve any issues that customers might face while using their product, and this more often than not involves taking remote control of their customers' devices. Work from home: People that work from home often need to remotely connect to and use their corporate devices for various purposes.
  • Personal use: You can remotely access a computer at your home when you're on the move, to access files or personal documents you may require urgently.