Remote Desktop Software
The most sophisticated form of remote access enables users on one computer to see and interact with the desktop user interface of another computer. Setting up remote desktop support involves configuring software on both the host (the local computer controlling the connection) and the client (the remote computer being accessed). When connected, this software opens a window on the host computer containing a view of the client’s desktop. Depending on how two programs work, and the screen resolutions on both screens, the client computer might be able to maximize the program window to take up the entire screen. Current versions of Microsoft Windows include the Remote Desktop software. It’s only available on computers with the Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate versions of the operating system. For Macs, the Apple Remote Desktop software package is designed for business networks and sold separately. The Linux ecosystem offers several different remote-desktop solutions. There are, however, many remote access programs that you can install and use in place of the built-in remote desktop tools. Many of these work on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can be used across those platforms (for example, a Windows host can control a Linux client). Many remote desktop solutions are based on Virtual Network Computing technology. Software packages based on VNC work across multiple operating systems. The speed of VNC and other remote desktop software varies, sometimes performing as effectively as the local computer but other times exhibiting sluggish responsiveness due to network latency.
Remote Access to Files
Basic remote network access allows files to be read from and written to the client computer, even without remote desktop capability in place. However, most remote desktop programs support both. Virtual Private Network technology provides remote login and file access functionality across wide area networks. A VPN requires client software to be present on host systems and VPN server technology installed on the target computer. As an alternative to VPNs, client/server software based on the secure shell SSH protocol can be also be used for remote file access. SSH provides a command line interface to the target system. File sharing within a home or other local area network is generally not considered to be a remote access environment even though it remotely accesses the other device.
Is Remote Desktop Safe?
Programs that remotely connect to your computer are usually safe. Although, some have been put to nefarious purposes, including stealing information, deleting files from computers, and installing other programs without consent. To avoid misuse, uninstall remote desktop programs you no longer use or deactivate its functionality. It’s easy to disable Remote Desktop in Windows, and similar tools on macOS and Linux can be shut down, too.
