As the name suggests, Remote Desktop is simply the ability to work remotely on a desktop computer. It means connecting to and accessing a device from afar via a different device, such as a laptop or smartphone. This is different than simply screen sharing because remote desktop connections allow you to interact with the remote device.
For example, you can establish a remote connection from your phone to your laptop and control it, watch videos and transfer files. You can connect from one computer to another halfway across the world and still use all of its functions and applications as if you were sitting in front of it.
To get connected, there needs to be a security barrier. In the case of AnyDesk, the remote device—the device that will be controlled from afar—will either receive a session request upon connecting that a person on that end needs to accept manually, or you can set up a password for your own devices so no action needs to be taken on the remote end.
Security: A Critical Aspect of Remote Desktop Tools
Simply being able to access a Remote Desktop isn’t enough to ensure smooth performance. You need additional features, from indispensable components like top-level security to specific functions that make the experience more immersive, like the ability to print out remote documents locally.
All Remote Desktop sessions must be encrypted and have the highest security standards, ensuring unauthorized parties can’t decrypt connections or access remote devices. When using a remote desktop tool, you should always beware of online scammers and know how to avoid being tricked.
What Is Remote Desktop Used For?
One of the most exciting things about Remote Desktop access is that it’s very versatile. Whenever users need to access a device, whether it’s from the other side of the room or halfway around the world, they use Remote Desktop Software.
1. File Transfer
Let’s start small. Imagine you are on your computer and you need to transfer a file to your phone. You don’t have a USB cable with you right now, so you just use a remote desktop tool in order to transfer the file to your phone with a simple remote connection. It’s like reaching through your phone screen and grabbing the file.
2. Remote Support in Private Life
Now let’s look at a more ambitious use case: Remote Support. Let’s say your family member needs help with a problem on their computer, but you’re not there to help. If both parties have downloaded AnyDesk, you can simply connect to their computer and solve the problem yourself. In both of these cases, you can simply download AnyDesk for free. Take a look at our blog to find out more about the free AnyDesk version.
3. Remote Support on Business Level
However, companies—especially their IT departments—can also benefit from remote desktop software. Administration tasks become a lot easier when you can access multiple devices at once, like rolling out software on all devices or managing devices from one central point.
4. Remote Work
Other employees can use a remote desktop solution to work from home. That way, they can use a simple laptop and connect to high-performance computers at work without latency. It’s a solution that’s quick and easy to set up for remote work, whether you work for a company, use it for personal projects or are a student.
Is a Remote Desktop Solution Beneficial for You?
Businesses should ask themselves the following questions: What tool are you currently using to enable Remote Work opportunities for your employees? Is IT Support in your company running smoothly? Are you even able to access remote devices?
But not just businesses can profit from integrating a Remote Desktop solution. Even in private life a proper Remote Desktop tool can help, especially when it comes to giving technical support to family members living far away.
Now that you’ve learned more about what Remote Desktop is, why don’t you try it yourself? Discover interesting use cases in our blog and consider the different ways you could use this technology in your own life. We offer one of the most affordable Remote Desktop tools out there, and you can always customize our solution to your specific needs! Take a look at our licensing options.
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Updated: 03/06/2020 by Computer Hope The term Remote Desktop refers to a computer that connects remotely to another, shares control of its mouse and keyboard, and views its display. Remote Desktop is commonly accessed through port 3389. You can create a remote desktop connection with an operating system utility, such as the Remote Desktop included with Windows Professional versions. Or, you can use a third-party remote desktop application or service, such as TeamViewer or VNC.
Note
The Remote Desktop included with Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium cannot act as a host. It may still be used to remotely access another computer, but those machines cannot connect to the local computer. Hosting from one of these versions of Windows requires a third-party program, like those mentioned above.
How do I open a Windows Remote Desktop Connection?
To open Remote Desktop in Windows Professional, follow these steps.
- Click Start.
- Type remote desktop, and click Remote Desktop connection in the search results or press Enter.
or
- In the Start menu, click Windows Accessories, then click Remote Desktop Connection.
or
- Click Start.
- Type mstsc and press Enter.
In the Remote Desktop Connection window, type the computer address you want to remotely connect to and the user name you want to use. For advanced options, like those shown below, click Show Options at the bottom of the window.
Note
To remotely connect to a work or school computer, your network administrator must have set up Remote Desktop connection, and you need the correct computer address and user name.
- How to access a home computer from work or school.
Desktop, Network terms, Protocol, RDP, Remote
A remote desktop is a separate program or feature found on most operating systems that allows a user to access an operating computer system's desktop. The access occurs via the Internet or through another network in another geographical location and allows users to interact with that system as if they were physically at their own computer. USB devices with the ability to recreate a remote user’s desktop are commonly called secure portable offices.
A remote desktop allows users to access a workplace workstation when at home or vice versa, fix a computer problem remotely, perform administrative tasks easily and accomplish demonstrations of a process or software application. Protocols for remote desktop connectivity include Remote Desktop Protocol, virtual network computing, NX technology and independent computing architecture. In addition, headless computers (without monitor, keyboard or mouse) can easily be remotely accessed by administrators. A remote desktop is used by many computer manufacturers’ tech support personnel to access, diagnose, repair or reconfigure a user’s OS, application or hardware problem.
In a remote desktop setup, the controlling computer receives a copy of the image, updated on a timed interval or when a change is detected by the software, from the controlled computer’s display. The controlling computer’s keyboard and mouse inputs are transferred to the controlled computer, where the remote desktop software implements the instructions. Often, the controlled computer’s keyboard and mouse can be disabled to prevent interference with the remote user’s actions.
With an Internet connection and special USB hardware devices - or with an Internet-connected local area network, a router and support software - a controlling computer user can turn on the controlled computer remotely. This is one capability that is not addressed with remote desktop software.
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