There are a lot of programs for organizing remote access. There are paid and free programs, there are programs for different operating systems. It is clear that in this article we will not be able to consider everything at once, but we will talk about the most interesting of them, and most importantly, we will understand what is more effective for a particular task.
Radmin (shareware)
About ten years ago popular program for remote access there was Radmin, it is still there (www.radmin.ru) - it has not gone anywhere during this time. Let's start the review with it.
The program consists of two parts: Server and Viewer. The first one runs on the remote computer(s) and the second one runs on your computer and is used to connect to the remote machines you are about to configure. You can download it from the developer's site as full set, and individual components. There is also a portable version of the Viewer that works without installation, and a version Radmin Server 3.5 NTI is special version without a tray icon, that is, the user of the remote computer will not know that Radmin is installed on it until you start managing his computer.
I will note the key features: support for Windows 8 32/64 bit, support for switching user sessions in Windows XP/Vista/7/8, compatibility with Wine (Radmin can organize remote access to a Linux PC via Wine), Telnet support, remote PC shutdown , Radmin server scanner (allows you to find all the PCs you can manage on your network), file transfer between Server and Viewer.
Conclusions:
- The functionality of the program: here is its own authentication, and support for voice chat, and the ability to transfer files. Everything is very convenient.
- Due to the fact that Server is installed on the remote computer, the presence of the user is not required, as in other similar programs. For example, you can administer remote PCs of your colleagues when they are out for lunch. Other similar programs require either the user to allow the connection, or the user to provide you with a password that is automatically generated each time you connect.
- Low system requirements, the program does not load the processor at all, which is especially important for my old laptop with an AMD processor, which heats up like an iron - it acted as a "remote" computer.
- Just starting the Server is not enough, you also need to configure it.
- Many users love TeamViewer not for its functionality, but for the fact that it doesn't require any special ports (it uses port 80 by default) and doesn't require firewall configuration. Radmin Server uses port 4899, and it will not be possible to start it without configuring a firewall.
- No mobile clients.
- Does not support other OS.
TeamViewer (freeware)
Now, probably, from the programs for remote access, TeamViewer is the most popular of all. You can download the full version from www.teamviewer.com/ru and don't pay a dime. The program is absolutely free for non-commercial use.
Rice. 4. TeamViewer launched TeamViewer pleases with support for Windows, OS X, Linux, which was so lacking in Radmin. There are also mobile clients for Android, iPad/iPhone: you can control a remote computer from your iPhone. There is also a Portable version of the program for Windows, which is very useful for infrequent use of the program, and the Portable version can be run both on the “server” and on the “client”, unlike Radmin, where you can only run the client (Viewer) without installation, and the "server" part must be installed.
After starting the program, you will see the main TeamViewer window and the Computers and Contacts window (Fig. 4). If you plan to help all your relatives and colleagues at once, you can click the "Register" button, create an account, and then in this window you will see all the numerous computers that you set up.
Rice. 5. TeamViewer in action Now let's figure out which is which. If you need to connect to your computer, then you must tell the remote party your ID (in this case, 969 930 547) and password (8229). How to report, decide for yourself - you can copy and transfer these values via Skype, ICQ, email, SMS, or simply dictate by phone. This password changes each time the program is started. If the program is installed on your computer, you can make a permanent personal password, but I do not recommend: the password can be compromised and then anyone can connect to your computer.
If you need to connect to remote computer, then you need to enter the ID of the remote side (in this case, 411108007) and click the "Connect to partner" button, after which the program will ask you to enter the password that you received from the remote side. That's all - in the window that appears, you can configure the remote computer (Fig. 5).
You probably already noticed the main difference from Radmin: you need to transfer the password to the person who sets up the computer, and in Radmin the password is specified when creating a user account. In other words, you need the presence of the user at the computer. The question is how to organize home Office when you want to access your work computer from home, for example, at night. Everything is very simple. You need to organize TeamViewer autostart (for example, add it to the Startup group or register it in the registry in the Run key) and set a Personal Password. Please note that you cannot set a personal password if the program is not installed on your computer, but is launched without installation.
There is one more program you should be aware of: TeamViewer Host. It runs as a system service and is used for 24/7 access to a remote computer, including logging in/out. It turns out that TeamViewer Host allows you to organize a terminal server, and it supports an unlimited number of clients for one server (the number of clients is limited only by the computing capabilities of your computer). It should also be noted that to install TeamViewer Host, you need administrator rights, which are not always available, so in most cases you will still use the regular TeamViewer. However, if you need to set up only one computer (or simply organize remote access to it, say from home), then TeamViewer Host is not needed. For the sake of justice, it should be noted that if a regular TeamViewer (not Host) is running on computer A, then computers B, C, D (the number three is given as an example) can connect to it for joint administration. Another thing is that you need to coordinate the actions of administrators, since the keyboard and mouse are common, but one can configure, the rest will observe.
Like Radmin, TeamViewer allows you to exchange files, voice and text messages, as well as remotely reboot the computer (the desired command is in the "Actions" menu, see Fig. 5, just restarting the computer is not enough - after all, then the TeamViewer communication session will not be established, reboot computer during its setup is only needed through the "Actions" menu).
Conclusions:
- Simplicity (the program is simpler than Radmin - a huge advantage for inexperienced users who will have to install it on the remote side).
- The program completely does not require installation: both on the client and on the server. Installation is optional.
- Works on port 80 (and some additional ports) so no firewall configuration is required.
- Availability of versions for other operating systems.
- Availability of mobile clients for Android, iOS and Windows phone 8 (that is, you can control the remote computer directly from your iPad).
- Possibility of organizing interactive conferences (up to 25 participants).
- Does not require administrator rights for remote access.
- The processor loads noticeably more than Radmin, my old laptop even overheated and turned off.
- Although there are mobile clients, they are not very convenient (however, this is better than nothing).
Royal TS (shareware)
Once upon a time there was such a program - mRemote. I don’t know what happened there, but the mRemote project was closed, and the developers took it and created another project - Royal TS. On the site you will find versions for Windows, OS X and iOS (can be run from iPhone and iPad).
In Royal TS, before creating a connection, you need to create a document, that is, one connection = one document. Royal TS documents are a very handy thing, they can be transferred like regular files, for example, to another admin. He will be able to open such a document and immediately connect to a remote computer without having to create a connection manually. The shareware version has a limit on the number at the same time open documents- ten. As for me, this is quite enough for non-commercial use of the program, so in practice you won’t even notice that you are missing something (unless, of course, you administer a huge network of computers remotely).
The first thing to say is that this program is fundamentally different from Radmin and TeamViewer. Both of these programs combine the functionality of both a server and a client (in the case of Radmin, the server and client are different programs, in the case of TeamViewer - the same program). In other words, on one of the computers you can install Radmin Server or TeamViewer, and on the other, use Radmin Viewer or TeamViewer, respectively, to connect to this remote computer. So, Royal TS is something like Radmin Viewer, that is, a program for connecting to remote server, but the server will have to be created on its own. How you do it is your problem. Royal TS will not help you create such a server, but will only allow you to connect to it.
Rice. 6. Royal TS for Windows Among the protocols for connecting to a remote server that Royal TS supports: RDP, Telnet, SSH, Citrix, VNC. The RDP / Telnet / SSH servers themselves and others will have to be configured independently.
On the one hand, this is beyond the scope of the article, on the other hand, it would be incomplete if I did not give an example of setting up at least one of the servers that Royal TS supports. SSH / Telnet servers, I think, the reader will not be very interested. I want something graphic. Suppose we have Linux (Ubuntu or its clone) and we need to set up a VNC server. To do this, first install the VNC server with the command:
sudo apt-get install vnc4server
After that, you need to run it - for the first time without parameters:
sudo vnc4server
When running the sudo vnc4server command, you need to enter the password that will be used to connect to this VNC server. The password itself will be stored in $HOME/.vnc/passwd. I won't say a word more - there is man :). After the first launch, you need to start vnc4server by specifying the screen number:
sudo vnc4server:3
Next, in Royal TS, you need to create a new document (on the File tab), then go to the Edit tab and press the VNC button. In the window that appears (Fig. 7), you need to enter the display name (Display Name) - in our case: 3, the IP address of the VNC server and specify the port number (usually 5900). The password will be requested when connecting to the server.
Rice. 7. VNC Connection Options Conclusions:
- A universal client for connecting to a remote server using various protocols.
- There are versions for Windows, OS X and iOS.
- It is impossible to organize remote access using only Royal TS tools, additional programs are needed.
- Not suitable for remote configuration of computers of inexperienced users - they simply will not be able to configure the necessary remote access services.
Supremo: free and easy (freeware)
Let's analyze the situation. If you don't like TeamViewer or you can't use it for some reason (including the need to purchase a license for commercial use), and Radmin is also not suitable for any reason, then you will have to look for analogues. Since the article deals with simple and free programs, then it is necessary that the following program be: a) free; b) simple. This is the Supremo program, which can be downloaded from the site.
The program (Fig. 8) was created "in the image and likeness" of TeamViewer. It does not require installation, its principle of operation is the same as that of TeamViewer, even it uses the same terminology (this is me regarding the partner ID and other inscriptions in the program interface).
The computer you are setting up and the support technician's computer must be running Windows only. Various editions of Windows are supported, including Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008R2. Nothing has been said about support for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 on the official website yet.
Rice. 8. Supremo program The algorithm for using it is simple: you need to run the program on both computers, then ask the remote party for its ID and password, and then click the "Connect" button. Before this, the remote side must press the "Start" button, otherwise the connection will not be allowed. Perhaps this is the only difference from TeamViewer.
To make the review more complete, let's go to the program settings (Tools -> Options). In the "Security" section (Fig. 9), you can configure the automatic launch of the program, specify a password for remote connections, and specify which IDs are allowed to connect to your computer.
Rice. 9. Supremo security optionsIn the "Connection" section (Fig. 10), you can specify the proxy server settings if it is present on your network.
Rice. 10. Supremo connection parametersIn addition to its direct purpose, namely remote control of a computer, the program can be used to exchange files. For file sharing (which is possible in two directions - both download and upload) just use drag & drop.
Conclusions:
- Easy to use.
- Does not require installation.
- Ability to transfer files.
- Chat capability.
- No firewall configuration required (using HTTPS/SSL).
- No support for OS other than Windows.
- No mobile clients.
LogMeIn (freeware)
Let's consider another useful program- LogMeIn (Fig. 11). The purpose of this program is the same as that of all the others discussed in this article - remote access. On the logmein.com website you will find several similar products, but we are primarily interested in the LogMeIn Free product. Its capabilities are quite sufficient for most purposes: access to a computer running Windows or OS X, remote control and desktop viewing, copy and paste data between computers, reboot function, chat, support for multiple monitors, intrusion detection via SSL / TLS protocol, not requires firewall settings, does not require administrator rights on the remote computer.
Personally, I liked the functions of copying and pasting data between computers, as well as the reboot function: in the process of setting up a computer, it sometimes needs to be rebooted, after which the remote access session will be automatically restored, which is very convenient.
Unlike the Free version, the Pro version supports PC-to-PC file transfer, HD video, PC-to-PC drag and drop, and a few other features that are hardly worth paying nearly 53 euros a year for, which is what the Pro version costs. A comparison of the two versions, as well as the OS X version, can be read at: https://secure.logmein.com/comparisonchart/comparisonFPP.aspx.
Rice. 11. LogMeIn Main Window The way you work with this program is slightly different from TeamViewer and similar programs. It's a little more complicated, but apparently that's how the LogMeIn developers determine who uses the program and for what purposes. In the main window, select "from a Mac or PC" and then you will see the sequence of actions that you need to perform in order to give another user access to this computer (Fig. 12). Grandpa and grandma will definitely get confused and not appreciated. You can’t do without registering on logmein.com, although it is free, it is completely unnecessary in terms of convenience.
Rice. 12. How to connect to this PC There is, however, a simpler way - anonymous access through a browser. Quite an interesting feature, which is not found in other similar programs. The bottom line is this: a user who wants you to set up his computer creates an invitation link, then sends it to you in any convenient way (via email, Skype, and so on). The invitation link is valid for a certain time (the time is set by the remote user), even if someone peeps the link, he is unlikely to be able to use it after the expiration date.
Let's take a look at how to create an invitation and how to use it. In chapter " General access to the desktop" displays the current prompts. By clicking the "Send invitation" button, you can generate the same link. The invitation creation wizard allows you to define the duration of the invitation and how the invitation will be sent (can be sent via e-mail link, or you can just get the link and send it manually).
Rice. 13. Manage a remote computer through a browser Then this link must be sent to the person who will be setting up the computer. When he copies it to the browser and opens it, he will see a screen similar to the one in fig. 13. To continue, you need to click the "Continue" button. After that, the user who sent the link will receive two requests in sequence. The first request is a request to allow access to the guest, the second request is to grant access rights (Fig. 20). The guest can either fully control the computer, or only view the desktop without control.
Conclusions:
- Does not require administrator rights.
- Does not require firewall configuration.
- Ability to use a browser for remote control.
- mobile clients.
- A somewhat unusual way of working.
Mosh (mobile shell): a good alternative for SSH
Mosh can also be used for remote access to the console (that is, you can remotely execute commands and see their result). The main advantage of Mosh over SSH is the ability to roam, that is, change the network on the client machine, which is useful on the road when the network can change (now it is cellular, in a few minutes it is Wi-Fi, while the IP changes, but the connection remains). Frequently traveling admins will appreciate this. But there is one big drawback: Mosh will not connect to a regular SSH server, which means that Mosh will have to be installed on the server. But Mosh does not work as a daemon, like SSH, but as regular program, that is, you do not need root access to run it. Mosh is available for many Linux and BSD distributions, OS X, iOS (as part of the popular iSSH client), and Android.
UltraVNC/RealVNC
VNC ( Virtual Network Computing is a system for remote access to a computer desktop using the RFB (Remote FrameBuffer) protocol. It was previously shown how to organize a VNC server on Linux; on Windows, such a server can be created using the UltraVNC or RealVNC programs. The UltraVNC program is similar to RealVNC, but has additional features such as encryption of the connection between the client and the server, the Java Viewer module (access to a remote PC through a Java-enabled browser), and others. While RealVNC has a VNC Viewer plugin for Google Chrome so there is no need for Java Viewer. As already noted, the programs are largely similar, so in this article we will only consider UltraVNC.
When installing UltraVNC, it is possible to install both a VNC server and a VNC client. On your computer, if you do not need remote access to it, you can not install the VNC server. When installing the VNC server, it will be possible to configure it to run as a system service, but this requires admin rights. The RFB protocol that VNC uses usually uses ports 5900-5906. Therefore, to connect via VNC, you need to configure a firewall, otherwise it will "kill" the connection.
The UltraVNC Viewer program is used to connect to the VNC server. The program is universal and you can use it to connect to any VNC server, not just the one running UltraVNC Server. Similarly, you can connect to a server created by the UltraVNC Server program with the RoyalTS program or any other VNC client.
A few words about how it all works. First, launch the UltraVNC Edit Settings program and on the Security tab set a password to access the VNC server, then you need to launch the UltraVNC Server program. After that, on another computer, we launch UltraVNC Viewer (Fig. 14) and enter the IP of the computer on which the VNC server is installed, and click the Connect button.
Rice. 14. UltraVNC Viewer Conclusions:
- You need admin rights, you need to configure the firewall.
- The same protocol can be used to control Windows, OS X and Linux, but these are not the advantages of a specific program, but of VNC itself.
SSH access
SSH remains a classic of remote access. It would seem, what else can you think of? Well, for example, what if you have a lot of remote machines? Prescribe aliases for each? There is special utilities, allowing you to quickly switch between machines. One such manager in Linux is Gnome Connection Manager. The program is very convenient, highly recommended. Windows uses AutoPuTTY for this purpose, a wrapper for the popular PuTTY SSH/Telnet client, which can be downloaded from http://www.r4dius.net/autoputty/. There is a similar SSH connection manager for OS X -Shuttle . For mobile platforms you can use mobile SSH clients - Prompt (iOS) and ConnectBot (Android). You can easily find links and screenshots on the Web.
Ammyy Admin (freeware)
Ammyy Admin is another program for remote desktop access. The program is good because it is absolutely free, it is not demanding on resources at all (the executable file generally takes a ridiculous 700 Kb), it allows you to organize both regular remote access to the desktop and a connection in the style of a remote office, it does not require installing and changing firewall settings. You can find the rest of the program's features on the developers' website.
AnywhereTS (freeware)
Allows you to convert computers to thin clients. The main purpose of this program is by no means remote access for reasons technical support, as in all previously described programs, although it can also be used for this. AnywareTS allows you to give a second life to old computers that will be used as thin clients - connect to a server that will run programs that are physically impossible to run on old PCs. Detailed information about this program you will find on the website of the developers.
Remote access in Windows 8
This review would not be complete if we did not consider the capabilities of the OS itself. On the "server" (that is, on the computer to which remote access is planned), you need to perform the following steps:
- Run SystemPropertiesRemote.exe.
- Enable the "Allow remote assistance connections to this computer" checkbox.
- Turn on the "Allow remote connections to this computer" switch and click the "Apply" button.
- If you use power saving mode, you need to configure the computer so that it never goes into sleep mode.
On your computer, use the Remote Desktop Connection application to connect to a remote computer.
Rice. 15. Remote access permissionGoogle Hangouts: Screen Sharing and Video Conferencing
As a last resort, you can use the new service from Google - Hangouts. It allows you to arrange video calls, during which users can share their screen with each other. If you wish, you can familiarize yourself with this service.
Instead of a conclusion
There are a lot of programs for remote access. As I hope I have shown, the most familiar tool is not always the most effective. It is necessary to build on the conditions of a specific task, target platforms and other factors. I hope now I have finally cleared up the whole picture of remote access in your head. All suggestions and wishes can be sent to [email protected]
What is Remote Desktop
Using Windows Remote Desktop (rdp) can be a very useful and convenient solution to the problem. remote access to a computer. When can remote desktop be useful? If you want to control your computer remotely (as local network and from anywhere in the world). Of course, third-party ones, such as, and others, can also be used for these purposes. But often these programs require confirmation of access on the side remote computer, they are not suitable for simultaneous use of the computer by several users, and they are still slower than remote desktop. Therefore, such programs are more suitable for remote assistance or maintenance, but not for everyday work.
It can be quite convenient to use Remote Desktop to work with users certain programs. For example, if you need to demonstrate the operation of a program to a far away user (provide the possibility of demo access for testing). Or, for example, in your office there is only one powerful computer on which the demanding program is installed. On other weak computers, it slows down, and everyone needs access. Then a good solution would be to use a remote desktop: everyone from their “dead” computers connects via rdp to a powerful one and uses the program on it, without interfering with each other.
Static ip address. What is needed for remote access via rdp
One of important points concerning setup and subsequent use of remote desktop is the need for a static ip address on the remote computer. If you are setting up a remote desktop that will only be used within the local network, then there is no problem. However, in general, the remote desktop is used just for access from the outside. Most providers provide subscribers with dynamic ip-addresses and this is quite enough for normal use. Static ("white") ip-shniks, as a rule, are provided for an additional fee.
Windows Remote Desktop Setup
Well, why you need a remote desktop figured out. Now let's set it up. The instructions discussed here are suitable for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10. In all of the listed operating systems, the setting is similar, the differences are minor and only in how to open some windows.
First you need to configure the computer to which we will connect.
Attention! Your account must have administrator rights.
1. Open Start - Control Panel .
In Windows 8.1 and 10, it is convenient to open Control Panel by pressing right click mouse on icon Start and choosing from the list Control Panel .
Next, select system and safety - System. (This window can also be opened in another way: by clicking Start, then right click on A computer and choose Properties ).
Setting up remote access .
3. Section Remote Desktop choose:
- Only allow connections from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication . Suitable for clients with version 7.0 of Remote Desktop installed.
- . Suitable for connecting legacy client versions.
4. Click Apply .
5. By button Select Users a window opens in which you can specify the accounts on the computer that will be allowed to connect remotely. (This procedure is also known as adding a user to a group )
Users with administrator rights have remote desktop access by default. However, in addition to actually connecting, any account must be password protected, even the administrator account.
6. Add to the group Remote Desktop Users new user with normal rights (not administrator). To do this, press the button Add
In field Enter names selected objects, we will enter the name of our user. I have it Access1. Let's press Check names .
If everything is correct, then the computer name will be added to the username. Click OK .
If we do not remember the exact username or do not want to enter it manually, press Additionally .
In the window that opens, press the button Search .
In field searching results All computer users and local groups will appear. Select the desired user and click OK .
When all the desired users have been selected in the window Choice: Users press OK .
Now to the group Remote Desktop Users a user with a regular account will be added Access1. To apply the changes, click OK .
7. If you are using a third-party, then you will need to further configure it, namely, open TCP port 3389. If you only have the built-in Windows firewall, then you do not need to do anything, it will be configured automatically as soon as we have allowed the use of remote desktop on the computer .
This completes the basic setup of the remote computer.
Network settings, port forwarding
As mentioned above, for remote desktop access needed static ip address.
If you do not have any routers and the Internet cable goes directly to the computer, then skip this section, go to the next one. If you use a router, then you need to perform additional settings in it.
If you plan to use Remote Desktop only on the local network, then it will be enough just to assign the local ip to the right computer(do the first part, without port forwarding). If you need access from outside, then you also need . To open access to the remote desktop, you need to forward TCP port 3389.
Configuring a Remote Desktop Connection
Let's go directly to remote desktop connection, that is, client-side settings.
1. Run .
You can do this in Windows 7 through the menu Start - All programs - Standard - Remote Desktop Connection .
In Windows 8, it is convenient to launch through the search. Click Start, click on the magnifying glass icon in the right upper corner and in the search field we begin to enter the word "remote". From the suggested search options, select Remote Desktop Connection .
On Windows 10: Start - All applications - Standard Windows - Remote Desktop Connection .
2. First of all, let's check which version of the protocol is installed. To do this, click on the icon in the upper left corner and select the item About the program .
Checking the version of the desktop protocol. If 7.0 or higher, then everything is in order, you can connect.
If the protocol version is lower (this is possible on outdated Windows versions), then you need to either update it, or lower the security level in the settings of the remote computer (i.e. select Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (more dangerous) ).
You can download Remote Desktop updates for legacy operating systems using the links below:
3. Specify the connection parameters:
In field A computer We prescribe the ip-address of the remote computer to which we are going to connect. (Local - if we connect within the local network and real (the one given by the Internet provider) if the remote computer is outside the local network). I have the first option.
Note. You can find out what external static ip-address you have, for example, through the Yandex.Internetometer service.
4. Click To plug .
You will be prompted to enter credentials. Enter the login and password of any user on the remote computer that has rights to use the remote desktop. In my example this is Admin or Access1. I remind you that accounts must be password protected.
Enter your username and password, check the box next to Remember credentials so you don't have to enter them the next time you connect. Of course, remembering credentials is possible only if you work with personal computer to which unauthorized persons do not have access.
Click OK .
A warning pops up. Put a tick Don't ask me again about connections to this computer and press Yes .
If everything is done correctly, then you will see a remote desktop in front of you.
Note. I remind you that you cannot simultaneously connect via remote work from several computers under one user. That is, if it is planned that several people will work with a remote computer at the same time, then for each it will be necessary to create a separate user and grant rights to use the remote desktop. This is done on a remote computer, as discussed at the beginning of the article.
Advanced Remote Desktop Settings
Now a few words about the advanced settings for connecting to a remote table.
To open the settings menu, click on Options .
General tab
Here you can change the connection settings. By clicking on the edit link, you can edit the username and password of the connection.
Already configured connection settings can be saved. Click on the button Save as and choose a place, for example, Desktop . Now on desktop a shortcut will appear that immediately launches a remote desktop connection without the need to specify parameters. This is very convenient, especially if you periodically work with several remote computers, or if you do not set it up for yourself and do not want to confuse users.
Screen tab
On the tab Screen you can specify the size of the remote desktop (it will occupy the entire screen of your monitor or be displayed in a small separate window).
You can also select the color depth. If the Internet connection speed is slow, it is recommended to select a lower depth.
Local Resources tab
Here you can configure the sound parameters (play it on a remote computer or on a client computer, etc.), the order of using combinations of hot Windows keys(such as Ctrl+Alt+Del, Ctrl+C, etc.) when working with a remote desktop.
One of the most useful sections here is this Local Devices and resources . Checking the box Printer, you get the ability to print documents from a remote desktop on your local printer. Check mark Clipboard activates a single clipboard between the remote desktop and your computer. That is, you can use normal copy and paste operations to transfer files, folders, etc. from a remote computer to yours and vice versa.
Clicking on the button More, you will be taken to the settings menu where you can connect to a remote desktop additional devices your computer.
For example, you want to have access to your disk while working on a remote computer D. Then click on the plus sign Devices to expand the list and tick the disk D. Click OK .
Now when you connect to a remote desktop, you will see and access your disk D through Conductor as if it were physically connected to a remote computer.
Advanced tab
Here you can select the connection speed for maximum performance, as well as set the display of the desktop background, visual effects etc.
Removing a Remote Desktop Connection
Finally, consider how to delete remote desktop connection. When is it needed? For example, earlier remote access was organized to your computer, and now the need for this has disappeared, or even you need to prohibit strangers from connecting to the remote desktop of your computer. It is very easy to do this.
1. Open Control Panel - system and safety - System, as they did at the beginning of the article.
2. In the left column, click on Setting up remote access .
3. Section Remote Desktop choose:
- Do not allow connections to this computer
Ready. Now no one can connect to you via Remote Desktop.
It would be great sitting at one computer to open files on another, listen to music on the third, chat with friends on Skype on the fourth and print documents on the fifth. Someone will say: "This is fantastic." And I will answer: “No, reality!” To set up remote access to a computer that is arbitrarily far away from you, all you need is the permission of its owner and access to the Internet.
Remote connections are used very widely - to administer the company's computer park, help users, access files when you have to work on different machines. And it's very convenient. Today I will talk about ways to manage the desktop of a remote PC using the operating system and three third-party programs.
AeroAdmin
In the window additional options go to tab " Remote access» and mark the items highlighted in the screenshot. I show on the example of Windows 8.1. In other versions of Windows, the view of the window is slightly different, but similar options are there.
If, like me, you're setting up access on a Windows 8.1 machine, create a "white list" of who will be allowed to communicate with it. Click " Select Users' and add the names you want.
This completes the setup.
Subsequent actions are performed on the operator's machine.
- For quick start « Remote Desktop»Press the hot keys Windows + R and type in the field « Open» team mstsc.
- In the login parameters, write the name of the computer to which you are connecting (indicated on the system properties tab of the same name), as well as the user - your account On him. Let me remind you that the account must have a password.
- Click to start the session To plug».
Now let's take a look at the rest of the sections of this window. If you want, set on the tab " Screen» remote PC desktop size and color depth (but note that a high resolution and the highest color quality will slow down the connection).
Adjust, if necessary, " Local Resources”- sound broadcast, hotkey management, shared clipboard, and more.
In chapter " Interaction» set performance parameters depending on the connection speed. Here, as a rule, nothing needs to be changed.
On the tab " Additionally» Find the best default security settings.
So after clicking " To plug» the password input window will open. Type it in and click OK.
The desktop of the remote computer opens in a new window. Manage it in the same way as the one you are currently sitting at.
If there is a user behind that machine, after connecting, the user's session will be logged out and the splash screen will be displayed. He will be able to log in again as soon as you close "Remote Desktop".
teamviewer
In the next window, enter the partner's password and click " Login».
By the way, the program is not bad as a means of parental control.
To remotely control your own PC, for example, home - from work, just assign it to TeamViewer permanent password. To do this, go to the menu " Connection” and click “ Set up uncontrolled access».
Set a password and click " Proceed».
And we will complete the work of the wizard.
Use the ID number shown in the last box and the password you just assigned to connect.
Ammyy Admin
The remote screen of Ammyy Admin, unlike TeamViewer, is not scalable, but the main functions - management, file transfer and voice chat are present in it. The control panel is shown in the screenshot below.
Warning : AmmyyAdmins really dislike antiviruses, although there is nothing malicious in it. If your antivirus tries to block a program, add it to the exception list or suspend protection for the duration of the session.
Remote worker Windows table, TeamViewer, Ammyy, Admin and other similar applications protect your data from interception from the outside through strong encryption. Therefore, working with them is comfortable, safe and you can not be afraid for the confidentiality of information. Use and enjoy!
Remote administration programs have always been popular. After all, it is very convenient to see what is being done on the computer, being in a completely different place. You can remotely help your friends solve some technical problems, check what your child is doing when they are alone at home, see how a torrent client is downloading or encoding a large video.
Since smartphones and tablets have appeared in home local networks, along with computers and laptops, it has become obvious that the latter are incredibly convenient to use for remote control. If the data transfer rate is fast enough, then why not play a game installed on your computer while lying on the couch with a tablet? Or, say, not to watch an interesting movie? In addition, today's mobile devices can perfectly cope with the usual tasks that are assigned to programs for remote access.
AT Google Play you can find more than a dozen applications with which it is possible to organize remote control of computers running on Windows, Mac and Linux. Among them are the developments of well-known manufacturers of administration software, and programs created specifically for mobile devices. There are not so many free solutions among them. In this review, we tested four applications that allow you to work remotely on a computer from an Android smartphone or tablet.
⇡ Microsoft Remote Desktop
- Developer - Microsoft Corporation
- Size - 4.4 MB
- Price - free
A proprietary utility from Microsoft for remote control of a computer from Android was released quite recently - at the end of October. Using the application, you can control a computer that runs on Windows 7 or Windows 8. Since we are dealing with a "native" solution from the developer of the desktop operating system, no client needs to be installed on it.
But in order to be able to connect, you still need to make some changes to the system settings: go to "Control Panels" in the "System" section and select the "Remote access settings" item. After that, you need to allow remote connections to the computer (by the way, if the built-in firewall is disabled, Windows will not allow remote access, so first you have to start the corresponding service).
For authorization Android- Microsoft application Remote Desktop uses the system username and password. If you are going to log in as an administrator, you do not need to perform any additional actions on the computer. To allow access to other users, you need to click on the "Select users" button and add them to the list of remote desktop users. It is also worth bearing in mind that if a password is not used to log in to the system, it must be added in the "User Accounts" section, since remote connection will not work without a password. ( Please note that a remote connection with help from Microsoft Remote Desktop is only available to computers that support the Remote Desktop Protocol - RDP. The list of systems that are friends with this protocol is available at the link. — approx. ed . )
After completing this simple setup, you can download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from Google Play and add a new connection.
Its settings indicate the IP address of the computer on the local network or its name. Also, if you wish, you can specify a login and password to enter (for security reasons, you can not specify them immediately, but enter them right before connecting).
If the connection was successful, local work with the computer will be blocked and the login window will pop up on it. If you log in locally, the remote connection will be dropped. Thus, when connecting remotely, you can see the desktop only on the screen of the mobile device.
Once connected, the remote desktop is displayed on the screen of the device. Two controls are available at the top of the screen: buttons for displaying the Android virtual keyboard and for navigating the screen.
If you need to use keys that are not on the Android keyboard, tapping on the panel with the name of the connection will bring up the panel advanced settings. From it, a transition is made to a virtual keyboard with the keys F1-F12, Esc, Home, Tab, End, Win, Ins, Enter and others - standard for a conventional desktop manipulator. When connected remotely to a Windows 8 device, pressing the virtual Win key toggles between the desktop and Start screen.
From the advanced settings panel, you can also turn off multi-touch gestures and switch to navigation mode using a regular cursor.
To end a remote connection session, just double-tap the back button on your Android device.
⇡ "Teamviewer - Remote Access"
- Developer: TeamViewer
- Size - 11 MB
- Price - Free for non-commercial use
Thanks to its free status (for non-commercial use) and its simplicity, Teamviewer has long been one of the most popular remote administration solutions. With the advent of the era of mobile devices, applications were created to control computers with Android, iOS and Windows Phone.
To control your computer from your mobile device, you will need to install the PC client and the Android app. TeamViewer can connect to Windows, Mac and Linux computers.
If you don't plan to connect to other devices from your computer, it's best to use TeamViewer QuickSupport. This module does not require installation and administrator rights. After its launch, a unique computer identifier (9 digits) is generated, as well as a four-digit password. The password can be updated if necessary.
After this module is launched, you can open the mobile application. Mobile Teamviewer can work in two modes: remote control and file transfer. In both cases, on the screen of a smartphone or tablet, you will need to enter an ID and password to connect to a computer.
If a remote connection was requested, then after a successful connection, the computer desktop will appear on the device screen. On the computer monitor screen, it will also be visible, but the resolution will be changed in accordance with the screen settings of the mobile device.
To provide convenient operation With Remote Desktop, the creators of TeamViewer have developed a whole system of controls. Tips for using your fingers to navigate are shown before connecting, and can also be displayed at any time during a remote session. So, with the help of fingers, you can scroll, simulate clicks of the right and left mouse buttons, move the cursor and individual objects.
Panel TeamViewer controls located at the bottom of the screen. With its help, you can quickly end the session, send the remote computer to reboot, or block it. In addition, for the duration of a remote connection session, you can disable local work with a computer. If there are problems with displaying the remote desktop, you can try to reduce the resolution, data transfer quality, and also hide the display of wallpapers in the mobile client settings. These options can be selected on a per-connection basis or globally.
The control panel also allows you to quickly display virtual keyboard. In addition to the Android keyboard, you can also work with additional keys: enable Ctrl, Alt, Shift, use the F1-F12 keys and others.
In the file transfer mode, you can see the file system of the remote computer and copy files from the PC to mobile device or vice versa.
The TeamViewer mobile client remembers the identifiers of the computers to which it was connected, but if there are many remote PCs, it is more convenient to use the "Computers and Contacts" section to manage them. To do this, you will need to create a Teamviewer account (you can do this both from a mobile device and from a computer). Then you can create groups in it and add identifiers (and, if desired, passwords) of computers to which you want to connect.
- Developer - Splashtop
- Size - 18 MB
- Price - Free (Extension - $1.99 per month)
Splashtop Remote is another free app, with which from an Android device you can control your Windows, Mac and Linux computer. It uses a slightly different distribution model than Teamviewer. For non-commercial use, the program is free, but for the use of some additional features offered to buy an extension. Among the paid options: access to a remote computer via the Internet (free of charge can only be controlled over a local network) and tools for convenient creation of annotations on the screen. Also free version has a limit on the number of computers to which you can connect - up to five.
A Splashtop account is required to use the app. You can create it as mobile application, and in the Splashtop Streamer desktop client. To connect, as you might guess, you need to log in on both devices under your account. After that, the mobile client will detect computers available for connection, and you can open a remote control session.
In the mobile client settings, you can even enable automatic connection at startup. In this case, the list of available computers will not be displayed and the application will connect to the device for which the remote connection session was performed last.
None by default additional passwords you do not need to enter, but if you are concerned about the problem of unauthorized access, you can enable the password request for the current account in the settings of the desktop client Windows entries. In addition, it is proposed to use a security code, that is, simply put, a password that will need to be entered each time to connect.
Some security settings that are available in mobile apps in other solutions can be configured in Splashtop in the desktop client. For example, you can disable the display of the desktop on the screen of the local computer during a remote communication session. You can also block the use of the keyboard and mouse, initiate a logout of the account when the remote work is completed.
One of the features of Splashtop is the transfer of HD video with sound to your mobile device. Thanks to this, you can, for example, watch a movie on your tablet that is running on your computer, or remotely play computer game. At the request of the user, during a remote communication session, Splashtop can transmit audio only to the mobile device (it will not be heard locally), not transmit audio (it will be heard locally), or broadcast it both there and there.
When connecting remotely, the screen resolution on the computer does not change, and - unless otherwise specified in the client settings - you can continue to work on the local PC. To control the desktop of your Android computer, there are a number of gestures (there are tips for using them for beginners), as well as a touchpad.
Cursor parameters can be controlled by changing the sensitivity and movement speed. On a mobile device, you can view your computer desktop in native resolution or scale it to fit a small screen.
- Developer - Wyse Technology Inc.
- Size - 11 MB
- Price - Free (with some restrictions)
Another free solution with which you can remotely access your computer desktop is PocketCloud. True, for Linux users it will not work - the desktop version only supports Mac or Windows computers. The mobile client is free to use with only one computer. To remove this restriction, as well as to obtain some additional features you need to purchase PocketCloud Remote Desktop Pro.
One of strengths applications - the ability to select the type of connection. By default, the easiest way is used, which does not require any technical knowledge from the user - through Google App Engine. In this case, you need to enter your account information google records desktop client and mobile app. After that, the computer will appear in the list of available devices on the mobile screen - and you can start a connection session with it.
For advanced users, PocketCloud offers two more options for remote connection - through the RDP protocol, which is used in Windows, as well as through the popular VNC system. In both cases, you will need to enter the IP address of the computer to which you want to connect.
After connecting, a special navigation element appears on the screen of the mobile device near the cursor - a wheel with various functions. It is useful when you need to right-click, zoom in on a specific area of the screen, scroll, or display a virtual keyboard.
The mobile client settings provide a number of settings to improve the image transmission quality. So, you can disable menu animation, themes, wallpapers, high quality fonts.
⇡ Conclusion
Almost all developers of applications for remote control of a computer provide their programs for free for non-commercial use. And it must be admitted that for ordinary tasks the proposed functions are quite enough. Each of the applications is attractive in some way: to work with Microsoft Remote Desktop, you do not need to install additional software on your computer, Splashtop Remote provides sound transfer to a mobile device, PocketCloud is interesting because it offers several connection options. Finally, Teamviewer looks the most attractive, as it has a separate file transfer mode, can work both on a local network and over the Internet, and does not impose restrictions on the number of computers that can be connected to.
RMS is a product that provides fast and secure remote access to the desktop of a remote computer. The remote computer can be located in the living room of your house or on another mainland. The most commonly used connection mode is "Remote Control" or "View". This mode allows you to see the remote desktop and control the keyboard and mouse of the remote PC. With its unique capture technology, RMS is one of the fastest remote desktop products available in real time.At the top center of the window with the remote screen is a pop-up toolbar that contains a number of frequently used actions: setting up a connection, calling another mode, selecting the current monitor, and so on. This mode supports the "Drag & Drop" technology - dragging files and folders directly to the remote desktop and vice versa. You don't need to launch a file manager to perform a simple file operation. Use the usual drag and drop.
File transfer
RMS provides a very advanced file manager that allows you to access file system remote computer. Mode " File manager»Designed as a window divided into two panels vertically, the interface will be familiar to users of other well-known file managers. 
The following are some of the features of the RMS file transfer module:
- Support for all basic file operations - copy, move, delete, etc.
- Built-in "intelligent resume" files. This feature is always enabled when replacing (overwriting) files. During the file replacement operation, only non-matching parts will be directly "physically" replaced.
- Tabbed mode allows you to open several connections to different PCs in one file manager window at once. File operations between remote computers are possible, not just between local and remote. Tabs are easily arranged by drag and drop.
- All data is compressed and encrypted during transmission to save network traffic.
- The file manager fully supports Drag & Drop integration (drag and drop of files and folders) with other applications and the system.
List of computers and network structure
If you use RMS to access hundreds (or even thousands) of workstations, grouping connections into a hierarchical structure is the most convenient way to organize. You can create a structure containing, for example, a list of cities in which there are divisions of your organization. In turn, for each city, you can create a directory containing a list of departments located in this city. The structure can be arbitrarily complex or simple. If the Viewer is located inside a domain (or a domain is explicitly connected to it), the entire Active Directory tree is available, i.e. structure and connections do not need to be created manually. 
Another interesting feature is the so-called. "screen thumbnails" of remote computers. For all authorized connections (remote PCs), thumbnail images of their desktops are displayed, which are updated after a set period of time. You can change the size and refresh rate of these thumbnails. Also, if you hover over such a thumbnail and hold it for a few seconds, a pop-up window will appear with a larger copy of this thumbnail.
Accompanied and unaccompanied PCs
The attendant computer is the PC that the operator is working on. For example, the computer of an accountant, designer, manager. An unaccompanied computer is a PC for which, accordingly, there is no operator. Usually this is a different kind of server - a web server, file server, domain controller, etc. RMS is well suited for both managed and unaccompanied PC administration. By default, RMS Host gives you full control over the remote computer. You can control the screen, keyboard, mouse, files, processes, services, power and more without any restrictions. You can even restart your computer in safe mode. Host settings can be password protected from being changed. This is all handy for administering unmaintained PCs. However, if a live user is working on the computer, this approach is not always suitable. The user may not be satisfied with the fact that you can connect to his PC at any time without warning. In this case, the Host can be configured in such a way that, when attempting to authorize a remote administrator, access permission is requested from the user who works at the computer. You can also limit the list of connection modes. For example, deny access to the file system. To administer users outside the organization or provide remote support, there is a special module - Agent. This is a special version of the Host that can be run without installation and administrator rights. The remote user can end the session at any time by simply closing the program. When this feature is enabled, the program displays a message to the remote user requesting access to this remote PC. The remote user can accept or reject the connection request. In the settings, you can specify the period of time after which the request will be automatically rejected or accepted, you can also disable the display of the request if the interactive user is not working at the time of connection to the remote PC. 
This function convenient for various services support. An unfamiliar client may feel uncomfortable knowing that someone can connect to his computer without asking.
Work with complex network topology
RMS is a highly flexible remote administration utility that can operate on a wide variety of networks with complex topologies and structures. Inside a corporate or local network, everything is usually simple. In the connection settings, specify the IP address or DNS name of the desired PC and you're done - you can connect. But what if the remote computer is closed firewall or NAT? Our Internet-ID technology comes to the rescue. On a remote Host, you can, literally with two mouse clicks, get a unique ID, which will then be permanently tied to this Host. Then specify this ID in the connection settings on the administrator's side. All - you can work. This is not much more complicated than connecting by IP address, but it makes it easy to solve many routine problems. system administration, and do without "port forwarding" and other tricks. Also available so-called. "cascading" connection (connection through another Host) and reverse connection (older and less convenient version of Internet-ID). These connection modes will be of interest to advanced networking experts.Flexible configuration of access rights
RMS provides the ability to differentiate remote access rights to a remote computer by modes and users. 
In addition to the built-in RMS account system, a system of rights differentiation is also supported for Windows users, for NTLM-based authorization. This is especially useful in domain networks.
The screen lock feature allows you to hide the screen of a remote computer from the user who is directly at his monitor. Additionally, you can select an image, caption or web page that will be displayed on the remote monitor for the duration of the lock. You can set up blocking of input devices and the screen, both before establishing a connection, and while working with a remote desktop.
Working with multiple computers at the same time
RMS supports an unlimited number of concurrent connections to desktops of remote computers.- The Client (Viewer) can work with several remote Hosts at the same time ( user-friendly interface based on "tabs" makes this task easier).
- A Host can accept connections from multiple Clients at the same time. For example, multiple administrators can connect to the same Host.
- Simultaneous connection is supported by all connection modes.
Picture Quality Adjustment and Eco Mode
When working within a local or fast network, these settings can be left unchanged - the program will work in real time. However, if the connection channel is narrow, then it makes sense to reduce the number of colors transmitted over the network picture, and also enable the so-called. economy mode. On a slow network, it is recommended to select 256-bit color and turn on the economy mode. You can also limit FPS. This will make it very comfortable remote access even through GPRS. This feature allows you to print documents from a remote computer to a local printer. If earlier for this it was necessary to copy the document itself to local computer, then open it in an application that supports this type of document, and only then print it, now everything is much easier. 
There is no longer a need to install the desired application on the local computer and copy files (especially since this is far from always possible). You can print a document remotely, on a special virtual printer RMS. The data will be automatically transferred to the local computer (Viewer) and you can print it on any available printer.