Remote-access Guide

alternatives to remote access servers

by Dr. Cynthia Heaney MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Best Remote Desktop Services Alternatives for Small Businesses

  • Splashtop Enterprise. Splashtop Enterprise is a remote support software solution for IT, support teams, and help desks...
  • GoToMyPC. GoToMyPC is a remote administration offering from GoTo (formerly LogMeIn) with mobile deployment to work on...
  • N-able Take Control. N-able™ Take Control (formerly Solarwinds Take...

Top 10 Alternatives to Remote Desktop Services
  • TeamViewer.
  • AnyDesk.
  • Amazon AppStream 2.0.
  • Apache Guacamole.
  • MobaXTerm.
  • VNC Connect.
  • ConnectWise Control.
  • SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control.

Full Answer

What are the alternatives to Remote Desktop Connection?

Alternatives to Remote Desktop Connection for all platforms with any license. TeamViewer TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few seconds. Audio Calling Directory sync Free API Share Internet connection ... AnyDesk AnyDesk is remote desktop software that is free for personal use.

What is the best alternative to Microsoft RDP?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) provides a graphical interface through which users can connect to a remote computer via a network connection. However, there are now several RDP alternatives on the market, designed to address potential functionality gaps. My top recommendation for a remote desktop alternative is SolarWinds ® Dameware ®, ...

What is the best remote access software for Windows?

RemotePC RemotePC is a hugely-popular remote computer access application that’s suitable for both home and—in particular—for business users. It uses cloud technology to deliver class-leading remote access solutions through an intuitive web application and native desktop and mobile apps. It also includes collaboration features such as voice chat.

What is the best alternative to TeamViewer remote support?

Zoho Assist is an ideal substitute for TeamViewer’s remote support. It’s cloud-based and easy to use; you can use the software on both desktop and mobile devices.

image

Is there an alternative to RDP?

Zoho Assist - one of the best multi-platform supported free RDP alternatives, also comes with full-featured remote tools. Those tools let you navigate between multiple monitors, transfer files remotely, share your screen, and record your sessions.

Is RDP better than VNC?

In general, Remote Desktop Protocol is known to be more functional and faster than VNC. However, both RDP and VNC can be the best option for different users with different purposes in mind.

What is the best way to remotely access a computer?

How to use Remote DesktopSet up the PC you want to connect to so it allows remote connections: Make sure you have Windows 11 Pro. ... Use Remote Desktop to connect to the PC you set up: On your local Windows PC: In the search box on the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection, and then select Remote Desktop Connection.

What is the best remote access service?

RemotePC. Simply the best remote computer access for business users. ... Zoho Assist. Great all-round remote desktop access software. ... ISL Online. A great solution for businesses both big and small. ... Splashtop. Powerful remote desktop with impressive features. ... Parallels Access. ... LogMeIn Pro. ... AnyDesk. ... Connectwise Control.More items...•

What is the difference between RDP and KVM?

The key difference is that, with a KVM switch, the user's PC is directly controlling the machine, whereas with RDP it's only controlling a graphical representation of the machine.

What is better than VNC?

TeamViewer is the Quick and Secure Alternative to VNC. In contrast to traditional VNC connections, TeamViewer substantially enhances your capabilities with remote support, remote access and your home office.

Which is better AnyDesk or TeamViewer?

Which is better: AnyDesk or TeamViewer? Both tools offer a user-friendly and fluid UI, as well as excellent performance. While AnyDesk provides built-in navigation and quick command options, TeamViewer boasts a variety of communication tools, making it the better choice for sharing smaller files.

Is remote desktop better than TeamViewer?

Both RDP and Teamviewer are considered profitable remote desktop technology for users. However, Teamviewer is known to be faster than RDP according to its users.

What is the alternative for TeamViewer?

Teamviewer alternatives an overviewFree versionRemote accessAnyDeskyesyesChrome Remote DesktopyesyesJoin.meyesnoLogMeIn Pronoyes7 more rows•Jan 17, 2022

How much does RDP cost?

RemotePC PricingNamePriceSoHo - 10 computer$6.63Per MonthTeam$24.95Per MonthEnterprise$49.95Per MonthRemotePC HelpDeskStarting at $8.29Per Month3 more rows

Is Microsoft RDP free?

Microsoft Remote Desktop With the platform—which Microsoft provides for free—you can remotely access Windows PCs from other Windows computers, mobile, devices, and Macs.

Is AnyDesk any good?

AnyDesk is a brilliant software for connecting to remote desktops. It is one of the popular platforms for accessing systems remotely and is very easy to use. The interface provided can be easily understood by the non techies also. Using Anydesk, any device can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

Why RDP is faster than VNC?

VNC vs RDP performance The main goal of RDP is resource sharing, not screen sharing. For that reason, it provides a much faster and more efficient way of accessing a remote computer. RDP is often used in Virtual Private Servers (VPS) to allow multiple users simultaneous yet autonomous access to the same resources.

Is RDP and VNC the same?

Both protocols provide access to remote desktops for quick and easy remote working and troubleshooting. The main difference is that RDP is a virtual session and VNC captures the physical display; you see exactly what the remote user sees.

Why is VNC so slow compared to RDP?

As @Journeyman Geek says, VNC is inefficient. This is by design so that VNC doesn't have to "understand" what the remote client is trying to display. RDP actually does, so it can take shortcuts and render images faster.

Can VNC but not RDP?

VNC and RDP use different protocols, so you can't connect to an RDP server with a VNC client. xrdp is a RDP server that manages a VNC server. In principle you could connect to that VNC server with a VNC client, but that probably isn't what you want.

By Tom K

So you or your managers need to access corporate resources remotely, but you don’t want to mess with VPNs (as discussed in our August Newsletter, Virtual Private Networks– a key Business Enabler ).

Caveats

When using these tools for remote access, the remote user is actually capturing a PC/Mac in the office (or in the home) and taking full control of it. If the remote user has a dedicated PC in the office, this is not an issue. If you have multiple remote users trying to remotely share an office PC (or two) this can become a problem.

Remote Access Policy

The written permission process mentioned above should require that the employee acknowledge and sign a special “Remote Access Policy” indicating that the employee will comply with the terms of the Remote Access Policy, to include:

VPN vs Remote PC Access... so why VPN?

Remote PC Access is great for a manager or single employee to access their dedicated PC/Mac while out of the office. It is elegant simplicity! But, as noted above, this doesn’t really work if the remote user doesn’t have a dedicated PC to access. Also, if a large number of staff use these tools, it can become a security nightmare.

What is zero trust network access?

Zero-trust network access (ZTNA) is essentially brokered access to applications and data on the network. Users and devices are challenged and confirmed before access is granted. “What you must do is adopt a zero-trust mindset, always assuming a device or an employee account might be compromised,” says Duarte.

Why do companies use VPNs?

Once the staple for securing employees working remotely, VPNs were designed to provide secure access to corporate data and systems for a small percentage of a workforce while the majority worked within traditional office confines. The move to mass remote working brought about by COVID-19 in early 2020 changed things dramatically. Since then, it has become the norm for large numbers of employees to regularly work from home, with many only going to the office sporadically (if at all).

What is zero trust VPN?

Grunden explains that “zero-trust methods are able to perform the basic capabilities of a VPN, such as granting access to certain systems and networks, but with an added layer of security in the form of least-privileged access (down to the specific applications), identity authentication, employment verification, and credential storage.”

Does a VPN have MFA?

Gracey-McMinn says most VPNs provide minimal security with traffic encryption and often do not enforce the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). “If a member of staff’s computer has been compromised while working at home, this could lead to a malicious actor gaining access to a company’s network via the VPN using staff credentials, which would grant them full trusted access—activity less likely to be detected by a security team due to not having a full security stack layer while working from home.”

Is remote working the norm?

With remote and hybrid working set to be the norm for the foreseeable future, it is vital that organizations not only recognize the shortcomings and risks of VPNs in the remote working era but also understand how alternative options can better secure the future of remote and hybrid working.

Does VPN provide privileged credentials?

While this VPN alternative or paired option manages identity protocols allowing for more granular activity monitoring, it does not provide additional protections for privileged credentials. To securely manage the credentials for privileged accounts, privileged access management (PAM) is needed, Grunden adds. “If identity management establishes the identity of individual users and authorizes them, PAM tools focus on managing privileged credentials that access critical systems and applications with a higher level of care and scrutiny.”

What is the easiest program to use for remote access?

AeroAdmin is probably the easiest program to use for free remote access. There are hardly any settings, and everything is quick and to the point, which is perfect for spontaneous support.

How to access remote computer?

There are a couple of ways to access the remote computer. If you logged in to your account in the host program, then you have permanent access which means you can visit the link below to log in to the same account in a web browser to access the other computer.

How to connect to a host browser?

To connect to the host browser, sign on to Chrome Remote Desktop through another web browser using the same Google credentials or using a temporary access code generated by the host computer.

How to enable remote desktop access to a computer?

To enable connections to a computer with Windows Remote Desktop, you must open the System Properties settings (accessible via Settings (W11) or Control Panel) and allow remote connections via a particular Windows user.

How does remote utility work?

It works by pairing two remote computers together with an Internet ID. Control a total of 10 computers with Remote Utilities.

What is the other program in a host?

The other program, called Viewer, is installed for the client to connect to the host. Once the host computer has produced an ID, the client should enter it from the Connect by ID option in the Connection menu to establish a remote connection to the other computer.

What is the name of the program that allows you to access a Windows computer without installing anything?

Install a portion of Remote Utilities called Host on a Windows computer to gain permanent access to it. Or o just run Agent, which provides spontaneous support without installing anything—it can even be launched from a flash drive.

What is DRE remote access?

The DRE solution is a cloud-based, lightweight remote access software you can access from anywhere, as long as you have a stable internet connection. With this tool, you can connect with workstations typically in just a few seconds, allowing you to establish remote control quickly and efficiently.

Is DRE safe for remote access?

Cloud-based programs sometimes raise concerns regarding security, but this isn’t something you’ll need to worry about with DRE. This solution is built to leverage advanced encryption methods, like RemotePC, to help ensure maximum security without compromising productivity or performance. DRE also gives you the option of enforcing two-factor authentication and multi-level permissions, so you can rest assured remote access sessions are safe. If you go to the “Management” tab in the DRE console, you’ll find a “Secret Vaults” utility, where you can add confidential data, in addition to changing and recovering passwords.

Is RemotePC safe?

Both RemotePC and DRS offer high levels of security, with AES-256 encryption and support for two-factor authentication. This helps ensure your remote access program and connected machines are safe.

Is RemotePC better than DRS?

Although RemotePC offers a mobile application, I believe the app’s usability could be better. DRS, on the other hand, offers sophisticated mobile capabilities, allowing you to connect to network computers remotely from your iOS or Android device. This is ideal for IT admins who are often off-site or traveling because they can leverage the user-friendly Dameware mobile app to provide remote support from anywhere.

Does DRS support Wake on LAN?

I believe RemotePC capabilities are less extensive in this area, although the program does support Wake-on-LAN.

What is smart DNS?

Smart DNS provides a proxy server resource for additional protection of a user's identity by masking a user' s ISP-generated D NS address with a different address -- generated by the Smart DNS device -- before sending the user request into the internet.

Is VPN security available?

Security in the form of encryption is generally available for VPNs. When evaluating VPN candidates, users should closely inspect the security features to ensure they're sufficient.

Does VPN work for remote access?

Depending on financial requirements, security requirements and the need for expanded use of remote access, numerous VPN options are available to provide secure, end-to-end encrypted remote access.

Is VPN free?

VPN technology can be relatively inexpensive, especially with free or low-cost VPN packages. In these offerings, users simply access the VPN service, complete secure access procedures and enter the desired domain, such as a website address. More costly VPN technologies are likely to be used for large corporate networks. The main cost is the license fee for each user who uses VPN services.

Can VPN providers make claims about end to end encryption?

Vendors may also make claims about how they provide end-to-end encryption. If encryption only occurs from the user client to the VPN service provider -- and not onward to the desired resource -- user data security can be jeopardized.

What is remote desktop connection?

Remote Desktop Connection is described as 'technology that allows you to sit at a computer (sometimes called the client computer) and connect to a remote computer (sometimes called the host' and is a well-know n app in the Network & Admin category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Remote Desktop Connection for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone. The best alternative is TeamViewer. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Chrome Remote Desktop or UltraVNC. Other great apps like Remote Desktop Connection are AnyDesk (Paid), DWService (Free, Open Source), TightVNC (Free, Open Source) and NoMachine (Freemium).

What is DWService?

DWService is an open source project which offers a service that allows access to remote systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry...) using a standard web browser - without any component required on the client side.

What is mremoteng?

mRemoteNG is a fork of mRemote , an open source, tabbed, multi-protocol, remote connections manager. It allows you to view all of your remote connections in a simple yet powerful tabbed interface.

Is TeamViewer a good alternative to Remote Desktop?

Most users think TeamViewer is a great alternative to Remote Desktop Connection.

Can I use Remmina on Linux?

I use Remmina on Linux to remote into a WIndows PC. Works great.

Is Anydesk a good remote desktop?

Most users think AnyDesk is a great alternative to Remote Desktop Connection.

What is the best remote desktop software?

RemotePC is the best remote desktop software right now. RemotePC is another stellar product from the team at iDrive (we also recommend its excellent cloud storage solution). RemotePC uses top-notch cloud tech to deliver class-leading remote access. Web, desktop, and mobile apps provide the access.

What is remote PC?

RemotePC is a hugely-popular remote computer access application that’s suitable for both home and—in particular—for business users. It uses cloud technology to deliver class-leading remote access solutions through an intuitive web application and native desktop and mobile apps. It also includes collaboration features such as voice chat.

What is remote desktop manager?

Remote Desktop Manager is a powerful remote computer access program offering scalable solutions for large businesses. It’s compatible with both Android and iOS devices and comes with a selection of impressive security features.

What is Connectwise Control?

ConnectWise Control provides highly specialized remote access solutions targeted at specific users. Its three Support plans come with some remote access features, and include powerful tools to help IT staff and support technicians solve problems remotely. The Access plan caters for 25 devices and is aimed at those who want to connect with numerous remote devices.

Where does RDS run?

Typically, the machine that hosts RDS runs in the same physical location - such as the same office building - as the computers from which users access the remote desktop environments. It is also possible, however, to install RDS on a server running in the cloud and share desktops from the cloud.

How long does it take to set up a remote access?

Using remote access software is simple. They generally take no more than a few minutes to set up, and you will usually have to install the software on the computer or other device you want to access the remote computer with.

How much does Parallels Access cost?

It does support computer–computer connections, but the majority of its features are mobile-centered. Prices start from just $19.99 per year, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.

What is remote utilities?

Remote Utilities is described as 'remote PC access program for connecting to a remote PC over LAN or via the Internet. The program is used by system administrators, home users and helpdesks for remotely managing PCs in their corporate or home network, or providing customer support' and is an app in the Network & Admin category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Remote Utilities for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone. The best alternative is TeamViewer. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Remmina or DWService. Other great apps like Remote Utilities are AnyDesk (Paid), UltraVNC (Free, Open Source), TightVNC (Free, Open Source) and NoMachine (Freemium).

What is DWService?

DWService is an open source project which offers a service that allows access to remote systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry...) using a standard web browser - without any component required on the client side.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9