There are numerous reasons behind the use of remote desktops, which play a crucial role in today’s IT software ecosystem. If you’re providing support services for desktops and laptops, working with virtual servers or applications, or working in a company in which the offices are distributed nationally or internationally, you’ll be using remote desktop software.
ISL Light is an easy-to-use remote desktop software for security-conscious users. It comes at a great price-performance. ISL Light is a powerful tool that helps IT staff and support technicians solve problems remotely, either through unattended access, remote support. There are many remote accessing Softwares but they can be heavy on your wallet. So, here are the Top 10 Remote Access Software for Mac Computers. TeamViewer is one of the best remote access software. It is free for personal usage. Most of you might be familiar with it.
Windows systems come with a built-in protocol for remote connections. 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®, offering an on-premises and a cloud version, both designed to facilitate the easy handling of remote desktop issues.
What Is RDP?
RDP, short for Remote Desktop Protocol, is a protocol developed by Microsoft. It allows you to connect to another computer using a graphical user interface, so you can interact with the remote machine. You can control a remote desktop session and delete or copy text between applications running on the host machine and the guest machine. This helps with remote troubleshooting and issue resolution, so IT staff won’t need to go directly to the computer experiencing the problem.
However, with the rise of cybercrime have come warnings about the security of RDP. Moreover, several RDP alternatives have appeared on the market, many of which offer much more in the way of capabilities depending on your specific needs. If you’re looking for an alternative to Remote Desktop Protocol, consider the options below.
Best Remote Desktop Alternatives 2020
Dameware Remote Support is a significant upgrade from RDP, designed to provide all of the same features as the Microsoft protocol along with added features that help enhance problem resolution and cybersecurity on remote devices. Like RDP, DRS makes it easy to connect remotely to other computers. With additional features built to go beyond those in RDP, DRS makes for a comprehensive and easy-to-use remote desktop connection manager alternative.
Like RDP, DRS offers multi-platform remote access, with support for Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. In an enterprise setting, for example, it can work across your Windows desktops, Linux servers, and Mac devices staff may connect with from home. That includes providing access to computers from Android and Apple devices including tablets, which are not supported in RDP.
Both RDP and DRS offer the ability to connect over both the internet and LAN. This is particularly important in DRS since this, along with the tool’s other features, can help facilitate straightforward troubleshooting. With both DRS and RDP, you can remotely reboot entire systems or stop services and processes if something is causing the system to fail. DRS is designed to go beyond that, though—it includes system tools that allow you to fix problems on a computer you’re connected to remotely without having to interrupt the user’s session. DRS, like RDP, also lets you directly copy and paste—or delete—text in applications between the host and guest machine.
Dameware Remote Support offers a free trial for up to 14 days.
Another good option to consider, particularly if you are working in a cloud-based IT environment, is Dameware Remote Everywhere. DRE is in some ways the same tool as DRS, but it offers slightly different features.
First, DRE is designed for use in the cloud, which means it is accessible from any compatible device with internet connection. RDP also connects to remote devices over the internet; however, a distinction between the two tools may arise when it comes to speed. While DRE has a particular focus on speed, with remote connections typically established within eight seconds, RDP typically has slower connection times.
DRE also includes additional features for taking screenshots and recording during remote sessions and connecting with the user through VoIP or video call. RDP doesn’t natively include these features, with the only way to record or take screenshots during remote sessions is by implementing outside tools and procedures.
Dameware Remote Everywhere offers a free trial for 14 days.
Royal TS provides support for RDP and other connection protocols, including VNC, SSH, FTP and SFTP, and connection through web-based interfaces. Like other professional tools, it includes credentials management and sharing features, so you don’t need to log in repeatedly. It also provides remote troubleshooting capabilities.
One of the unique features of Royal TS is it can create command tasks and key sequence tasks, which allow you to create your own tasks and automate parts of your troubleshooting processes. For example, ping and traceroute are built in, and you can automate repetitive tasks, so you can execute them as soon as a connection is established.
Royal TS distinguishes itself from RDP when it comes to credential allocation. While RDP lets you save and share credentials between teammates, it does not let you save credentials tied to a remote desktop gateway. Not only does Royal TS let you create objects and folders and dynamically allocate credentials, it also lets you link folders and connections to inherit credentials. These features are designed to facilitate strong access and security measures.
Royal TS offers a free download of its “Lite” version, which allows up to 10 connections and 10 credentials. The paid version is also available through the developer’s website.
If you’re looking for an RDP alternative specifically for use with Mac computers or mobile devices, Edovia produces many products, including several versions of Screens.
Screens iOS allows you to control other computers from your iPhone or iPad, using an SSH connection. It can connect to Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and Windows PCs, using the Screens Connect app. You can view the current session (e.g., for troubleshooting), or start a new session.
Screens Mac provides the same capabilities as Screens iOS, but from Mac OS systems.
There is a free trial of Screens Mac, and a free version, called Screens Express, with limited usage for specific circumstances. Screens Mac is downloadable through the Edovia website. You can buy Screens iOS from the App Store.
Terminals is an open-source remote desktop manager intended to manage the problem of controlling multiple connections simultaneously. It integrates RDP as one of the protocols it supports, but also works with VNC, VMRC, SSH, Telnet, RAS, Citrix ICA, and HTTP and HTTPs.
It includes several basic features to make the remote connection experience smoother, including a multi-tab interface, resizable windows, customizable toolbars, and a connections history, so you can see which machines you have connected to recently. You can also search by server name and look at protocol notes. This tool is high-quality, but basic, and it may not be suitable for a large enterprise needing a greater set of features for IT support and troubleshooting management.
You can download Terminals for free on Github.
As a free tool, Terminals is a mRemoteNG alternative. For a comparison of mRemoteNG vs. Terminals, look at both repositories in Github to view the documentation, as it gets a little technical.
Best Mac Remote Desktop Software
How to Choose an RDP Alternative
There are several factors behind choosing a good RDP alternative, but your decision will in large part depend on the number of connections you’re dealing with, the type of information in your environment (e.g., if it’s sensitive and needs extra security), and the size of your enterprise.
A free or open-source tool might be suitable in a low-risk, small business environment, in which case Terminals is a good choice. For a large enterprise or a company with sensitive data, invest in a professional tool such as Dameware Remote Support or Dameware Remote Everywhere.
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Remote Desktop software are tools which allow users control a computer from a remote location. These software are very powerful and useful as they eliminate the need to travel long distances to configure a PC in another location.
They are used majorly by the IT staff of large corporations with offices all over the world, Remote Desktop software eliminates the need for many IT support staff in every location where large companies have offices with just a central IT team.
In remote desktop connections, the PC you want to access is called the Host and the PC which is used to access the other is called the Client. For remote desktop connections to work, both the Host computer and the client computer must have Remote Desktop Connection software installed on them.
Remote Desktop Software tools are easy to use and require just basic computer knowledge. The best Remote Desktop Software currently based on user reviews arranged in no particular order are:
Best Free Remote Desktop Software
Most remote desktop software have free versions but these are the best based on user reviews.
1. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is a simple, yet powerful remote support tool developed by Zoho Corporation. It can be used for both personal and commercial purposes, and is known for its easy-to-understand user interface.
Since Zoho Assist is entirely cloud-based, you can initiate support sessions directly from your browser-based console without the need for application installation at the user end. It offers cross-platform OS compatibility and is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Android, and iOS.
Zoho Assist provides a secure, end-to-end encrypted service. It supports file transfer between remote devices, remote printing, voice and video calls, clipboard sharing, a “run as service” option, user management, and much more.
2. TeamViewer
Team Viewer has remained one of the most popular remote desktop software for a long time now and is consistently rated as one of the best too. It is easy to install and supports file transfers, printing, voice calls, video calls and instant messaging. It can reboot a remote computer to safe mode and automatically reconnect.
Team viewer supports Windows, Mac and Linus operating systems. The app has two options for remote desktop connection management on the Host side, they are:
- Teamviewer QuickSupport: is a remote connection web app used when you are accessing the remote pc only once or if you cant install the software on your computer.
- Teamviewer Host: is a remote desktop connection app for users who will be connecting regularly to the host computer.
- Full, Installable Teamviewer: for best connections and easy usage, it is advisable to install the full teamviewer software on the host computer.
On the client side, Teamviewer has the following remote desktop connection managers.
Teamviewer Client Apps: These apps are installed on the client computer for remote desktop connections, there are Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS compatible Teamviewer client apps. The mobile Teamviewer apps allow you control your computer with your mobile phones and tablets.
Teamviewer Client Web App: These client side apps enable Host computers connect to the client through web browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
3. Windows Remote Desktop Software
This is the official in-built Microsoft Windows OS Remote Desktop connection manager. To connect to a client PC with the Windows Remote Desktop App, follow these steps:
- Use the search feature to find “Remote Desktop Connection App” which you can then pin to the taskbar on your desktop for future use.
- Launch the App
- Enter the client computer’s address e.g computer.fabrikam.com
- Click Connect
- You can also configure more options by clicking the “Show Options” dropdown button.
To allow access to the Windows Remote Desktop app on the host computer, follow these steps:
- Go to Computer
- Open System Properties
- Open Remote Settings
- Tick the “Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this computer” on the Remote Tab
You also have to set up port forwarding on your router to enable remote PC’s connect to your PC if they are from external networks.
Windows Remote Desktop software doesn’t have as many features as the Teamviewer and the others mentioned earlier but it is the easiest way to control a PC remotely. It allows file transfers, printing, audio listening and copying of clipboard content. The app is available for Windows OS 10 down to Windows XP.
4. Chrome Remote Desktop Extension
Google Chrome has a remote desktop extension plugin called Chrome Remote Desktop. It enables remote desktop access for any two computers using the Google Chrome browser.
All you need to do is install the Google Chrome Remote Desktop extension on your Host PC’s chrome browser and authorize remote access to your PC with a Personal Identification number you create. You will need to login to your Google account to complete the process.
To connect to the Host PC, the Client PC has install the remote desktop extension and sign in to Google Chrome using the same Google account as the Host browser. Once logged in, you can connect to the other PC by clicking on its name and clicking the start remote session button.
Chrome Remote Desktop software is a basic remote desktop connection manager which allows you do just basic file sharing unlike other programs. It is easy to use and can work with any operating system that supports Google Chrome.
5. Remote Utilities Viewer
Best Remote Desktop Software Mac To Pc
Remote Utilities Viewer is a very good remote desktop software. It has a maximum remote connection limit of 10 PCs.
To use Remote Utilities, you need to install the Remote Utilities Host App on your PC or use the Remote Utilities Agent which allows you to manage remote connections without any installation.
The two connecting computers must share a unique Remote Utilities ID in order to connect successfully.
On the client side, the Remote Utilities viewer program is also used to connect to the Host or Agent apps.
Setting up remote connections with the viewer is very easy on the client as all you need is the Internet ID and password but is quite stressful on the host computer duw to many different configuration options.
Remote Utilities Viewer supports Windows, iOS, Android and other operating systems. Features of the software include file transfer, remote rebooting, remote printing, command prompt access, text chat, webcam viewing, etc.
6. UltraVNC
UltraVNC is also a good remote desktop connection tool. To use the tool, simply install the app on both Client and Host PCs. Install the UltraVNC viewer on the Host PC and the UltraVNC server on the Client PC.
UltraVNC requires port forwarding configuration on your client router, the client server IP address is used by the Host PC to connect over the internet.
The software has file transfer, remote server rebooting, text chat and supports a wide number of versions Windows OS including Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7.
Best Paid Remote Desktop Software
For users and companies looking to control many computers remotely, there are good paid remote desktop software with lots of features. The best paid remote desktop software based on user reviews currently are:
1. ScreenConnect
ScreenConnect is a web based remote desktop software which provides solid security with its 256-bit SSL encryption, IP filtering, access codes and more. It offers top of the line performance and is also very fast and efficient.
Screenconnect is currently rated the best paid remote desktop software. The only minor disadvantage is that there must be a person at both the client and host end for setup and requires some technical knowledge to set up. They offer technical support and an information database to help new users.
It has a wide range of features and is essentially for IT support staff, not single users. The software supports PC, Mac, Tablets and Mobile phones. Security settings are customizable with several security features.
Screenconnect Remote Desktop software pricing starts at $49 monthly and $468 annually. The software allows up to 50 administrative PC users on one plan.
2. GoToMyPC Pro
GoToMyPC is also a good remote desktop software which offers easy installation and usage. It has strong security and collaboration tools. The service also has a very good customer support system better than most of the other services.
GoToMyPC offers top performance and allows administrators work on multiple computers at once. The service offers 24/7 customer support in 25+ countries and has training guides and a standard knowledgebase, they also offer chat support. The software allows access to an unlimited number of administrative users and just 10 PCs.
GoToMyPC pricing starts at $139.50 for the monthly plan and $1339 for the yearly plan.
3. TeamViewer Business
Teamviewer offers one of the best free remote desktop apps and also offers one of the best paid remote desktop apps. It is easy to set up, easy to use and is quite fast.
Teamviewer lets the client and host computer switch roles if need be at any time. The service has good security features such as unusual behavior detection and the trusted service feature which prompts you to confirm any new device before allowing access. It uses 256 bit encryption which is above the industry standard of 128-bits. It however lacks the IP blocking feature. Teamviewer Business offers user guides, how to videos, live chat, telephone and Tech support.
Teamviewer Pro plans start at $809 annually. The plan allows for only one administrator and an unlimited number of computers.
4. LogMeIn Central
LogMeIn is also a good paid remote desktop app which allows users share files securely and very fast. It is good for telecommuters, single users and company IT support departments. The software also supports a number of foreign languages.
Unfortunately, the LogMeIn service does not support live chat at the moment which tends to make contacting customer service more difficult, usets have to submit email tickets or call support which is available 24/7, the service has a comprehensive knowledgebase as well. LogMeIn supports Windows, Mac OS, Android OS and iOS.
LogMeIn’s app is easy to install and use, a LogMeIn account is required to start a remote desktop connection as well as a passcode for both the host and client PCs.
LogMeIn pricing starts at $499 annually, there is no monthly plan available. The app allows up to 100 administrative users and 25 PCs on one account.