Have you ever wondered how to control a computer from another computer? For many this may seem like science fiction, but it is one of the most basic concepts of computer science for many years .
In the beginning it was used only at the military level, as a way to synchronize equipment; an order was given from a central unit that was repeated by a series of computers in a coordinated manner.
But we don’t need it to make war and fortunately there is a tool that allows you to use this function on a much simpler scale; remote desktops . In this article we will teach you all about them, so you can start using them for whatever you need.
Index:
What is a remote desktop and what is it used for? Uses and advantages
Remote desktops are a type of technology that allows a user to operate a computer from its graphical interface from another computer, so that they can use it remotely. This simple concept allows you to do many wonderful things depending on the level at which it is implemented . The main uses of these desks are:
- Repair errors on computers without having to use them.
- Coordinate actions on several computers remotely.
All this has many benefits, which has resulted in them being very successful, to the point that all modern operating systems have their own remote desktop. Some of the advantages of using a remote desktop are :
- Time saving : You don’t need to move to the physical location of the computer you want to drive, which represents a time saving. If it is also applied in the business environment, represents a saving of money in per diem, transport and others.
- Greater control over your devices : with a Remote desktop will have full control over all your computers. Some programs even allow you to share each other’s notifications.
How does a remote desktop work? Basic elements of the tool
A remote desktop is a program with a very simple operation. This is composed of two essential elements; The communication protocol and communication. Both things combine to allow you to access this technology .
Communication protocol
A remote desktop is software that uses a computer network, so you will need a communications protocol to run. These protocols usually vary by manufacturer, but they all use the same concept of a data transmission bus. The most commonly used are :
- Independent Computing Architecture (ICA).
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
- Adaptive Internet Protocol (AIP).
- Virtual Network Computin.
Communications
The other element is communication between the computer that controls the other remotely . For this to be done you must have a series of requirements such as:
- Latency , which is the delay with which data arrives from one node to another.
- Functional balance between client and server.
- Synchronization.
- Compression of the data exchanged.
These requirements are met thanks to the programming that the manufacturer gives to the software, thus allowing this technology to work perfectly .
Steps to activate the Remote Desktop to manage your remote computer in Windows MacOS
Well, as we already told you, this technology is so useful that it has been implemented in the main operating systems such as Windows and MacOS.
Next we will show you how to activate them in both OS:
In Windows
Activating remote control in Windows is a process that consists of two essential parts. The first thing you should do is configure the computer you want to operate remotely. To do this you must follow these steps:
- Enter the “ Control Panel ” and follow the path “System and Security”> “System”> “Remote Access Settings”.
- After this you will see a window that opens. In the “Remote desktop” section, enable the option “Allow connections from computers using any version of the remote desktop” .
This is all you have to do on that team. Now, for the computer that will use the remote desktop you must configure things as follows:
- Click «Start» and in the search bar type «Connect to remote desktop» and select the option of the same name.
- Once there you must enter the IP address of the device to which you want to connect remotely and ready, you can manage it remotely.
On Mac
MacOS does not have a factory-installed remote desktop. Apple’s tool for this is Remote Desktop, which is more complete than Windows but is also paid .
If we are willing to use it despite this, the steps we must follow are the following:
- Install Apple Remote Desktop on both computers.
- Start the app on the computer you want to connect from. Once there enter the IP of the Mac you want to control and select “Concetarse”. After that wait for the devices to synchronize and ready, you can handle them.
List of the best free and paid tools to control the Windows computer Remote MacOS
If the options that Microsoft and MacOS have developed for their operating systems do not convince you since you need something more powerful, then what you should do is simply look for other alternatives.
Here is a list of the best remote desktop developers:
TeamViewer
This is the top reference in the distance desk industry worldwide, being by far the most popular brand. This is a private software that offers remote access solutions among which its remote desktop function stands out. The best thing about this program is that you simply need to configure it on both computers once and you can now freely access one from the other without problems.
TeamViewer is a very powerful software that even allows you to create your own computer networks and manage them all remotely with total ease. Of course, its price is designed for business-level investments, so it is likely that you prefer to move from this .
GoToMyPC
If you don’t need a very complex program but a tool that allows you to manage a couple of devices remotely, then GoToMyPC is what you are looking for. It is a very simple option to use and with a more than reasonable price for the average user . Like the previous one, you only need to configure it once, then you can easily connect the desktops with a couple of clicks.
Real VNC
This is a free alternative that will work for you if you are simply looking for a tool that allows you to remotely manage some of your equipment. It does not have very advanced features, but it will allow you to link several computers with ease by simply providing the IP of each one of them .
But the most interesting thing about this tool is that it is open source, so it guarantees you excellent security in all the communications you make with it.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Possibly after knowing the Google Chrome remote desktop you are not interested in knowing any more. It is much simpler than what the company has accustomed us, but the ease with which we can use it is too convenient. To start, you simply have to install the extension in the browser . But there is surprise.
Chrome Remote Desktop not only allows you to manage computers over IP, but also syncs with all devices synced to your Gmail account . This is the most revolutionary feature of all because just by logging in to all these devices you can use them remotely.
Ehorus
This is the program that offers remote access solutions from Ártica Soluciones. It is very versatile and as powerful as the best payment options we have presented so far. It has very advanced and useful features at the enterprise level that allow you to create large synchronized remote access networks .
Laplink Everywhere
We close our list with this free software quite useful when it comes to remote access to other computers. It is very versatile, so much that it not only works on computers, but also on mobile phones and even on consoles such as the Nintendo Switch .