Since most friends and relatives you may be helping are likely running some Home release of Windows or another, you won’t be able to connect to them. You can find client apps for other desktop operating systems (like OS X and Linux) as well as mobile platforms (like iOS and Android).Īlthough it’s easy to setup Windows Remote Desktop, there’s a bit of a catch: while all versions of Windows can connect to other machines via the RDP client, only the professional versions (and above) of Windows have an RDP server. Windows Remote Desktop Connection runs on the propriety Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and is widely supported both by Windows itself and a variety of third party client applications. RELATED: Turn on Remote Desktop in Windows 7, 8, 10, or Vista Once turned on, however, both the Windows and Mac OS solution allow for unattended use.

If said relative just called you up and needs help, however, you’re stuck not only dealing with their actual problem but the problem of walking them through turning the remote desktop functionality on. If you’re doing the configuring (either on your own machine or on the behalf of your relative when you’re visiting them in person), this isn’t a big deal. While they aren’t difficult to use, the biggest shortcoming of the built-in tools is that they need to be configured by the person on the other end. As such, people are comfortable using them–they’re right at hand, free, and supplied by the company they trust enough to run their entire computer. Operating System-Based Remote Desktop: Old School and Baked Inīoth Windows and Mac OS have had remote desktop solutions built in for ages. Keeps your needs (and the abilities of the people you’re helping with the remote desktop) in mind as you read through the features. Do you need on-the-go access from your mobile device? If so, a good mobile client is a must. Do you need unattended access? A solution that requires someone at the remote PC is no good if nobody is home. Is the solution just for your own use or for helping friends and relatives? Just because you’re tech savvy and can easily configure things doesn’t mean they will. As we run through the features of the different remote desktop solutions, keep a few important questions in mind.

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