Remote control software

Remote control software is software used in remote administration to allow use of computers or other hardware at a separate location. A typical use is to control a computing server or desktop computer from another desktop computer. The remote control software consists of two separate computer programs, a "host version" that is installed on the computer to be controlled, and a "client version" that is installed on the controlling computer.

A comparative list of remote desktop software can be found here: Comparison of remote desktop software

Remote control is possible in two modes:

Duplicate desktop

The controlling computer displays a copy of the image received from the controlled computer's display screen. The copy is updated on a timed interval, or when a change on screen is noticed by the remote control software.

The software on the controlling computer transmits its own keyboard and mouse activity to the controlled computer, where the remote control software implements these actions. The controlled computer then behaves as if the actions were performed directly at that computer.

The duplicate desktop mode is useful for user support and education. Remote control software combined with telephone communication can be as helpful for novice computer-users as if the assistant was actually there.

Typical commercial programs used for controlling Windows PCs include NetSupport Manager, pcAnywhere and Laplink. For Macintosh computers, there is Apple Remote Desktop and Timbuktu (Timbuktu also works under Windows). There is also open source remote control software such as VNC (which stands for Virtual Network Computing) and FreeNX.

Another solution is a Web control, you can use your computer anywhere and any platform, is a FogCreek-like solution.

It can also be used for "headless computers". Instead of having separate monitors and keyboards for each computer, or using a KVM switch, one can attach a single monitor, keyboard and mouse to one computer with remote control software, and use it for operating the other computers.

Virtual desktops

In this case the controlling computer will work almost the same as on a duplicate desktop, except that the actions of the controlling computer may be almost unnoticeable on the remote computer display. This way several people can use the same computer at once, without disturbing each others work.

This could be useful for several administrators doing different tasks on the same server. It can also be used for using hardware attached to the controlled computer, without disturbing a person who may already be using the computer.

If the controlled computer is powerful compared to the controlling computer, it can feel as if the controlling computer is a better computer. The controlling computer only need to be powerful enough to run the remote controlling software, therefore it can be a very simple and cheap computer. When one uses such a "thin client" or "dumb terminal", they may not even know that their software is actually running on another computer.

In some cases it is cheaper to buy one large computer, and several thin clients or dumb terminals, than purchasing a complete computer for each workstation. If one already has enough computers, but they are not powerful enough, only one new computer may be needed, and the old ones used as thin clients.