Remote desktop software

In computing, the term remote desktop refers to a software or an OS feature allowing graphical applications to be run remotely on a server, while being displayed locally. Remote desktop applications have varying features. Some allow attaching to an existing user's session (i.e. a running desktop) and "remote controlling" it in front of the user's eyes. Taking over a desktop remotely is a form of remote administration.

It can also be explained as remote control of a computer by using another device connected via the internet or another network. This is widely used by many computer manufacturers (DELL, HP etc.) for technical troubleshooting for their customers. Windows XP has its own built in remote desktop option.

The quality, speed and functions of any remote desktop protocol are based on the system layer where the graphical desktop is redirected. Software such as PC Anywhere, VNC and others use the top, software layer to extract and compress the graphic interface images for transmission. Other products such as Microsoft RDP and others use a kernel driver level to construct the remote desktop for transmission.

Comparison of remote desktop software

Remote desktop protocols

The main remote desktop protocols in use are:
* Virtual Network Computing (VNC) - a cross-platform protocol
* Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) - a Windows-specific protocol featuring audio and remote printing
* NX technology (NX) - a newer cross-platform protocol featuring audio and remote printing
* Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) - a proprietary protocol designed by Citrix Systems
* X Window System (X11) - a well-established cross-platform protocol mainly used for displaying local applications, but can also be used remotely