The ubiquity of computer and mobile technology has opened up many unprecedented opportunities for many users, with which you can easily connect to another computer terminal without using a wired connection. This function is called the connection to the remote "Desktop" and today it is available in absolutely all known desktop and mobile operating systems. However, many users often have some problems associated with setting up remote access. In particular, this applies to the programs used and some mandatory settings. Next, it is proposed to consider several options for connecting to the desired computer terminal, among which the means of Windows operating systems and third-party applications will be considered. At the end of the review, everyone will be able to choose the most suitable and easiest way for him.
What is the purpose and benefits of connecting to a remote "desktop"?
To begin with, somewhat distracting from the main topic, let's outline the main priorities in terms of why it is necessary to establish communication with other computers.
In most cases, this allows not only access to the shared folders stored on the hard drive of another PC, laptop or mobile device, but also the use of peripheral equipment connected to them. So, for example, quite often a connection to a remote “Desktop” can be used to access the same printer, without having to install it as a network device. You can also meet situations when you need to access your home computer from the office and vice versa.
But very few users are aware that when creating such a connection, the complete processing of information (except for outputting the image to a daughter computer or mobile device) will be carried out on the PC to which the connection is made. What does this give the user in practical terms? Suppose that some resource-intensive multimedia or engineering application is installed on the remote PC to which access is made, and the device from which the connection is made does not meet the program requirements. When accessing the main computer, the program will actually work on it, using its “iron” configuration and software environment, and the second device will simultaneously serve as a monitor and, if you like, a certain remote control, and its resources are involved in the process only at the level image output, and maybe sound, if this setting is activated.
Basic methods for accessing another computer
As for the very possibilities of creating a connection to a remote “Desktop”, only two of the main methods are usually used: either operating system tools are used, or the connection is performed in special programs called RDP clients (short for English Remote Desktop). Some people mistakenly believe that Windows tools obviously lose in comparison with third-party software, however, if there are no other applications at hand or it simply cannot be installed on the device from which it is supposed to be accessed (for example, on Microsoft Surface RT tablets, on which installation of programs is possible only from the "Store"), the system tools will be the most optimal solution.
Configuring Remote Desktop Connection on Windows: Preliminary Steps
The very possibility of remote access appeared in Windows XP and since then is present in all subsequent modifications. Despite the availability of such an automated tool, the user still needs to make preliminary settings. This applies to setting permissions to an external connection. On the computer to which you intend to access, for example, in Windows XP, you need to start connecting to the remote "Desktop" by calling up the system properties, switching to additional parameters and setting the above parameters on the access tab.
In this case, it is necessary not only to establish the resolution itself, but also to enable the remote assistant to be connected for control. In the advanced settings of permission items, you can select only individual users, and in operating systems of a rank higher, indicate the ability to access only with installed Vista and later.
In addition, it is necessary to write down the computer name, just in case, the internal IP address in the IPv4 protocol properties (it will be further understood why this is necessary).
Creating a connection using Windows
Now you can make a connection, for which the corresponding applet is used in the Start menu (standard programs section). If finding this item is problematic, you can use the remote desktop connection command in the form of the abbreviation “mstsc –v”, entered either in the command console or in the Run menu, for which the IP address of the connected PC is indicated with a space.
If the standard client starts normally, you can enter the name of the PC instead of the address, and then specify the name of the user account and enter the access password. After that, the “Desktop” of the remote terminal will appear.
Important conditions for connecting to another computer
Creating a connection to a remote "Desktop", as we see, is quite simple, but some important points should be taken into account. Firstly, if the login password is not set for the user registration on the connected terminal, it will be impossible to make the connection. In this case, you need to go to manage your "account" and set a password. It’s much easier if you have Microsoft registration, switch to it right away.
Secondly, in the connection window, you can open additional settings and set the output parameters of the image or sound, set the display of disks and partitions on the local resources tab, and also specify the use of a remote clipboard. All other options, in most cases you can not touch.
Using the Chrome RDP Client
One of the simplest methods of creation, according to experts, is the use of the Chrome RDP client developed by Google, for which, however, the system must have the browser of the same name, for which the specified applet is an extension.
In this client, setting up a connection to a computer from an Android device on board is much simpler, but the main drawback is that you can connect to only one Google account. But for direct access, specifying the exact address or name of the remote PC is completely optional (just enter the domain name and port), and you can use a user-defined PIN code as a password.
TeamViewer
This application is recommended by experts most often, because it is unique in its own way. It is not for nothing that it is used even when playing team games. It is ideally suited for those cases when the connected terminal has not a static, but a dynamic IP (constantly changing).
When creating a connection, the program uses exclusively the Internet, computers do not have to be on the same network, the identifier assigned by the program (partner ID) and an automatically generated password are used for identification. Actually, the quality of communication in this application is the best.
Possible connection errors
Sometimes (especially when using Windows tools), you may encounter errors connecting to the remote "Desktop", usually associated with certificate verification. In the message window, to fix the problem, you just need to mark the connection point without a mandatory check. Sometimes it is advisable to deactivate the point of use of password access in the settings of connection permissions. For third-party programs in the Windows firewall (firewall.cpl in the Run console), you need to add the application you are using to the list of programs allowed for remote connection, and also check if the TCP port 3389 is blocked. If for some reason this is the case, you need to create a new rule for it, and in some cases, forward the ports on the router. But usually it doesn’t come to that.