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Remote Computer Access

Author: TechShortcut Staff | Article updated: April 2, 2009

1. Overview

Remote desktop, remote access or remote control is the ability to view a computer screen and control a computer that is located elsewhere. Remote access can be invaluable in when you need to complete a task on a specific computer or see exactly what is happening on another computer in real-time.

Benefits

Flexibility
Productivity

Considerations

Usage Examples
Shown below are some examples of where remote computer access can be beneficial.
- Customers
  Provide support to remote customers by accessing their computer or showing them your computer.
- Employees
  Provide the ability for employees to work from home or when traveling. Provide support to remote users or enable collaboration.
Other Applications with Remote Computer Access
Remote access functionality is also included in some web meeting applications, operating systems and instant messaging applications so be sure to consider those as well. However, these applications will typically require a user at the remote computer to accept a connection request so these applications can't be used when you need access to your work computer when no one else is around.

Virtual Private Network or Remote Computer Access software?

It is important to point out that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is another option to access data at a remote location but by itself does not allow control of remote computers. We will be focusing on remote access applications in this guide, but here is some information to compare and contrast a VPN with remote access.

VPN	Remote Computer Access Software
In simple terms, a VPN is a secure way to extend a work network to another location. A VPN enables you connect to a work network through any Internet connection as if you are in the office. If you bring your laptop home with all your work software, you may be able to use your applications and access network servers like you are in the office. In this case you are using network resources rather than controlling another computer. However, VPNs can also be coupled with remote access software that will allow secure remote access to computers on your work network through a web-browser. In this case, you will not need your work laptop with all your specialized work applications loaded because you will actually be controlling a computer at work from a remote computer.	Remote access software uses the Internet and software installed on each computer to be connected. Software may be installed like a regular application or downloaded within a web browser as a plug-in.

VPN

Remote Computer Access Software

In simple terms, a VPN is a secure way to extend a work network to another location. A VPN enables you connect to a work network through any Internet connection as if you are in the office. If you bring your laptop home with all your work software, you may be able to use your applications and access network servers like you are in the office. In this case you are using network resources rather than controlling another computer.

However, VPNs can also be coupled with remote access software that will allow secure remote access to computers on your work network through a web-browser. In this case, you will not need your work laptop with all your specialized work applications loaded because you will actually be controlling a computer at work from a remote computer.

Remote access software uses the Internet and software installed on each computer to be connected. Software may be installed like a regular application or downloaded within a web browser as a plug-in.

Security
Encryption and authorization are key features to check.
Frequency
Identify the number of users and frequency of use so you can determine whether you need a solution periodically or whether it should be a permanent solution.
Compatibility
You will need to check to ensure that the software supports your operating system or web browser.

Features

File Transfer
Send and receive files.
Mobile Device Access
The ability to access remote computers from a smartphone.
Meeting/Conference
Allow multiple users to join a session for increased collaboration.
Logs
Create session logs for an audit trail.

Implementation Options

1. In-House Remote Computer Access Solution	2. Internet Remote Computer Access Service
Install and manage all aspects of the software in-house. Client/Server Software is installed on a server at one end to serve as a central gateway that can initiate sessions on any networked computer. Client software may also be needed to communicate with the server. Client-based Software is installed on each client computer as a stand-alone application rather than being run in a web browser. This approach is decentralized or point-to-point.	Use an Internet service that provides all the software needed to connect to a remote computer. Web Browser-based Everything needed for access is downloaded as a web browser plug-in.

1. In-House Remote Computer Access Solution

2. Internet Remote Computer Access Service

Install and manage all aspects of the software in-house.

Client/Server
Software is installed on a server at one end to serve as a central gateway that can initiate sessions on any networked computer. Client software may also be needed to communicate with the server.
Client-based
Software is installed on each client computer as a stand-alone application rather than being run in a web browser. This approach is decentralized or point-to-point.

Use an Internet service that provides all the software needed to connect to a remote computer.

Web Browser-based
Everything needed for access is downloaded as a web browser plug-in.

2. Option Comparison

	1. In-House Remote Computer Access Solution	2. Internet Remote Computer Access Service
Requirements	Internet connection—preferably DSL, T1 or cable.	Internet connection—preferably DSL, T1 or cable.
Cost Factors	Hardware
	If a centralized approach is used, a server may be needed for a product like Windows Terminal Services.	None
	Software
	If a decentralized approach is used, software will need to be installed on each computer that will allow remote access.	None
	Labor
	Install, configure & upgrade	Configure
	Services
	None	Usually a monthly fee

3. Next Steps

	1. In-House Remote Computer Access Solution	2. Remote Access Computer Internet Service
General Advice	Use when you want more control over access and a more permanent solution.	Since there is no traditional software installation required, these solutions can be a good fit for ad-hoc collaboration or supporting external parties like customers or suppliers.
Find Local Tech Specialists Search TechShortcut's tech profiles for specialists in your area	"Remote Access" "Remote Desktop"
Find More Information Use Research Helper to find related web articles	Server Software "Remote Computer Access" Remote Desktop	Remote Computer Access Remote Desktop Service
Examples of Products and Services These are not endorsements, simply some product or service names we encountered in our research to get you started finding your best fit.	Client-based Symantec PC Anywhere Windows Remote Assistance ² Client/Server RealVNC¹ TightVNC¹ Server-based Citrix Access Essentials ^3,4 Windows Server Terminal Services ³ ¹ Offers a free unsecured version. ² Included in the Microsoft XP, Vista Business and Vista Ultimate operating systems. ³ Requires Microsoft Windows Server 2003 0r 2008. ⁴ Extends Windows Server Terminal Services.	Cisco WebEx Remote Support Citrix GoToMyPC, GoToAssist LogMeIn ¹ Some web meeting applications offer remote computer access. ¹ Offers a free version