There are numerous reasons behind the use of remote desktops, which play a crucial role in today's IT software ecosystem. If you're providing support services for desktops and laptops, working with virtual servers or applications, or working in a company in which the offices are distributed nationally or internationally, you'll be using remote desktop software.
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Client Connection For Macbook
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Connect Mac From Windows
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Client Download
- Download Microsoft Remote Desktop Application
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Mac Dmg
For more information about Remote Desktop Connection 6.1 in Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 952155: Description of the Remote Desktop Connection 6.1 client update for Terminal Services in Windows XP Service Pack 2. Unfortunately, Microsoft claims that 'the Remote Desktop Connection Client for the Mac supports only port 3389. 3389 is the default port.' I was frustrated with this until recently, when on a whim, I entered the port number preceded by a colon immediately after the IP address of the remote site (e.g., 10.10.
Windows systems come with a built-in protocol for remote connections. Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) provides a graphical interface through which users can connect to a remote computer via a network connection. However, there are now several RDP alternatives on the market, designed to address potential functionality gaps. My top recommendation for a remote desktop alternative is SolarWinds® Dameware®, offering an on-premises and a cloud version, both designed to facilitate the easy handling of remote desktop issues.
What Is RDP?
RDP, short for Remote Desktop Protocol, is a protocol developed by Microsoft. It allows you to connect to another computer using a graphical user interface, so you can interact with the remote machine. You can control a remote desktop session and delete or copy text between applications running on the host machine and the guest machine. This helps with remote troubleshooting and issue resolution, so IT staff won't need to go directly to the computer experiencing the problem.
However, with the rise of cybercrime have come warnings about the security of RDP. Moreover, several RDP alternatives have appeared on the market, many of which offer much more in the way of capabilities depending on your specific needs. If you're looking for an alternative to Remote Desktop Protocol, consider the options below.
Best Remote Desktop Alternatives 2020
Dameware Remote Support is a significant upgrade from RDP, designed to provide all of the same features as the Microsoft protocol along with added features that help enhance problem resolution and cybersecurity on remote devices. Like RDP, DRS makes it easy to connect remotely to other computers. With additional features built to go beyond those in RDP, DRS makes for a comprehensive and easy-to-use remote desktop connection manager alternative.
Like RDP, DRS offers multi-platform remote access, with support for Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. In an enterprise setting, for example, it can work across your Windows desktops, Linux servers, and Mac devices staff may connect with from home. That includes providing access to computers from Android and Apple devices including tablets, which are not supported in RDP.
Both RDP and DRS offer the ability to connect over both the internet and LAN. This is particularly important in DRS since this, along with the tool's other features, can help facilitate straightforward troubleshooting. With both DRS and RDP, you can remotely reboot entire systems or stop services and processes if something is causing the system to fail. DRS is designed to go beyond that, though—it includes system tools that allow you to fix problems on a computer you're connected to remotely without having to interrupt the user's session. DRS, like RDP, also lets you directly copy and paste—or delete—text in applications between the host and guest machine.
Dameware Remote Support offers a free trial for up to 14 days.
Another good option to consider, particularly if you are working in a cloud-based IT environment, is Dameware Remote Everywhere. DRE is in some ways the same tool as DRS, but it offers slightly different features.
First, DRE is designed for use in the cloud, which means it is accessible from any compatible device with internet connection. RDP also connects to remote devices over the internet; however, a distinction between the two tools may arise when it comes to speed. While DRE has a particular focus on speed, with remote connections typically established within eight seconds, RDP typically has slower connection times.
DRE also includes additional features for taking screenshots and recording during remote sessions and connecting with the user through VoIP or video call. RDP doesn't natively include these features, with the only way to record or take screenshots during remote sessions is by implementing outside tools and procedures.
Dameware Remote Everywhere offers a free trial for 14 days.
Royal TS provides support for RDP and other connection protocols, including VNC, SSH, FTP and SFTP, and connection through web-based interfaces. Like other professional tools, it includes credentials management and sharing features, so you don't need to log in repeatedly. It also provides remote troubleshooting capabilities.
One of the unique features of Royal TS is it can create command tasks and key sequence tasks, which allow you to create your own tasks and automate parts of your troubleshooting processes. For example, ping and traceroute are built in, and you can automate repetitive tasks, so you can execute them as soon as a connection is established.
Royal TS distinguishes itself from RDP when it comes to credential allocation. While RDP lets you save and share credentials between teammates, it does not let you save credentials tied to a remote desktop gateway. Not only does Royal TS let you create objects and folders and dynamically allocate credentials, it also lets you link folders and connections to inherit credentials. These features are designed to facilitate strong access and security measures.
Royal TS offers a free download of its 'Lite' version, which allows up to 10 connections and 10 credentials. The paid version is also available through the developer's website.
If you're looking for an RDP alternative specifically for use with Mac computers or mobile devices, Edovia produces many products, including several versions of Screens.
Screens iOS allows you to control other computers from your iPhone or iPad, using an SSH connection. It can connect to Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and Windows PCs, using the Screens Connect app. You can view the current session (e.g., for troubleshooting), or start a new session.
Screens Mac provides the same capabilities as Screens iOS, but from Mac OS systems.
There is a free trial of Screens Mac, and a free version, called Screens Express, with limited usage for specific circumstances. Screens Mac is downloadable through the Edovia website. You can buy Screens iOS from the App Store.
Terminals is an open-source remote desktop manager intended to manage the problem of controlling multiple connections simultaneously. It integrates RDP as one of the protocols it supports, but also works with VNC, VMRC, SSH, Telnet, RAS, Citrix ICA, and HTTP and HTTPs.
It includes several basic features to make the remote connection experience smoother, including a multi-tab interface, resizable windows, customizable toolbars, and a connections history, so you can see which machines you have connected to recently. You can also search by server name and look at protocol notes. This tool is high-quality, but basic, and it may not be suitable for a large enterprise needing a greater set of features for IT support and troubleshooting management.
You can download Terminals for free on Github.
As a free tool, Terminals is a mRemoteNG alternative. For a comparison of mRemoteNG vs. Terminals, look at both repositories in Github to view the documentation, as it gets a little technical.
How to Choose an RDP Alternative
There are several factors behind choosing a good RDP alternative, but your decision will in large part depend on the number of connections you're dealing with, the type of information in your environment (e.g., if it's sensitive and needs extra security), and the size of your enterprise.
A free or open-source tool might be suitable in a low-risk, small business environment, in which case Terminals is a good choice. For a large enterprise or a company with sensitive data, invest in a professional tool such as Dameware Remote Support or Dameware Remote Everywhere.
-->This article describes the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client requirements to use Terminal Services Web Access in Windows Server.
Original product version: Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number: 943887
INTRODUCTION
Terminal Services (TSWeb) in Windows Server 2008 and Remote Desktop Services (RDWeb) in Windows 2008 R2 are role-based services that let users start RemoteApp and Desktop Connection from a web browser. RemoteApp and Desktop Connection provides a customized view of RemoteApp programs and virtual desktops to users. When a user starts a RemoteApp program, a Terminal Services session is started on the Windows Server 2008-based terminal server that hosts the RemoteApp program.
First, DRE is designed for use in the cloud, which means it is accessible from any compatible device with internet connection. RDP also connects to remote devices over the internet; however, a distinction between the two tools may arise when it comes to speed. While DRE has a particular focus on speed, with remote connections typically established within eight seconds, RDP typically has slower connection times.
DRE also includes additional features for taking screenshots and recording during remote sessions and connecting with the user through VoIP or video call. RDP doesn't natively include these features, with the only way to record or take screenshots during remote sessions is by implementing outside tools and procedures.
Dameware Remote Everywhere offers a free trial for 14 days.
Royal TS provides support for RDP and other connection protocols, including VNC, SSH, FTP and SFTP, and connection through web-based interfaces. Like other professional tools, it includes credentials management and sharing features, so you don't need to log in repeatedly. It also provides remote troubleshooting capabilities.
One of the unique features of Royal TS is it can create command tasks and key sequence tasks, which allow you to create your own tasks and automate parts of your troubleshooting processes. For example, ping and traceroute are built in, and you can automate repetitive tasks, so you can execute them as soon as a connection is established.
Royal TS distinguishes itself from RDP when it comes to credential allocation. While RDP lets you save and share credentials between teammates, it does not let you save credentials tied to a remote desktop gateway. Not only does Royal TS let you create objects and folders and dynamically allocate credentials, it also lets you link folders and connections to inherit credentials. These features are designed to facilitate strong access and security measures.
Royal TS offers a free download of its 'Lite' version, which allows up to 10 connections and 10 credentials. The paid version is also available through the developer's website.
If you're looking for an RDP alternative specifically for use with Mac computers or mobile devices, Edovia produces many products, including several versions of Screens.
Screens iOS allows you to control other computers from your iPhone or iPad, using an SSH connection. It can connect to Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and Windows PCs, using the Screens Connect app. You can view the current session (e.g., for troubleshooting), or start a new session.
Screens Mac provides the same capabilities as Screens iOS, but from Mac OS systems.
There is a free trial of Screens Mac, and a free version, called Screens Express, with limited usage for specific circumstances. Screens Mac is downloadable through the Edovia website. You can buy Screens iOS from the App Store.
Terminals is an open-source remote desktop manager intended to manage the problem of controlling multiple connections simultaneously. It integrates RDP as one of the protocols it supports, but also works with VNC, VMRC, SSH, Telnet, RAS, Citrix ICA, and HTTP and HTTPs.
It includes several basic features to make the remote connection experience smoother, including a multi-tab interface, resizable windows, customizable toolbars, and a connections history, so you can see which machines you have connected to recently. You can also search by server name and look at protocol notes. This tool is high-quality, but basic, and it may not be suitable for a large enterprise needing a greater set of features for IT support and troubleshooting management.
You can download Terminals for free on Github.
As a free tool, Terminals is a mRemoteNG alternative. For a comparison of mRemoteNG vs. Terminals, look at both repositories in Github to view the documentation, as it gets a little technical.
How to Choose an RDP Alternative
There are several factors behind choosing a good RDP alternative, but your decision will in large part depend on the number of connections you're dealing with, the type of information in your environment (e.g., if it's sensitive and needs extra security), and the size of your enterprise.
A free or open-source tool might be suitable in a low-risk, small business environment, in which case Terminals is a good choice. For a large enterprise or a company with sensitive data, invest in a professional tool such as Dameware Remote Support or Dameware Remote Everywhere.
-->This article describes the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client requirements to use Terminal Services Web Access in Windows Server.
Original product version: Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number: 943887
INTRODUCTION
Terminal Services (TSWeb) in Windows Server 2008 and Remote Desktop Services (RDWeb) in Windows 2008 R2 are role-based services that let users start RemoteApp and Desktop Connection from a web browser. RemoteApp and Desktop Connection provides a customized view of RemoteApp programs and virtual desktops to users. When a user starts a RemoteApp program, a Terminal Services session is started on the Windows Server 2008-based terminal server that hosts the RemoteApp program.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Client Connection For Macbook
To start a RemoteApp program, a user connects to a website that is hosted on the Windows Server 2008-based TS Web Access server. When the user connects to the website, a list of available RemoteApp programs appears. Additionally, TS Web Access lets users connect to the remote desktop of any server or client computer on which the user has the required permissions.
Resolution
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connect Mac From Windows
If you are using Windows Server 2008 R2, you must use RDC client version 7.
You must have the RDC client version 6.1 installed to use TS Web Access with the following operating systems:
Windows Server 2008
Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3)
Note
RDC 6.1 (6.0.6001) supports Remote Desktop Protocol 6.1.
If you are experiencing this issue on a Windows Vista-based computer, you must have Windows Vista Service Pack 1 installed on your computer. For more information about Windows Vista Service Pack 1, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 936330: What you should know before you install Windows Vista Service Pack 1
If you are experiencing this issue on a Windows XP-based computer, you must have Windows XP Service Pack 3 or RDC 6.1 installed on your computer.
Advanced Information
Information for administrators
When users try to connect to TS Web Access from a computer that has an earlier version of the RDC client installed, they will receive an error message that includes a URL. This URL points the user to a webpage where they can find more information.
Currently, the URL that is included in the error message points to this Knowledge Base article. However, you can change the URL that is included in the error message. To modify the URL, use one of the following methods.
Method 1: Use an ASP.NET application setting
To change the URL that is included in the error message, use an ASP.NET application setting. To do this, follow these steps:
Click Start, click Run, type Inetmgr.exe, and then clickOK.
Expand the server name, expand Sites, expand Default Web Site, and then click TS.
Note
By default, TS Web Access is installed in the default website.
Under ASP.NET, double-click Application Settings.
In the actions pane, click Add.
In the Add Application Setting dialog box, type rdcInstallURL in the Name box.
In the Add Application Setting dialog box, type the URL for the webpage that includes more information about how to use TS Web Access, and then click OK.
Method 2: Edit the Web.config file
To change the URL that is included in the error message, you can edit the Web.config file for the TS Web Access website. To do this, follow these steps:
Open the Web.config file for the TS Web Access website in Notepad.
Note
By default, the Web.config file for the TS Web Access website is located in the Webts folder.
Locate the section in the Web.config file.
In the section, add the following entry:
Note
The URL placeholder is the URL for the webpage that includes more information about how to use TS Web Access.
- On the File menu, click Save.
- Exit Notepad.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Client Download
Information for non-administrators
Download Microsoft Remote Desktop Application
If you are not an administrator, contact the system administrator if you have problems when you use TS Web Access. For example, the system administrator can help you obtain and install an updated version of the RDC client.
More information
Related Topic
- For more information about Remote Desktop Connection 6.1 in Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 952155: Description of the Remote Desktop Connection 6.1 client update for Terminal Services in Windows XP Service Pack 2
- For more information about security update for Remote Desktop Client version 6.0 and 6.1, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 956744: MS09-044: Description of the security update for Remote Desktop Client version 6.0 and 6.1: August 11, 2009
- Depending on your version of Windows Server, visit one of the following:
- The Remote Desktop Services home page (Windows Server 2008 R2) on the Windows Server TechCenter.
- The Terminal Services home page (Windows Server 2008) on the Windows Server TechCenter.
- Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2 in the Windows Server 2008 Technical Library.
- Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 in the Windows Server 2008 Technical Library.
Additional Resources
Microsoft Remote Desktop Mac Dmg
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