Remote Control Explained - Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop











There are many ways to connect to a computer remotely, many programs allow for similar functions and functionality. Lets go a little in depth on Remote Desktop today.

Remote Desktop is a Windows built in Remote Control program that allows you to remotely connect and view your desktop and access programs and resources on that computer you are connecting to. You should be able to accept Remote Desktop connections on any Professional type Windows Operating System (Windows XP Pro, 2000, 2003, Vista Ultimate, Business and Enterprise).










When using Remote Desktop there are two ways to connect to the remote computer. One is via a new session. This is useful for organizations where multiple workstations login to a single Remote Desktop Server. Each user would have their own username / password and would view their own desktop. Similar to logging into a physical computer with your own login details.

Another method of connecting with Remote Desktop is via console mode. Console Mode This allows you to see the physical console. For example: You want to connect from home to your computer at work. You simply connect using the steps in the link above and you would see your actual desktop. Anything that you had open when you left (Firefox, Outlook, Thunderbird) would still be open. This really gives a good experience for remote control.

One last thing I almost forgot. Remote Desktop Protocol uses TCP port 3389. You will need to make sure this port is open on the firewall side to accept the connections on, and on the client side to make the connections out.

Now. How does this all relate to Dynamic DNS? Simple. Your computer at work you want to connect to. Instead of remembering your organizations IP address. You could sign up for a Dynamic DNS Domain and connect to the domain name you created. This could also work for IT Admins. Creating multiple domains that resolve to the same IP, then having each domain specify a different port to connect to. Allowing multiple Remote Desktop connections in, all controlling different computers.