What Is Remote Access for Computer Networks? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 38 38 people found this article helpful
The Definition of Remote Access for Computer Networks
Control a computer from a distance with remote access tools
By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 1, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless In computer networking, remote access technology allows someone to log in to a system as an authorized user without being physically present at its keyboard. Remote access is commonly used on corporate computer networks but can also be used on home networks. Remote Desktop Software
Microsoft The most sophisticated form of remote access enables users on one computer to see and interact with the desktop user interface of another computer. Setting up remote desktop support involves configuring software on both the host (the local computer controlling the connection) and the client (the remote computer being accessed). When connected, this software opens a window on the host computer containing a view of the client's desktop. Depending on how two programs work, and the screen resolutions on both screens, the client computer might be able to maximize the program window to take up the entire screen. Current versions of Microsoft Windows include the Remote Desktop software. It's only available on computers with the Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate versions of the operating system. For Macs, the Apple Remote Desktop software package is designed for business networks and sold separately. The Linux ecosystem offers several different remote-desktop solutions. There are, however, many remote access programs that you can install and use in place of the built-in remote desktop tools. Many of these work on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can be used across those platforms (for example, a Windows host can control a Linux client). Many remote desktop solutions are based on Virtual Network Computing technology. Software packages based on VNC work across multiple operating systems. The speed of VNC and other remote desktop software varies, sometimes performing as effectively as the local computer but other times exhibiting sluggish responsiveness due to network latency. Remote Access to Files
Basic remote network access allows files to be read from and written to the client computer, even without remote desktop capability in place. However, most remote desktop programs support both. Virtual Private Network technology provides remote login and file access functionality across wide area networks. DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images A VPN requires client software to be present on host systems and VPN server technology installed on the target computer. As an alternative to VPNs, client/server software based on the secure shell SSH protocol can be also be used for remote file access. SSH provides a command line interface to the target system. File sharing within a home or other local area network is generally not considered to be a remote access environment even though it remotely accesses the other device. Is Remote Desktop Safe
Programs that remotely connect to your computer are usually safe. Although, some have been put to nefarious purposes, including stealing information, deleting files from computers, and installing other programs without consent. To avoid misuse, uninstall remote desktop programs you no longer use or deactivate its functionality. It's easy to disable Remote Desktop in Windows, and similar tools on macOS and Linux can be shut down, too. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 15 Best Free Remote Access Software Tools (Oct. 2022) Remote Utilities 7.1 Review (Free Remote Access Tool) AnyDesk 7.1.6 Review (A Free Remote Access Tool) UltraVNC 1.3.8.1 Review (A Free Remote Access Program) RemotePC Free Review (Remote Access Software) What Is Virtual Network Computing (VNC)? AeroAdmin 4.9 Review (A Free Remote Desktop Program) How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista How to Share Internet Access How to Disable Remote Assistance and Desktop in Windows XP Ways to Access Your Files From Anywhere Using Workgroups in Computer Networking What Is a Mapped Drive? Share an Internet Connection in Windows What Is a Public IP Address? (and How to Find Yours) What Is Computer Networking? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies