Remote computer
A remote computer is a computer to which a user does not have physical access, but which he or she can access or manipulate via some kind of network.
Remote desktop software allows a person to control a computer from another computer; this allows the user to change anything on the linear computer, and access all of the file contents.
Remote desktop is a software application that turns one computer into the boss of another or a series of others. Remote desktop is sometimes found as part of a suite of other administrative applications; other times, remote desktop is its own entity, doing nothing but what it is supposed to do. Remote desktop software is available for all computer platforms.
Remote desktop software captures the mouse and keyboard inputs from the local computer (client) and sends them to the remote computer (server). The remote computer in turn sends the display commands to the local computer. When applications with lots of graphics including video or 3D models need to be controlled remotely, a remote workstation software that sends the pixels rather than the display commands must be used to provide a smooth, like-local experience. HP Remote Graphics Software is one such remote workstation solution.
Remote desktop requires that the “master” and “slave” computers be connected to the same network. This remote desktop network can be wired or wireless. Wired networks can use direct connections or connections through routers. Wireless networks can be formed using routers or the Internet.
Advanced security protocols are standard practice inclusions in remote desktop software, especially when the network is a wireless and/or Internet one. The latest versions of remote desktop software have 128-bit encryption protocols. Older versions might have protection of a lesser nature. If you are running remote desktop software, even if your connection is direct wired, you need to run advanced security protocols as well. Not to do so is to invite piracy.
Once the administrator has entered the correct password, the remote desktop software enables that administrator to access the target computer. Then, uploads, downloads, file transfers, and software maintenance can take place. Indeed, software maintenance is one of the most common uses of remote desktop software. Often, the administrator will shut down a malfunctioning software application or install a software upgrade using remote desktop software. This saves the time that it would take the administrator to physically insert a CD into the target computer or to do a manual software upgrade download.
The target computer in a remote desktop scenario is still able to access all of its core functions. Many of these core functions, including the main clipboard, can be shared between target computer and administrator, however. Certain safety features can be built into the remote desktop software protocols such that the administrator is not able to delete or otherwise alter files without the target user’s permission.
There are many tools to remotely access the computers, such as VNC, RemotePC, LogMeIn, TeamViewer, GoToMyPC, Remote Graphics Software etc.