Remote desktop applications
Long-Distance Relationship
© Lead Image © alphaspirit, 123RF.com
Remote desktop applications allow remote access to machines, including desktop sharing, which makes them useful assistants in both the personal and professional spheres. We look at a few candidates.
If you need to administer computers over a long distance – whether for work or to help out friends or relations – the time for remote desktop software has arrived. It allows admins to repair the desktops of far-flung relatives in their free time. The software also comes in useful for businesses looking to provide support for their customers from afar. Desktop sharing is a core function, which means if a developer wants to present a new website to their colleagues, they can do so with ease.
In the end, roughly two types of remote desktop applications can be distinguished, with fairly fluid definitions. On remote desktop applications using virtual network computing (VNC), one machine operates as the server. It sends the image of its desktop as a compressed bitmap to the client. The programs run on the server; the user manages them on the client by sending mouse movements and keystrokes to the server.
During desktop sharing, applications that use remote desktop protocol (RDP) or proprietary protocols send screen content as terminal servers. This is sent over the network to one or more clients (multichannel) in the form of primitives, a mixture of images and information. They can even transmit the desktop sound if needed. The users then work on the server's desktop, alone or in parallel with other users, as if sitting directly in front of it.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
The Bullet-Proof KDE Software Initiative Is Coming
KDE, Techpaladin, and Kubuntu Focus have announced a new initiative that will provide at least three years of support for KDE Plasma 6.6 LTS and related software.
-
Linux Mint Shares a Possible Kernel Cleanup Solution
For those on Linux Mint who like to keep multiple kernels around but don't want them to take up too much space, you might be getting a new automated tool.
-
CachyOS Gets an Update
CachyOS August 2026 release is now available with the latest version of KDE, some new features, and plenty of improvements.
-
The Linux Kernel Dev Staging Area Now Rejects AI-Generated Patches
Unless a kernel patch is a valid security fix, it will be rejected if it was created using AI.
-
Linux Surpasses Double-Digit Market Share
According to two sources, the Linux operating system has hit a major milestone in market share that naysayers thought would never happen.
-
AI Helped Develop a Linux Exploit
A use-after-free race exploit was discovered and exploited on CentOS Stream 9.
-
Yet Another Linux Kernel Vulnerability Discovered
Affecting millions of systems, a kernel flaw discovered by Qualys could allow users to gain root privileges.
-
Ubuntu 26.10 to Include Ubuntu Certified Hardware Check
If you've ever wondered if your laptop or PC is officially certified to run Ubuntu, that curiosity will soon be met.
-
Substantial Update to IPFire Now Available
The lastest version of IPFire features a fundamental change to how the system handles DNS.
-
Gnome Working on Test Center App to Make Testing Easier
It's now possible to test experimental features on the Gnome desktop without worrying that you'll break things.