Remote control softwares have gained increasing popularity due to their ability to connect devices remotely, improve efficiency, and simplify numerous processes. Whether in business or personal settings, these tools enable access to computers, servers, and other devices anytime and from anywhere. Let’s explore the main uses and benefits of remote control software.
1. Remote Technical Support
One of the most common uses of remote control software is providing remote technical support. This approach allows IT technicians to access customers’ or employees’ devices to resolve issues without needing to be physically present. Key benefits include:
- Time savings: no need to wait for an on-site technician.
- Cost reduction: eliminates travel expenses for interventions.
- Immediate intervention: quick resolution of urgent problems.
2. Remote Work
Remote work has become a reality for many companies, and remote control software is important to ensure an optimal working experience. With these tools, employees can:
- Access company computers: even from home, they can work as if they were in the office, with access to files, software, and applications.
- Collaborate in real-time: screen sharing enables teams to collaborate on projects without losing productivity.
Benefits for companies:
- Increased flexibility: employees can work from anywhere, boosting satisfaction and productivity.
- Security: companies can monitor and protect access to corporate resources with advanced authentication systems.
3. Server and IT System Management
Companies managing multiple servers or complex networks often use remote control software for:
- Continuous monitoring: check the status of servers and IT resources in real-time.
- Preventive maintenance: intervene before critical problems occur.
- Updates and configurations: apply software updates, configure systems, or troubleshoot issues without being on-site.
Why is this advantageous?
Reduced downtime: remote management allows for quick intervention in case of failures, reducing system downtime.
24/7 operations: IT teams can monitor and manage servers outside of normal business hours, ensuring operational continuity.
There are other fields where remote control software is widely used, such as telemedicine, education and training support, and secure access to sensitive data.
Among the most widely used software for remote control, both for business and personal purposes, there are TeamViewer and AnyDesk. They offer similar basic features, but there are notable differences in their limitations when used without a license. Here is an overview of the basic features offered by each software and the restrictions in the free versions.
Basic Features of TeamViewer
- Remote control: allows remote access and control of another computer or device, both on local networks and over the internet.
- File transfer: enables the transfer of files between remote devices, making it easier to share documents and materials.
- Screen sharing: allows screen sharing for presentations, technical support, or collaboration.
- Chat and calls: includes text, audio, and video chat functionality for real-time communication with the remote user.
- Cross-platform compatibility: available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even through web browsers.
- Security: provides end-to-end encryption to secure remote sessions from potential threats.
Limitations of TeamViewer’s Free Version
- Personal use only: the free version is strictly for non-commercial use. If professional use is detected, TeamViewer may limit session durations or suspend the service.
- Session duration: TeamViewer may restrict session lengths to around 5 minutes if commercial use is suspected.
- Session intervals: after a session ends, there might be a waiting period before you can start another session.
Basic Features of AnyDesk
- Remote control: offers real-time remote access and control with low latency.
- File transfer: allows file transfers between the local and remote computer.
- Screen sharing: displays the screen in real-time for collaboration or technical support purposes.
- Advanced security: features TLS 1.2 and RSA 2048 encryption to ensure a secure connection.
- Cross-platform compatibility: available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and other platforms.
- Session recording: enables you to record remote sessions for later review or audit purposes.
Limitations of AnyDesk’s Free Version
Simultaneous connections: the free version allows only one remote connection at a time, making it difficult to support multiple devices simultaneously.
Personal use only: like TeamViewer, the free version of AnyDesk is meant for non-commercial use. Professional use requires a paid license.
Restricted advanced features: some features, such as unattended access (access without needing manual confirmation) or multiple sessions, are limited in the free version.
If the free versions of TeamViewer and AnyDesk do not meet the user’s needs and there is no intention to purchase a license to overcome the present limitations, or they are intended to be used for business purposes, there are several free alternatives available. Let’s take a look at them.
HelpWire
HelpWire setup process is simple and user-friendly, to begin a remote session you just need to share a connection link with the remote client. It offers many features like the support for multi-monitor setups, easy file transfers through copy-paste, integrated chat, easy session initiation, organize and manage support team.
To get started register a free account, send a connection link to a partner, request remote control permission, and initiate the remote session.
HelpWire is free for both personal and commercial use and it’s available for Windows, macOS and Linux, it lacks support for mobile platforms.
Another drawback is that it doesn’t offer session recording capabilities.
RustDesk
RustDesk is an open source and cross platform remote control software, it’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Program features:
- Low latency: designed to provide a smooth remote desktop experience
- End-to-End encryption: Ensures that data transmitted between devices is secure
- File transfer: supports easy file transfer between connected devices
- Address book: isers can save and manage frequently accessed devices
- Multiple connection modes: supports direct P2P connections as well as relay connections (when a Relay server is configured).
RustDesk offers also a self-hosted version, users can host their own server for greater control over data and privacy although it may be complex for non-technical users.
RustDesk drawbacks: the user interface may not be as refined as some commercial products, being open-source, official support may be less responsive, software’s future updates and support depend on community contributions.
Remmina
Remmina is a remote desktop client for Linux operating systems. It comes in Flatpak and Snap versions but it’s also on the repository of various Linux distributions (see the Wiki on GitLab). The software, available in 67 languages, is open source and copyleft.
Key features:
- Multiple protocols support: RDP, VNC, SSH, SPICE, and NX
- Tabbed interface: allows users to manage multiple remote connections within a single window
- Connection profiles: users can save connection settings and credentials for quick access
- Encryption: supports secure connections through SSH tunneling and other encryption methods
- File transfer: facilitates file transfers between local and remote systems
- Keyboard shortcuts: offers customizable keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation
- Plugins: can be extended with plugins that add additional features or support for more protocols
- Screen scaling and multi monitor support: adaptive scaling options for better viewing on different screen sizes
The interface is user friendly and the software has an active development, receiving regular updates and improvements from the community.
Remmina drawbacks: users may experience lag or performance drops, especially on slower connections or with high-resolution displays, some advanced Windows features may not be fully available, initial setup can be complex for users unfamiliar with networking or remote desktop protocols, requires additional libraries and dependencies.
DWService
DWService is an open source application available both for computers and mobile devices.
It allows remote access simply using a web browser connecting to DWService web site. You just need to create an account, download the agent (available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS) and install it on the devices you want control.
DWService offers applications, they are specific features that allow to interact with the remote system. These applications can differ depending on the type of system where you installed the agent.
Screen: allows to fully control the remote system by displaying its screen
Files and folders: allows to fully access the file system of the remote system by offering the ability to download and upload any file
Resources: allows to monitor the status of the remote system
Shell: allows to start a terminal session on the remote system
Text editor: allows to view and edit a text file
Log watch: allows to display a log file which is automatically updated
The free version caps bandwidth at 6 Mbps, sufficient for basic operations and file system management on the connected device.
Conclusion
Remote control software is a valuable resource in various contexts, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring flexibility and security. Whether for technical support, remote work, IT management, telemedicine, or education, these tools continue to revolutionize the way we work and interact with devices, providing significant benefits for both businesses and individuals.
Software like TeamViewer and AnyDesk are popular remote control solutions, but they come with certain limitations since they are commercial products. The article lists the free alternatives and summarizes the features they offer.
