# Remote desktop software > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Remote_desktop_software > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Remote_desktop_software.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_desktop_software > Source revision: 1356467123 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Desktop run remotely from local device "Remote desktop" redirects here. For other uses, see [Remote desktop (disambiguation)](/source/Remote_desktop_(disambiguation)). This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (July 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. No cleanup reason has been specified. Please help improve this article if you can. (July 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message) **Remote desktop software** is [software](/source/Software) for [remote administration](/source/Remote_administration) of [computers](/source/Computer), allowing a [desktop environment](/source/Desktop_environment) to be displayed on a computer, known as the [client](/source/Client_(computing)), other than the one on which it is running − the [server](/source/Server_(computing)). While commonly found in the context of personal computers, the concept also applies to other forms of computers, such as smartphones and dedicated servers. Remote desktop applications have varying features. Some allow attaching to an existing user's [session](/source/Login_session) and "remote controlling", either displaying the remote control session or blanking the screen. ## Overview Remote access can also be explained as the remote control of a computer by using another device connected via the internet or another network. This is widely used by many computer manufacturers and large businesses' help desks for technical troubleshooting of their customers' problems. Remote desktop software captures the mouse and keyboard inputs from the local computer (client) and sends them to the [remote computer](/source/Remote_computer) (server).[1] The remote computer in turn sends the display commands to the local computer. When applications with many 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. Remote desktop sharing is accomplished through a common client/server model. The client, or [VNC](/source/Virtual_Network_Computing) viewer, is installed on a local computer and then connects via a network to a server component, which is installed on the remote computer. In a typical VNC session, all keystrokes and mouse clicks are registered as if the client were actually performing tasks on the end-user machine.[2] Remote desktops also have a major advantage for security development, companies are able to permit software engineers who may be dispersed geographically to operate and develop from a computer which can be held within the companies office or cloud environment. 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](/source/Clipboard_(computing)), can be shared between the target computer and remote desktop client. Following the onset of [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19_pandemic), the shift to remote-work environments has led many to work from home with devices without enterprise IT support. As a result, these workers were reliant on remote desktop software to collaborate and keep their systems available and secure.[3] ## Uses A main use of remote desktop software is remote administration and remote implementation. This need arises when software buyers are far away from their software vendor. Most remote access software can be used for "[headless computers](/source/Headless_computer)": instead of each computer having its own monitor, keyboard, and mouse, or using a [KVM switch](/source/KVM_switch), one computer can have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and remote control software, and control many headless computers. The duplicate desktop mode is useful for user support and education. Remote control software combined with telephone communication can be nearly as helpful for novice computer-users as if the support staff were actually there. Remote desktop software can be used to access a remote computer: a physical personal [computer](/source/Computer) to which a user does not have physical access, but that can be accessed or interacted with.[4] Unlike [servers](/source/Server_(computing)), remote computers are mainly used for peer to peer connections, where one device is unattended. A remote computer connection is generally only possible if both devices have a [network](/source/Computer_network) connection. Since the advent of [cloud computing](/source/Cloud_computing) remote desktop software can be housed on [USB hardware devices](/source/USB_mass_storage_device_class), allowing users to connect the device to any PC connected to their network or the Internet and recreate their desktop via a connection to the cloud. This model avoids one problem with remote desktop software, which requires the local computer to be switched on at the time when the user wishes to access it remotely. (It is possible with a router with C2S VPN support, and [wake on LAN](/source/Wake_on_LAN) equipment, to establish a [virtual private network](/source/Virtual_private_network) (VPN) connection with the router over the Internet if not connected to the [LAN](/source/LAN), switch on a computer connected to the router, then connect to it.) Remote desktop products are available in three models: hosted service, software, and appliance. [Tech support scammers](/source/Technical_support_scam) use remote desktop software to connect to their victim's computer and will often lock out the computer if the victim does not cooperate. ## Protocols Remote desktop [protocols](/source/Protocol_(computing)) include the following: - [Apple Remote Desktop](/source/Apple_Remote_Desktop) Protocol (ARD) – Original protocol for [Apple Remote Desktop](/source/Apple_Remote_Desktop) on [macOS](/source/MacOS) machines. - [Appliance Link Protocol](/source/Appliance_Link_Protocol) (ALP) – a [Sun Microsystems](/source/Sun_Microsystems)-specific protocol featuring audio (play and record), remote printing, remote [USB](/source/USB), accelerated video - [HP Remote Graphics Software](/source/HP_Remote_Graphics_Software) (RGS) – a [proprietary protocol](/source/Proprietary_protocol) designed by [Hewlett-Packard](/source/Hewlett-Packard) specifically for high end workstation remoting and collaboration. - [Independent Computing Architecture](/source/Independent_Computing_Architecture) (ICA) – a [proprietary protocol](/source/Proprietary_protocol) designed by [Citrix Systems](/source/Citrix_Systems) - [NX technology](/source/NX_technology) (NX) a [proprietary protocol](/source/Proprietary_protocol) designed by [NoMachine](/source/NoMachine) with open-source derivatives available from other forked projects. - [PC-over-IP (PCoIP)](/source/PCoIP) – a [proprietary protocol](/source/Proprietary_protocol) used by [VMware](/source/VMware) (licensed from [Teradici](/source/Teradici))[5] - [Remote Desktop Protocol](/source/Remote_Desktop_Protocol) (RDP) – a [Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows)-specific protocol featuring audio and remote printing - [Remote Framebuffer protocol](/source/RFB_(protocol)) (RFB) – A framebuffer level cross-platform protocol that [VNC](/source/VNC) is based on. - [Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environments](/source/Simple_Protocol_for_Independent_Computing_Environments) (SPICE) – remote-display system built for virtual environments by [Qumranet](/source/Qumranet), now [Red Hat](/source/Red_Hat) - [Xpra](/source/Xpra) – a protocol originally developed for forwarding X11 application seamlessly with audio, video, remote printing, etc. – extended to support [Windows](/source/Windows) and [macOS](/source/MacOS) servers - [X Window System](/source/X_Window_System) (X11) – a well-established cross-platform protocol mainly used for displaying local applications; X11 is [network-transparent](/source/Network_transparency) - [Wake-on-LAN](/source/Wake-on-LAN) – a standard protocol for remotely waking up computers that are in low-power mode (turned off, but still have access to a power source). ## Malicious variants A **remote access trojan** (**RAT**, sometimes called **creepware**)[6] is a type of [malware](/source/Malware) that controls a system through a remote network connection. While [desktop sharing](/source/Desktop_sharing) and [remote administration](/source/Remote_administration) have many legal uses, "RAT" connotes criminal or malicious activity. A RAT is typically installed without the victim's knowledge, often as payload of a [Trojan horse](/source/Trojan_horse_(computing)), and will try to hide its operation from the victim and from [computer security software](/source/Computer_security_software) and other anti-virus software.[7][8][9][10][11][12] ### Notable examples - [Back Orifice](/source/Back_Orifice) - [Back Orifice 2000](/source/Back_Orifice_2000) - [Beast Trojan](/source/Beast_(Trojan_horse)) - [Bifrost](/source/Bifrost_(trojan_horse))[13] - [Blackshades](/source/Blackshades_Remote_Access_Tool)[14][15] - [DarkComet](/source/DarkComet)[16][17] - [Havex](/source/Havex) - Imminent Monitor[18][19][20][21] - [NjRAT](/source/NjRAT) - [PoisonIvy](/source/PoisonIvy_(Trojan)) - [Sub Seven](/source/Sub7) ## See also - [Chrome Remote Desktop](/source/Chrome_Remote_Desktop) - [Comparison of remote desktop software](/source/Comparison_of_remote_desktop_software) - [Comparison of screencasting software](/source/Comparison_of_screencasting_software) - [Desktop virtualization](/source/Desktop_virtualization) - [Extranet](/source/Extranet) - [FreeRDP](/source/FreeRDP) - [Virtual Desktop Extender](/source/Virtual_Desktop_Extender) - [Virtual Desktop Infrastructure](/source/Virtual_Desktop_Infrastructure) (VDI) - [Virtual machine](/source/Virtual_machine) - [Software as a service](/source/Software_as_a_service) (SaaS) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Remote Desktop Software"](https://remoteaccess.itarian.com/free-instant-remote-access.php). *ITarian.com*. Retrieved 1 May 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [Virtual Network Computing (VNC): Making Remote Desktop Sharing Possible](http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5428-virtual-network-computing.html). Businessnewsdaily.com (2013-11-07). Retrieved on 2014-02-27. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Manson, Jonathan (3 April 2022). ["Remote Desktop Software as a forensic resource"](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F23742917.2022.2049560). *Journal of Cyber Security Technology*. **6** (1–2): 1–26. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/23742917.2022.2049560](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F23742917.2022.2049560). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2374-2917](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2374-2917). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["What is Remote Computer? – Definition from Techopedia"](https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23696/remote-computer). *Techopedia.com*. Retrieved 10 June 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["VMware Announces Strategic Licensing and Co-development Agreement with Teradici for True Remote PC User Experience Further Bolstering its vClient Initiative"](http://www.vmware.com/company/news/releases/teradici_vmworld08.html). *VMware News Releases*. VMware. Retrieved 1 June 2013. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Creepware — Who's Watching You?"](https://community.broadcom.com/symantecenterprise/communities/community-home/librarydocuments/viewdocument?DocumentKey=308d3be2-cb5d-4629-afe8-7711f4ef2dc8&CommunityKey=1ecf5f55-9545-44d6-b0f4-4e4a7f5f5e68&tab=librarydocuments). *Symantec Security Response*. 10 December 2013. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7"](https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee449475%28WS.10%29.aspx). *[Microsoft TechNet](/source/Microsoft_TechNet)*. [Microsoft](/source/Microsoft). 4 June 2009. Retrieved 4 February 2011., 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Danger: Remote Access Trojans"](https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd632947.aspx). *[Microsoft TechNet](/source/Microsoft_TechNet)*. September 2002. Retrieved 5 February 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Understanding the Windows NT Remote Access Service"](https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751300.aspx). *[Microsoft TechNet](/source/Microsoft_TechNet)*. [Microsoft](/source/Microsoft). Retrieved 5 February 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Netsh commands for remote access (ras)"](https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc757467%28WS.10%29.aspx). *[Microsoft TechNet](/source/Microsoft_TechNet)*. [Microsoft](/source/Microsoft). 21 January 2005. Retrieved 5 February 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["RAS Registry Modification Allowed Without Administrative Rights"](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/267861). *[Microsoft TechNet](/source/Microsoft_TechNet)*. [Microsoft](/source/Microsoft). Retrieved 5 February 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Computer RATS – Protecting Your Self"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160314040920/http://howtheyhack.com/computer-rats-protecting-your-self). *HowTheyHack*. July 2013. Archived from [the original](http://howtheyhack.com/computer-rats-protecting-your-self/) on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2013. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Code Access Security and bifrost"](http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2007/03/code-access-security-and-bitfrost.html). *CodingHorror.com*. 20 March 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["BlackShades: Arrests in computer malware probe"](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27471218). *[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)*. 19 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Remarks Prepared for Delivery by Special Agent in Charge Leo Taddeo at Blackshades Press Conference"](https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2014/remarks-prepared-for-delivery-by-special-agent-in-charge-leo-taddeo-at-blackshades-press-conference). *fbi.gov*. [Federal Bureau of Investigation](/source/Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation). Retrieved 20 May 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Denbow, Shawn. ["pest control: taming the rats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150328011544/http://matasano.com/research/PEST-CONTROL.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.matasano.com/research/PEST-CONTROL.pdf) (PDF) on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Aylward, Laura. ["Malware analysis – Dark Comet RAT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140426053741/http://www.contextis.com/research/blog/malware-analysis-dark-comet-rat/). *Contextis*. Archived from [the original](http://contextis.com/research/blog/malware-analysis-dark-comet-rat/) on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Brisbane teenager built spyware used by domestic violence perpetrators across world, police allege"](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/30/brisbane-teenager-built-spyware-used-by-domestic-violence-perpetrators-across-world-police-allege). *[the Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. 30 July 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Advice for potential victims of IM-RAT malware"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230801054532/https://www.afp.gov.au/rats). *Australian Federal Police*. 29 November 2019. Archived from [the original](https://www.afp.gov.au/rats) on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["International crackdown on RAT spyware, which takes total control of victims' PCs"](https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/international-crackdown-rat-spyware-which-takes-total-control-of-victims%E2%80%99-pcs). *[Europol](/source/Europol)*. Retrieved 23 September 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Cybercrime Network focuses on support to victims of malware"](https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/news/cybercrime-network-focuses-support-victims-malware). *[European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation](/source/European_Union_Agency_for_Criminal_Justice_Cooperation)*. Retrieved 23 September 2022. ## External links - The dictionary definition of [*remote desktop software*](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special:Search/remote_desktop_software) at Wiktionary - Media related to [Remote desktop](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Remote_desktop) at Wikimedia Commons v t e Remote administration software General Remote desktop software Remote administration Helpline Comparison of remote desktop software Implementations AetherPal AnyDesk Apple Remote Desktop Chrome Remote Desktop Citrix Virtual Apps Crossloop HCL BigFix HEAT LANrev Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) KVM LogMeIn LogMeIn Resolve Microsoft Configuration Manager NetSupport Manager NX technology pcAnywhere Quick Assist Remmina Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Remote Utilities ScreenConnect scrcpy Secure Shell (OpenSSH included) Splashtop SPICE (VM) TeamViewer Telnet ThinLinc Timbuktu Universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART, serial, tty) Virtual Network Computing (VNC/RFB, RealVNC, TightVNC, UltraVNC) X11 (XDMCP, Secure Shell) Controversial Back Orifice Back Orifice 2000 DarkComet NetBus Sub7 v t e Information security Threats Adware Advanced persistent threat Arbitrary code execution Backdoors Bombs Fork Logic Time Zip Hardware backdoors Code injection Crimeware Cross-site scripting Cross-site leaks DOM clobbering History sniffing Cryptojacking Botnets Data breach Drive-by download Browser Helper Objects Viruses Data scraping Denial-of-service attack Eavesdropping Email fraud Email spoofing Exploits Fraudulent dialers Hacktivism Infostealer Insecure direct object reference Keystroke loggers Malware Payload Phishing Voice Polymorphic engine Privilege escalation Ransomware Rootkits Scareware Shellcode Spamming Social engineering Spyware Software bugs Trojan horses Hardware Trojans Remote access trojans Vulnerability Web shells Wiper Worms SQL injection Rogue security software Zombie vectorial version Defenses Application security Secure coding Secure by default Secure by design Misuse case Computer access control Authentication Multi-factor authentication Authorization Computer security software Antivirus software Security-focused operating system Data-centric security Software obfuscation Data masking Encryption Firewall Intrusion detection system Host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) Anomaly detection Information security management Information risk management Security information and event management (SIEM) Runtime application self-protection Site isolation Related security topics Computer security Automotive security Cybercrime Cybersex trafficking Computer fraud Cybergeddon Cyberterrorism Cyberwarfare Electronic warfare Information warfare Internet security Mobile security Network security Copy protection Digital rights management --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Remote desktop software](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_desktop_software) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_desktop_software?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.