Whether we’re for it or not, there’s no denying that the best remote access software has become a vital part of modern education. Technological advancements in recent years have all contributed to the increased efficiency of how learning is facilitated inside a traditional classroom setting.
Connections matter for every business and individual, including digital connections. At a time when remote and hybrid work predominates, and when people can work, shop, stream entertainment, and do almost everything else from anywhere from any device, remote access has never been more important.
What is remote access?
Remote access (sometimes referred to as “remote desktop” or “remote desktop connection”) is simply the ability to access a device from another device, at any time, and from anywhere. With remote access, a user can control all the files and applications on another device as if the user were sitting in front of it.
Remote access can be used across devices to enable remote PC access, remote Mac access, remote iPhone access, and more.
Here are two common examples:
- Using a computer to connect to an end user’s (employee or customer) device in order to provide remote IT management and support.
- Using a PC in your home office to connect to your office computer or company network. You wouldn’t need to travel to your company’s office in order to access company resources.
How does remote access work?
While not all the same, remote desktop solutions address the same function. It involves three aspects:
- A device you’re connecting from (in front of)
- A remote access device you’re connecting to
- Remote access software that digitally connects the two devices
For most remote access technologies, you’ll need to have already downloaded and installed the remote access software/application onto any device you intend to remote to and onto any device you want to remote from. Once the software/apps are installed, you can just open the app on the device you’re remoting from (the device in front of you) and connect to the device you want to remote to (maybe a desktop in your far-away office).
However, for ad hoc remote support use cases, some solutions (like GoTo Resolve) do not require any downloads on the end user’s device for a technician to remotely access that device. The entire process is web-based.
Common methods of remote access
- Direct remote access is the most common method. A computer or device connects directly to another computer or device via the internet.
- Indirect remote access, as its name implies, involves an intermediary server, which could be a web-based email service, sitting in the middle of two devices and relaying messages between them.
- Remote Access VPNs (virtual private networks) create an encrypted connection over the internet, allowing a device to join a private network securely. A VPN for remote access enables remote users to access resources on that network as if they were directly connected to it
Common types of remote access connections
Now let’s get a little more specific. Here are some of the most commonly used types of remote access connections:
- SSH (Secure Shell). An SSH is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure access to a remote computer over an unsecured network, such as the Internet. An SSH is typically used for remote administration and secure file transfers.
- Cloud-Based Remote Access. To manage applications and data in the cloud, cloud-based services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform provide virtual machines and infrastructure that can be accessed remotely.
- Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Enables one-to-one connections. Connects two routers directly without using a host or any other networking protocol. This connection runs over a telephone network or the internet.
- Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE). Enables one-to-many connections. Connects users to a network of hosts through an access concentrator by combining PPP with the Ethernet link-layer protocol.
- Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP). A simple protocol that uses TCP/IP to enable previously configured devices to communicate across serial ports and routers.
- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP). Creates a tunnel between two points, like a user’s computer to a VPN; however, PPTP is widely considered obsolete.
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). A Microsoft protocol is used to access a desktop computer remotely.
Definition of Remote Access Software
Remote access software is a tool that is used to enable remote access in a specific computing device. Simply put, it allows users to remotely access a device from another device as if they’re sitting in front of it. With the help of the internet and VPN Access connection, users can perform several tasks on the remote device including app management and troubleshooting overhaul.
For example, you’re presenting a report in front of the class and you need to access an important file on your home computer right away. If both of the devices have the same remote access apps, and someone can access your Remote PC at home, then it’s still possible for you to get the file you need for your presentation.
Best Remote Access Software
Splashtop
Splashtop is a versatile remote computer access software with a range of impressive features, including a user-friendly interface and impressive security. It is compatible with most common operating systems, including Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. It also has a worldwide customer base above 30 million users that have used it for a staggering 800+ million sessions.
Splashtop comes in several specialized forms, all of which offer a free 7-day trial. Prices for Splashtop Business Access, the lowest cost plan, enable remote access to a specified number of computers and also offer up to a 25% discount. Next up is the Splashtop SOS plan, which for a higher price offers “Attended and unattended remote support software.”
The top plan is the Remote Support one, which can cater to up to 25 computers, offering remote support, and endpoint management software.
Even on the entry plan, support options are more than reasonable. We found a search box to access Knowledge Base information, a community forum, and multiple articles that covered specific topics. Beyond the self-help, we also appreciate the support portal to submit a request, the chat box, and a direct phone number, with hours of operation listed as 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays.
Overall, Splashtop is a powerful remote desktop connection manager backed by highly targeted plans and great security. New users will benefit from a seven-day trial with the software package of their choice, but be aware that payments are only available on an annual basis.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a powerful remote access program that enables remote access to and from computers, mobile devices, network machines, and more. It is also quite popular, boasting over 2.5 billion connected devices, and the ability to host up to 45 million simultaneous users.
In fact, this company states that it supports 130 different devices, which is more than twice its closest competitor. There are two versions of TeamViewer available for personal users, but businesses and other commercial users will have to upgrade to an enterprise subscription plan. Unfortunately, though, this level of compatibility with the investment to get this to all work increases the cost, and it is quite expensive.
TeamViewer does everything. It’s easy to use, great for providing support, and it works well for accessing your own devices. Features like file transfer, remote audio, and video chats are all offered, making it one of the more complete tools in this list.
What really makes TeamViewer the first remote access app most people should check out is its personal-use version, which is completely free and offers all features. The only string attached is that you can’t use the free version for any kind of work, which is fair enough.
If you’re the informal IT person for your family and need access to their devices, TeamViewer is what you’re looking for. The same goes if you just want occasional road access to your home server. TeamViewer is also one of the best remote access software for larger organizations.
However, small businesses should look into cheaper alternatives first, as it is quite expensive. Despite this, TeamViewer offers impressive cross-platform compatibility, which includes remote mobile access and IoT device compatibility.
LogMeIn Pro
LogMeIn Pro is one of the most popular and best remote access software available, and it’s a great choice for large businesses. While it can be criticized for being a little expensive, it does come with a great range of tools designed for enterprise users.
These tools include power features beyond just the remote access itself, such as multi-monitor support, an unlimited number of users, and remote printing.
Beyond that, it has useful extras across all of the three tiers of each package. This includes 1 TB of cloud file storage, LogMeIn Antivirus, and the password manager LastPass Premium. These can certainly be useful, and in fact, represent a good value. This is because users typically require cloud storage, an antivirus program, and a password manager.
Plans start with two remote connections at the lowest of the three tiers, with up to ten connections on the highest plan. There is also a middle-tier plan with five remote connections. While there previously was a 14-day free trial available, this is no longer the case, and it is down to a shorter 7 days and requires some searching to find it. Additionally, LogMeIn Pro is easy to set up, highly secure, and backed by 24/7 live support.
Note, though, that its performance can be a little slow at times. However, LogMeIn Pro does continue to have a fine set of features and functions, all of which make it universally appealing, especially with the fairly bulletproof security features that also come as part of the package.
RemotePC
RemotePC offers every feature offered by TeamViewer and works about as well, especially if you’re connecting Windows devices. It’s also much more affordable than TeamViewer if you only need access to a handful of your own devices. That’s because RemotePC is affordable without skimping on quality. It offers every feature you’d expect, from audio chat to file transfers to whiteboarding, all at a price point lower than competitors.
RemotePC is perfect for small businesses, in particular those who only want access to just a few computers without breaking the bank. It’s a fraction of the price of other applications and works just as well.
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager is a powerful remote computer access software offering scalable solutions for large businesses. It’s compatible with both Android and iOS devices and comes with a selection of impressive security features. It indicates that it has 800k users worldwide across 140 countries.
There is a limited free tier available, but it lacks nice extras such as integration with a password manager, role-based access control, and two-factor authentication. These missing features are sure to have users look at the paid plan. Unfortunately, Remote Desktop Manager gets slightly expensive, with only a single choice of the Team Plan, which has a 30-day trial. Custom enterprise-level solutions are also available.
Generally, though, Remote Desktop Manager is one of the best network management solutions and remote access software available for medium- to large-sized businesses. Role-based access controls are a major plus for IT administrators managing multiple teams across departments.
Users also appreciate the offline mode to keep access to the database when offline, and the audit trail to capture all access events. It also provides the ability to track who is connected via the real-time connection status.
Remote access software features and capabilities
While specific features and capabilities will vary from product to product, the best remote access software will be able to support all of the following features:
- Screen capture and viewing
- File management
- Registry management
- Instant message
- Access to sleeping/powered-off computers
- Initiate remote access from mobile
- Monitoring and alerts
Some advanced or specialty features include:
- Annotations on the end user’s screen
- Cross-platform access
- Access from mobile devices
- Reboot and power control
- Screen mirroring or sharing
Use cases of remote access software
The most common use case for remote admin tools is for IT staff to provide maintenance and support services, both within and across a firewall. Other common use cases include:
- Salespeople giving demonstrations
- Educators for teaching and monitoring computer usage at school
- General web conferencing
Vendors often offer different editions for these varied use cases. They also offer multiple versions or editions of their core product for enterprises of different sizes.
Pre-built integrations with 3rd-party software applications are also an important consideration. For example, integrations with help desk ticketing systems and IT service management systems allow remote support sessions to be opened directly from a trouble ticket.
Once the session ends, session information is automatically sent back to the ticket. Integration with password management systems and other security tools can also be helpful.
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