What is the best free remote desktop software?
- Thread starter EdLuis
- Start date
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Hi! I’ve tried a few options. TeamViewer and AnyDesk are pretty well-known and reliable, but their free versions have some limitations. I ended up switching to HelpWire. It’s free, works well across different operating systems and also supports unattended access and file transfer, which is really handy.
TeamViewer and the direction they took (just like Logmein did in a way years ago, FML) is the reason why I am actively looking for alternatives, most likely self-hosted on a rented virtual server. I can't take their shit anymore.
Microsoft RDP is called Windows app now. Works great. Clients for almost every platform. I think it requires the Pro version of Windows on the destination computer.
If you want to be pedantic, the program was called Remote Desktop Client. RDP is pretty good but I think it's easier to settle on something with an easy to stand up remote side that's consistent across platforms. Like rustdesk.
sorry for late replay, but yes, i have a self hosted installed - it's running on docker container and then it's accessible through reverse proxy. Remote desktop quality is not the best, but i can live with that.
Or setup a wireguard VPN server on a cheap VM, and do RDP over VPN.
Oh? Compared to Teamviewer or something maybe?
Heck at this point I wouldn't mind if it was reasonably priced paid product, but it's open source...
There are really two elements that need to be addressed so that you can access your parent's computer remotely.
First, you have to gain access to their network. This could be as simple as opening/forwarding a port on their router/firewall, but this is a very insecure method of gaining access. When you do this, you give the same access to everyone on the internet. Now you are relying on the security of the software/OS and the strength of your passwords (all passwords on the system, not just yours) to prevent unauthorized access. There are vulnerabilities found in software/OS everyday, so relying on the software to prevent access is not considered safe at all.
A much better way to gain access to your parent's network remotely is to use a self hosted VPN service (on your parents network) or a similar solution like Tailscale. These methods add a layer of encryption to the setup which means anyone trying to access the network must have the correct encryption keys before they will be allowed access. This is FAR more secure than simply opening/forwarding an unsecured port on their router.
Second, you need a way to access their computer - which is the question that you started out asking. I'm not going to add to the conversation because you have already been given a lot of options. But I just wanted to make sure you also understood the "network access" portion of the equation and weren't just considering the "computer access" portion of the equation.
First, you have to gain access to their network. This could be as simple as opening/forwarding a port on their router/firewall, but this is a very insecure method of gaining access. When you do this, you give the same access to everyone on the internet. Now you are relying on the security of the software/OS and the strength of your passwords (all passwords on the system, not just yours) to prevent unauthorized access. There are vulnerabilities found in software/OS everyday, so relying on the software to prevent access is not considered safe at all.
A much better way to gain access to your parent's network remotely is to use a self hosted VPN service (on your parents network) or a similar solution like Tailscale. These methods add a layer of encryption to the setup which means anyone trying to access the network must have the correct encryption keys before they will be allowed access. This is FAR more secure than simply opening/forwarding an unsecured port on their router.
Second, you need a way to access their computer - which is the question that you started out asking. I'm not going to add to the conversation because you have already been given a lot of options. But I just wanted to make sure you also understood the "network access" portion of the equation and weren't just considering the "computer access" portion of the equation.
Netbird and RDP? The free tier for Netbird allows a few users and I think 5 clients. If you want to host it, you can host and run this locally on your own servers or out on a VPS/colocation server. I should mention that OPNsense has a Netbird client built in, so if you happen to have an OPNsense on the far end, it works pretty well, RDP and a http(s). I've had mixed luck with sending files, that might be my LTE internet service though, I can get about half way when transferring things like ISOs to my lab, then it drops. Pretty sure the LTE/5g connection gets mad, wish I could get fiber and 200/200 service (or better), our cable system is garbage here, hasn't been updated in over 20 years and the amps are showing their age.
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