RemoteDesktops

RemoteDesktops refers to technologies and services that allow a user to interact with a desktop session running on a remote computer over a network. The remote desktop may run an entire operating system session or be a virtualized desktop environment delivered to the client device. Access is typically authenticated and encrypted.

The architecture is often client–server: a host or server runs a remote desktop service that executes the user’s session, while a client application on the user’s device encodes and transmits input and renders the remote display. Common protocols include Remote Desktop Protocol, Virtual Network Computing, PCoIP, and others; modern implementations may employ secure transport, adaptive encoding, and display virtualization.

Deployment models range from on premises to cloud-based services. On premises deployments are managed by an organization on its own servers. Cloud-based offerings provision desktops as a service, such as desktop-as-a-service platforms, which may run on public cloud infrastructure. Use cases include remote work, IT help desks, software testing, and training.

Security and management considerations include authentication mechanisms (passwords, MFA), encryption in transit and at rest, auditing and access policies, device and session controls, and compliance needs. Network requirements favor low latency and sufficient bandwidth; VPNs or zero-trust access are common.

Performance factors include latency, bandwidth, encoding efficiency, and server hardware. Limitations can involve input lag, bandwidth costs, licensing, and potential security exposure if improperly configured. The concept has evolved since early remote access tools and is now integral to enterprise IT and cloud infrastructure.

See also remote access software, desktop virtualization, virtual desktop infrastructure.