Connecting to a remote desktop on a MacBook. Remote access to Mac OS X

Many users of modern computers and mobile systems would like to manage home terminals from another location. But how to do this, since you can’t pull the cable connected to your home computer with you? This problem is designed to be solved by so-called RDP clients, which provide communication between any computer and mobile devices through the Internet.

Understanding their settings is not difficult. But the question of what to prefer to obtain high-quality communication remains open for many users. Let's consider several options for the two most popular and widespread operating systems - Windows and Mac OS X.

RDP clients: what are they and what are they for?

The abbreviation RDP itself comes from the English phrase Remote Desktop, which literally means “remote desktop”. However, this name does not fully reflect all the capabilities of programs of this type.

By and large, any RDP client for Windows or any other operating system, including mobile OS, allows you to get full access to the intended terminal. In other words, we cannot only say that the user can only see the “Desktop” when connected. If it has the necessary settings, it can remotely control the computer, installed programs, files and system parameters, listen to music, watch videos, etc. It turns out that, sitting in front of another computer or looking at the screen of a mobile device, the user is actually in front of his own home (or work) terminal.

How is the connection made?

Now a few words about how the RDP client for Windows 7 or other systems works. Typically, the default protocol for accessing a remote terminal is the ITU T. 120 family of protocols, ports 3389 for TCP and 443 for HTTPS.

Without going into technical details, the operation of such programs can be explained much more simply. RDP clients react to events occurring on the computer from which access is being made (keypresses on the keyboard, mouse actions, etc.), after which, through their own driver, they transmit them to similar devices on the remote terminal, and then, again when using their own video driver, display the content on the screen and send packets back to the RDC client (the terminal from which control is carried out).

Questions about using the built-in or updated RDP client in Windows XP

Since the system Windows versions XP is hopelessly outdated, although it still remains quite popular among users; with its built-in client, not everything is so simple.

Even the third service pack uses an RDP client for Windows XP version 6.1. To get normal control, you need to install modification 7.0, and only manually. When downloading updates from the official Microsoft resource, you can often see problems appear. Therefore, you should use another (verified) source to download updates KB969085 and KB969084, and then install them on the system (these are so-called fixers or fixers for problems with RDP connections). Only after this the “native” updated RDP client for Windows XP will work as expected. There are usually no connection problems.

Built-in RDP client for Windows 7

There are no problems with Windows 7. The system itself already has an updated RDP client 7.1 installed, for which the MsTsc.exe utility program is responsible.

To establish a connection, first select the system section in the “Control Panel” and on the remote access settings tab, mark the lines for allowing connection to this computer and using remote assistance. As additional settings You can select only those users who will have rights to connect to this terminal.

Alternative programs for Windows platforms

However, despite the presence of built-in tools for remote connection in Windows systems themselves, many users prefer to use third-party software products.

As an alternative, most people recommend using RDP clients like Google's Chrome RDP, RDesktop, FreeRDP, Remmina, and many others. But if with latest programs everything is simple, then for “Chrome” the child terminal must have the browser of the same name installed, and the terminal or mobile device must have the appropriate RDP program for a remote connection. On the other hand, if all conditions are met, then the default settings do not need to be changed. To establish a connection on a child computer, the connection permission is first activated, which creates a special PIN code that will subsequently need to be entered on the device from which control is to be performed.

If someone doesn't like this approach, other programs can be used. For example, user reviews on the Internet indicate that CITRIX may be a good option. Also, many note that to create a terminal server based on RDP, a good solution is to install Thinstuff along with thin clients and WTware. At the same time, there is even talk about saving traffic.

The most popular programs for Mac OS X

It goes without saying that in Apple systems such software solutions also apply.

Among the most widespread and popular are the following client programs:

• Remote Desktop Connection - RDP client for Mac from Microsoft (works only with a good communication channel, and sometimes crashes when connecting/disconnecting due to the use of hot keys);
• CorD is a simple and stable free utility (the only drawback is that sometimes the cursor may disappear from the screen);
• 2X Client RDP is an application designed exclusively for Macs with a stable connection and support for SSL authorization;
• iTeleport is a unique program of its kind that allows you to access Mac computers when connected from Windows terminals;
• RDP Business Pro is a universal client with the ability to print to network printers and discoveries public access to folders and files;
• Jump RDP - client with VNC support;
• iTap Mobile - mobile version client with the ability to work with RDP 7.1 (minus - conditionally free version with a trial period of 15 days).

General setup questions

As for the settings of most programs, compared to Windows, they are simple, and all user involvement consists only of selecting the remote terminal that needs to be controlled.

In Windows systems, to get to the connection, you need to use the “Run” console, in which the line mstsc is written, after which the IP of the terminal or server is indicated in the connection setup window, then personal data is entered, and only after that is redirected to the remote “Work table". Inconvenient.

In addition, for a normal connection, you need to find the MinSendInterval parameter in the registry and assign it a value of 5-10 ms, and use the value 1 ms for the OrderDrawThreshold parameter.

If something doesn't work in Windows, you may need to make an exception in the firewall by creating a new rule for port 3389. And in some cases, you may even need to forward ports on the router.

Instead of a total

That's all about RDP clients for Windows systems and Mac OS X. Many people find the built-in tools too difficult to use, which is why such users prefer to use third party programs. What do you recommend from all this? I think for Windows systems the best option will still become Chrome, despite the prerequisite for installing the web browser of the same name. For Macs, clients that are specially tailored for them (for example, 2X Client RDP) are preferable. But for cases of cross communication between these systems, you will have to turn to the iTeleport utility for help.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely escape from Windows, and in corporate work you have to connect in terminal mode to servers running Windows.

To do this you have to use RDP client programs; I know of several clients for Mac OS X:

1. Remote Desktop Connection(Desktop Connection) from Microsoft. Comes with Microsoft Office
2. CorD. Free program (http://cord.sourceforge.net)
3. iTeleport(sold in the AppStore. Price 33 $)
4. RDP Business Pro(sold in the AppStore. Price $9.99)
5. 2X Client RDP free client (http://www.2x.com/rdp-client/)
6. Jump Desktop(price in AppStore 979 rubles)
7. Remotix for Mac(price $39.99. website http://nulana.com/remotix-mac/)
8. iTap mobile(price in AppStore $24.99, website http://itap-mobile.com/desktop/rdp)

Remote Desktop Connection

A native program from Microsoft that works successfully with a good connection, but can crash your apple mac with a bad channel. All my main complaints about this program are associated with unstable operation of the program on a bad channel or with a slow server. The second disadvantage is associated with connecting to the desktop of another user - disconnecting from the desktop using “hot keys” led to the termination of the program.

Good working free program. Among the shortcomings I can note: the disappearance of the mouse cursor on some forms. To get it back you need to press any key.

2X Client for RDP

iTeleport

A program designed not only for RDP access to Windows computers, but also a program capable of providing remote access to your Mac using VNC. There is a version for OS X and for iOS.

RDP Business Pro

Supports RDP protocol, supports printing to a local printer, allows you to share disks on a Mac.

Jump Desktop

Supports RDP and VNC protocols.

Remotix for Mac

RDP and VNC client. There is a 15-day trial version on the developer's website. Didn't test it. Supports RDP 7.1 protocol

iTap mobile

These are all the RDP clients for Mac that I know of. Unfortunately, none of the programs I tested support the ability to translate the Cmd+spacebar combination into a command for changing the keyboard layout in Windows.

Smartphones and tablets have long ceased to be the “little brothers” of desktop PCs for the majority of users who pay mobile gadgets more time. And this is not surprising, because when iPhone help or iPad, you can solve almost the same problems as on desktop computer or laptop. But it is still far from completely ousting the latter from our lives.

In contact with

Indeed, even landlines, which were predicted to completely disappear a dozen years ago, to this day, including developed countries. And we all sometimes have to use a mobile phone as a “home phone”. A similar situation often arises with a PC - to manage desktop system It is not at all necessary to sit at a computer; you can use one of the solutions listed below to receive from a mobile device.

Parallels Access (649 rubles per year)

main feature this application is that it offers the user its own desktop interface with icons of programs installed on a desktop PC. At the same time, it allows you to work with packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Sony Vegas, etc. That is, by connecting your iPhone or iPad to your PC, you can run these programs like regular mobile applications. In addition, you can work with them through gestures, and your fingers will replace the cursor. If there is a need for precise eyeliner or use function keys, you can call up the on-screen keyboard or virtual cursor. The only condition for quality work Parallels Access— stable high-speed Internet connection. The application itself is free, but after 14 days of use you will need to purchase a subscription.

Download Parallels Access for iPhone and iPad (App Store).

Microsoft Remote Desktop (free)

utility Remote Desktop Connection for all kinds of platforms, using the proprietary protocol of the same name, it can hardly be called the most functional ( third party developers release solutions with broader capabilities based on the same RDP protocol), but it is characterized by stable operation and relatively high level security. Having installed Microsoft Remote Desktop on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, you can access applications, libraries, documents, network devices and other functions remote computer running Windows.

TeamViewer: Remote Control (free)

A simple, free and secure solution for controlling a remote PC via iPhone or iPad. To start a session you just need to install mobile app to your iDevice and download the utility for Mac OS X, Windows or Linux for free from the official website of the developers. Establishing a connection does not take much time and allows you to manage the desktop operating system, send and receive files, use the clipboard, broadcast audio and video, turn on/off the remote PC, etc.

Screens VNC (649 rubles)

A “sit down and go” application. To establish remote control you won’t need to perform any complex operations on your computer from anywhere in the world—it’s enough to install it in advance on a desktop running OS X or Windows special program Screens Connect, and also purchase at App Store application Screens VNC for 649 rubles (979 rubles in the Mac App Store). After you fill out a short form and establish a connection with your PC, it is automatically synchronized via iCloud and subsequently you can simply click on the previously created connection and enter the password.

Remote desktop iTeleport (799 rubles)

Another utility that can satisfy the needs of both amateurs and professional network administrators. With its help, you can connect to any number of computers running Windows, OS X and Linux operating systems using any VNC server, including proprietary ones - iTeleport Connect. Separately, it is worth noting the performance of the application - with a stable Internet connection iTeleport allows you to work with heavy graphic editors, games and other programs, while supporting high-resolution monitors (including 4K). Another feature of the program is the display of the function keys of the system to which this moment connection is made.
Download "iTeleport Remote Desktop" for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (App Store).

Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop (169 rubles)

One of the most versatile and popular (among paid) applications in this collection. Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop allows you to broadcast audio and video to high resolution, work with data libraries on a PC, switch between monitors, supports almost any connected device, gesture control, cloud synchronization of connections, etc. Like iTeleport, this application is characterized by high performance and the ability to transfer large amounts of data without loss. The only caveat is that many of the program’s functions are not available in normal mode and are in-app purchases.

According to a recent study, the number of computers in Russia is more than 50 million. At the same time, 2% of citizens have two or more PCs at their disposal. If we add users of iPhone, iPad and other iOS devices, the numbers will be even more impressive.

Adding up these indicators, we can understand that many users on the Internet have a need to gain remote access from one PC to another, regardless of its location - in next room or in another part of the city.

Users not only need remote access, but also the ability to control the computer, run applications, etc. Perhaps someone will need to dig up an old mail archive and run backup or use the database from another machine. The home may need management. There are many options.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make these connections. They can be strictly divided into five categories:

1. Tools built into OS X, including Screen Sharing and Back to my Mac;
2. Instant messaging services such as iChat or Skype;
3. Special services such as ;

For the sake of simplicity, we will only consider visual connections and omit remote control using a “safe shell” ().

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to decide which option is right for you. And even if you choose a method, it may not always work.

Why is it so difficult?

Remote control Mac from another computer in one local network it’s not difficult: Bonjour and others network solutions cope with this with a bang. Remote control via the Internet is an art. Many hardware and software components of the Greater Network make it difficult to connect computers.

Typically, home networks are built using two technologies - broadcasting network addresses(NAT) and Dynamic Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which provide Internet access different computers from one IP address and provide a kind of buffer to protect against access from outside. This makes connecting to computers more difficult.

DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to computers on a local network. NAT translates these network addresses using a router to the Internet so that all traffic from those computers comes from a single public address. On business networks, firewalls and other filters control and further complicate external access to local computers.

Some means remote connection(in particular, special services Back to my Mac, GoToMyPC, or LogMeIn) solve this problem by connecting directly to NAT software and then creating direct routes across the Internet.

Other solutions (including OS X's built-in Screen Sharing and VNC) require port mapping. Port mapping can be compared to a sunbeam: if you direct a beam of light into a mirror, it is “automatically” reflected and illuminates an object. If a ray reflected from a mirror hits a person, then he will think that the light comes from the place where the mirror is located. In other words, with the help of redirection, all data is transferred without any distortion to another computer, which can be located anywhere.

If you are using an AirPort base station with NAT-PMP (Network Address Translation Port Forwarding Protocol) or an IP router third party manufacturer with UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology, you won’t have any difficulties. Additional software or will also come to your aid. (can create permanent connection between local networks to use Bonjour).

Manual configuration of port mapping is possible, but this system is not flexible and requires technical training. You need to know what port each service uses, how to assign permanent addresses/names to computers on the network, and your external IP address.

The right way

To understand which remote connection method is right for you, you need to know all aspects of this technology:

Safety: All options listed above except VNC securely encrypt the remote connection. If you choose VNC, you will need to take additional security measures when using public networks (such as Wi-Fi).

Price: The most reliable options cost money. In LogMeIn, GoToMyPC or Timbuktu Pro board takes on every computer. Back to my Mac is less expensive (the cost of a MobileMe subscription) but doesn't always work.

Multiple monitors: Different software packages Remote control systems organize support for multiple monitors in different ways, both on the remote machine and on your machine. For example, with VNC you can only see main screen in system; Screen sharing via iChat compresses the image from the remote machine's monitors onto one screen.

Channel width: Some solutions automatically adjust the image quality of the remote screen to your Internet connection. Other programs support manual setting(for example, you can reduce the number of colors and image quality) for easier computer control.

File sharing: You may only need remote control, but remote file access is also important. Some of the services listed above offer convenient access to files on a remote machine.

iOS support: With LogMeIn and VNC, you can connect to your Mac directly from your iPhone or iPad.

In the following articles I will describe each remote connection method in more detail. In some cases, depending on your needs, you can use several methods at once. But first of all, of course, these are native OS X remote control tools.

Via the Internet without using special utilities. operating room Windows system began supporting this system component in the XP version. Now take advantage functionality every user of more modern versions can, including Windows 7, 8 and 10. This function is known to a wide audience of users, but few of them know how to set up remote access.
Microsoft Remote Desktop provides remote access to desktops

This instruction will tell you how to properly organize Remote work Desktop, both on laptops and PCs with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Android smartphones, iPhone.

It is worth noting that by carefully following the clear recommendations, each user will be able to set up a remote desktop in a short period of time.

How to use Microsoft Remote Desktop

Microsoft has developed an option that allows you to take advantage of the remote desktop capabilities. The RDP protocol provides for connecting one device to another. In this case, both computers must be connected to the same local network. It is important to note that there is a way in which the protocol is used when connecting via the Internet. It is also mentioned in this article.

To properly configure remote access, you will need to know the IP address of the device. Given the constant changes in this address in home computer configurations, the user will have to specify a static indicator that will relate exclusively to the local network. A static IP address is in no way associated with an Internet provider. This is an integral preparatory step that cannot be ignored before connecting the protocol.

The user is required to complete the following steps:

After receiving this information, close the window. Then in the status window, click on the item with properties. The screen displays a list of items that the connection uses. In this list, find Internet Protocol version 4. After selecting the component, click on the option called “Properties”. In the new window you will have to enter the data that you previously received from the network connection information window.

Having entered the parameters, click on the “OK” button. When a confirmation request appears, click “OK” again. Now a static IP address will be installed on the computer. It is worth noting that without it, further configuration will be impossible. Please pay attention to this if you want to connect the protocol server.

The next step in the preparatory stage is to enable the ability to connect RDP in windows on the device to which you plan to connect in the future. To do this, click on the control panel. Then click on the “system” option. In the new window, click on the tab responsible for the Windows remote access settings.

Select the following parameters:

• Allowing the connection of a remote assistant to this PC.
• Allows you to delete a connection to this PC.

If an urgent need arises, you can designate those users to whom you provide access. If you wish, you can easily create a separate account dedicated to connecting your desktop. It is worth noting that the default setting is specified according to which remote access is granted to the user under whose name the system was logged in. Now you can begin the main part of the connection.

How to Set Up Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows

Microsoft Remote Desktop is a program that provides extensive remote control capabilities. It is worth noting that there is no need to install additional applications. If you want to activate it in Windows, then open the utility designed for connection. To do this, enter the remote desktop in Windows 7 in the search field. If Windows 10 OS is installed, then this command write in the taskbar. In the case of Windows 8, we prescribe this actually home screen. After entering the command, a window will appear on the screen. In the appropriate field, enter the IP address of the device to which we will connect.

You will then see a request for verification information. By accurately entering the necessary information, you will receive remote access to your computer in Windows 7 or another OS version.

Remote control via Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac OS X

RDP is a protocol that allows you to connect a Windows desktop to a Mac device. To set up remote access to your computer, you will need to download a specially designed utility. It is available for download in the App Store under the name Microsoft Remote Desktop. When the download is complete, turn on the program and do the following:

• Click on the option shown as a plus sign.
• In the new window, fill in the required fields. To add a remote device, enter a name and specify its IP address. Write down the control data to gain access, in particular the password and user name. If necessary, select the optimal screen settings.

• We close the window.
• In the list for connection, find the name of the added table of the remote type and double-click on it. If you follow the recommendations correctly, Windows remote access will appear on the screen of your Mac device.

Microsoft Remote Desktop for Android and iOS

To connect to a remote desktop from mobile phone, you will need to download the application. Its use is extremely necessary. It is worth noting that the connection diagram for both platforms is identical. Once you've finished downloading Remote Desktop for Android or iOS, launch the program. Then do the following:

• Select the “Add” item, which is located on the main screen. If you are using an iPhone or iPad, additionally click on the option called “Add a server or PC.”
• Enter the required parameters, including name, password, username and IP address.

• After entering the data, enable remote access.

Internet connection

There is another way to quickly set up Microsoft Remote Desktop. The company's official Internet portal contains a manual on English language, which shows how to connect a remote desktop over the Internet. The user needs to forward port 3389 from the router to the device’s IP address. Then we connect to the address of the public type of router, designating the above port.

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However, there is another scheme that is safer and simpler. To do this, we create a VPN type connection through which we connect to the PC. The user can then use remote access with the same success as if the devices were located on the same local network.

Now you know how to set up Microsoft Remote Desktop.