Remote Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that provides a user with a graphical interface to another computer. The protocol is an extension of the ITU-T T.128 application-sharing protocol. Clients exist for most versions of Microsoft Windows, Windows Mobile, Linux, UNIX, Mac OS X, and other modern operating systems. By default, RDP uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) port 3389.
Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a built-in application that uses RDP. When RDC is enabled, you can connect to another computer, log on, and perform almost any action as if you are sitting in front of the remote computer. You can do this from a desktop PC to another desktop PC using the same operating system. In large organizations, administrators commonly use this to remotely manage servers from their desktop PCs.
Remote Desktop Connection must be enabled on the remote computer. In Windows 10, you do this by entering “remote desktop settings” in the Windows search bar and selecting Remote Desktop settings. On the Remote Desktop screen, set the Enable Remote Desktop setting to On and then confirm the change (see FIGURE 12-1). This opens port 3389 on the remote computer. If the connection goes through a firewall, port 3389 must be open on the firewall. You can launch RDC differently in different Windows OSs. However, one method that works in all current Windows versions is to type MSTSC at the command line. The initials represent Microsoft Terminal Services Connection.
FIGURE 12-1 Enabling Remote Desktop on a Windows client.
Used with permission from Microsoft.
The client can run other OSs, such as Mac OS, Linux, or UNIX, as long as the terminal services protocol is supported. When connecting to Windows Server 2019, Windows 10, or newer systems, you will need to weaken security to support the non-Microsoft clients.
GoToMyPC is another remote desktop technology that allows you to remotely access your computer from any other Internet-connected computer in the world with almost any OS through a secure, private connection. The application is ideal for organizations that need remote desktop access for up to 50 computers. It is an easy and secure remote-access solution that enables convenient access to email, files, programs, and network resources from home or the road.
NOTE
Microsoft changed the name of Terminal Services to Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2. However, the MSTSC command still works. It is also worth noting that Terminal Services and Remote Desktop Services have much broader usage than just connecting to remote desktops. For example, you can use these services when a Microsoft server is configured as VPN server.