Remote desktop applications
Handling
The options for using the remote desktop applications mentioned in this article are varied and differ in their methodology, protocols used, and the licenses they are subject to. In fact, all the vendors have free variants on offer, although only TightVNC and its derivatives such as TigerVNC and the terminal server X2Go offer completely free software under the GPL.
As a common denominator in the area of functionality, all candidates in the test access remote machines. The VNC variants' field of activity is in the LAN, as well as in SSH-secured access to their own infrastructure from a distance. A variety of functions, as TeamViewer or AnyDesk offer their users, is usually not needed by them. Access to the desktop of the remote machine and data exchange is usually enough.
TeamViewer and AnyDesk are proprietary but offer free versions for personal use. They can be put into operation by less technically experienced users more easily than the VNC variants. Likewise, NoMachine NX is simple to handle thanks to its graphical user guidance, whereas the free variant X2Go does not create any great problems for moderately experienced Linux users.
One alternative, that requires very little effort and is ready for use in a minute, comes in the form of Google's Chrome Remote Desktop [16], which you can install as a browser extension.
The tested applications' user-friendliness varies; all candidates do well in typical usage on questions of the speed and quality of the display. Here, TightVNC is especially suited for slow connections due to its compression method. An easy-to-operate, versatile, and free piece of software comes in the form of X2Go.
If the license does not play a role, the proprietary newcomer AnyDesk is an option. It sets new standards in terms of compression, speed, and display quality with the specially developed DeskRT video codec. Here, there is still a limitation on Linux: If the controlling part uses a Qt-based graphical interface, it occasionally crashes. According to a statement from the developer, a solution is imminent.
The diversified portfolio of remote desktop applications covers many areas of use. Besides functionality, selection of license and commercial costs are among the deciding factors. In private application, experience shows that user-friendliness outweighs license considerations. As usual with Linux, the headache of decision-making falls on the user and depends on their own intended use (Table 1).
Table 1
Comparing Remote Desktop Applications
RealVNC | TightVNC | TeamViewer | AnyDesk | NoMachine NX | X2Go |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Platforms |
Linux, Windows, OS X, Solaris, HP-UX, AIX |
Linux, Windows, Android (Viewer) |
Linux, Windows, Chrome OS, OS X, Android, iOS, Windows Phone (Viewer) |
Windows, Linux, BSD |
Windows, OS X, Linux, Solaris, Sharp Zaurus, Sony PlayStation 2, HP Compaq iPaq, Android, iOS |
Linux, Maemo, Windows |
License |
GPL/proprietary |
GPL |
Closed source |
Closed source |
Closed source (since version 4.0) |
GPL, AGPL |
Protocol |
VNC |
VNC |
Proprietary |
Proprietary |
NX protocol |
NX protocol v3.0 |
Desktop sharing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Data exchange |
Commercial only |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Chat |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Videoconferencing |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Free version |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Encryption |
Commercial only |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (SSH tunnel) |
Yes |
Automatic port forwarding |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
On the market since |
2002 |
2001 |
2006 |
2014 |
2004 |
2007 |
Infos
- RealVNC: https://www.realvnc.com
- TightVNC: http://www.tightvnc.com
- TeamViewer: https://www.teamviewer.com/en/
- AnyDesk: http://anydesk.com
- NX: https://www.nomachine.com
- X2Go: http://wiki.X2Go.org/doku.php
- VNC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Network_Computing
- RFB: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_Framebuffer_Protocol
- VirtualBox Headless: https://grenville.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/using-vnc-with-headless-VirtualBox-vms/
- Remote Ripple: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glavsoft.rrviewer&hl=en
- DF Mirage: https://sourceforge.net/projects/mirage-driver/
- TigerVNC: http://tigervnc.org
- Erlang/OTP: http://learnyousomeerlang.com/what-is-otp
- RDP: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_Desktop_Protocol
- NX Enterprise: https://www.nomachine.com/enterprise
- Chrome Remote Desktop: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chrome-remote-desktop/gbchcmhmhahfdphkhkmpfmihenigjmpp?hl=en
« Previous 1 2 3 4
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.