Ask any long-term Linux enthusiast, and they’ll be the first to tell you there isn’t much you can do with another operating system that you can’t do with Linux. Oh sure, there are always going to be those legacy applications that some may people depend on. For the most part though, everything you need is readily accessible with today’s modern Linux distros.
One of my favorite examples of desktop Linux readiness is the various options available to control a computer remotely. Despite what newer Linux users might think, there are indeed a number of open source and closed source options available for remote PC access. In this article, I’ll be exploring the best of both options from each sector of software licensing.
Vinagre (VNC based): My go-to application for running local VNC based connections tends to be Vinagre. It’s simple and it provides a very consistent experience on the GNOME desktop. Some of the best features of using Vinagre include the following.
KRDC (VNC/RDP based): Next up, we have a great KDE application that mirrors the same functionality as Vinagre. The great thing is that KRDC feels very natural to anyone who has used Vinagre previously. The features of KRDC include the following.
For those of you wanting more from your remote control applications, the Linux desktop delivers here as well. Below you’ll find more advanced solutions that offer greater functionality for the more advanced enthusiast.
Remmina (RDP, VNC, NX, XDMCP, SSH, Telepathy based): Widely considered to be the go-to remote application among many Linux users, Remmina offers support for a multitude of remote access protocols. This GTK based application also has the slickest support for SSH, because it’s built very tightly, right into the application. Features that Remmina offers include the following.
SSH with X11 Forwarding (SSH): Over the years, I’ve come to use SSH with X11 forwarding less than I once did. Not because there is anything wrong with it, rather because my own personal needs have been largely met by merely using other clients. That said, there is something inherently fascinating about running this software program. The features of using this option are as follows.
The next set of applications happen to run on Linux, however they’re considered proprietary and offer Linux support as a secondary option. I have used both extensively and each offers different benefits that will meet with the needs of most people. Both are setup for providing remote PC support to anyone on any of the three popular desktop platforms.
TeamViewer (Wine/proprietary): If you’re trying to provide remote support for friends/family/co-workers who happen to be using proprietary desktop operating systems, TeamViewer is the way to go. The software is dead-simple to install on any platform, plus it works really well behind firewalls. Features for TeamViewer include the following.
Chrome Remote Beta: (Chrome Browser/proprietary): The Chrome Remote Beta extension offers a simple means of controlling another PC remotely. The biggest downside to it, however, is the fact that it locks you into a browser setting. On top of that, it may not be the best option for enterprise environments. But through my own tests, I’d suggest that it’s a natural fit for many smaller businesses looking to offer quick desktop support. Below, are the features you’ll find with this Chrome extension.
So after examining all of these options, which remote desktop solution is the best? Based on my own usage, I think it comes down to what you’re looking for. For help desktop solutions, the Chrome Remote Beta extension is by far the easiest to use. It’s fast and brain-dead simple to run.
Looking at remote access for a single user, however, I would suggest looking into Remmina. It’s fairly robust and will provide you with a number of great options. Unfortunately, none of these are going to be the ultimate solution for every instance. Some enterprise users may actually find themselves in a better position using something like NoMachine’s NX client/server. A bit complex for some users, NX does offer some interesting perks for enterprise situations. It’s considered enterprise-friendly and might be the best fit of all.
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