Microsoft developed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to allow computers to connect remotely over a network. With RDP, users can connect to a remote computer and access its desktop, applications, and files as if sitting in front of it. RDP is widely used in businesses and organizations for remote access and support and personal computing for remote access to home computers. This article will explore RDP, its use cases, features, advantages, disadvantages, and alternative options.
What is RDP?
Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows users to connect to a remote computer and access its desktop. It is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft: applications and files over a network. RDP is available on Windows operating systems and can be accessed through the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client application.
How to enable Remote Desktop (RDP) on Windows server 2012
Intro:
In this how-to we will walk you through on How-To Enable RDP in Windows Server 2012.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol expanded by Microsoft that allows you to connect and control another computer via an existing network making it a remote connection.
Keep in mind that you can also use consle access to your server from VPSie console in case of emergencies as needed or to modify/configure RDP or network settings.
Prerequisites
- A Server with Windows Server 2012. If you do not have a server already, you can create and spin a new server up in under 2 minutes.
- RDP client from remote machine – this can be native windows RDP client on windows or MAC client such as 2X parallels client.
Enable RDP in Windows Server
Open the Server Manager from the taskbar/ Click on Local Server / Locate Remote Desktop under Properties which is currently Disabled and Click on Disabled
Server manager
System Properties window will appear. Select Allow remote connections to this computer and its recommended to check the box below.
System allow screen
You can also add specific users in the Select Users tab. By default, the administrator is allowed. You can add other users by clicking Select Users/ Click Add/ insert a username and click OK.
Remote Desktop username to allow – administrators already have access.
You can now verify that RDP is enabled and you can see that the status went from Disabled to Enabled.
Confirm
Also make sure Firewall rules has been updated to allow incoming traffic – easiest way for testing is to disable firewall completely from control panel :
Go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Firewall
Click on the left sidebar the link:
Turn Windows Firewall on or off
and then select for each level to turn it on or off.
The last thing I want to to say, either you are getting dirty hands on linux or windows, do not turn off firewall. You can disable it for a while or for testing purposes, but if you want to stay secure ( as secure as you can ) do not turn it off.
Note: It’s recommended to add firewall rules to allow traffic as needed rather than disabling it however for quick test that would be easier – to accomplish this :
Enable the rule that permits access through the Windows Firewall.
1. Search for Firewall and open “Windows Firewall and Advanced Security”.
2. Find the rule “Remote Desktop – User Mode TCP-in” and ENABLE Rule
Congratulations! You have just Enabled RDP in Windows Server 2012. Thank you for following along in this How-To and check back with us for any new updates.
We are constantly adding new apps as our users demand them to insure a smooth and easy integration that would lead to a better overall user experience.
RDP Compared to other systems
While other remote desktop systems are available, RDP is the most widely used protocol due to its compatibility with Windows operating systems and ease of use. Some alternative remote desktop systems include Virtual Network Computing (VNC), TeamViewer, and LogMeIn.
RDP Use cases
RDP is commonly used in businesses and organizations for remote access and support and personal computing for remote access to home computers. Some everyday use cases for RDP include:
- Remote access and support: IT support teams can use RDP to remotely access and troubleshoot computer systems, servers, and other devices.
- Work from home: Remote workers can use RDP to access their work computers and work applications from home or other remote locations.
- Education: In educational settings, RDP can grant remote access to software applications, virtual desktops, and course materials.
Features Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
RDP provides several features that make it a powerful and flexible remote desktop system, including:
- Remote access: Users can remotely connect to a computer and access its desktop, applications, and files.
- Multiple sessions: RDP supports various sessions, meaning multiple users can connect to a computer simultaneously.
- Remote printing: With this feature, users can easily print documents from a remote computer to a local printer.
- Audio and video redirection: RDP supports audio and video redirection, which means that multimedia content can be played on the remote computer and streamed to the local client.
- Encryption: RDP uses strong encryption to secure remote desktop connections and prevent unauthorized access.
Advantages of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
RDP provides several advantages over other remote desktop systems, including:
- Compatibility: RDP is compatible with Windows operating systems, which means it can be used with various devices and platforms.
- Security: RDP uses strong encryption to secure remote desktop connections and prevent unauthorized access.
- Multiple sessions: RDP supports numerous sessions, meaning multiple users can connect to a computer simultaneously.
- Easy to use: The RDP interface is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible to people of all skill levels.
Disadvantages of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
While RDP provides several advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider, including:
- Limited features: RDP provides a basic set of features, which may need to be improved for more complex remote desktop scenarios.
- Windows-only: RDP is only available on Windows operating systems, which may limit its compatibility with other platforms.
- Vulnerabilities: RDP has been the target of numerous security vulnerabilities, which may make it a less secure option compared to other remote desktop systems.
Alternative options Of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
Several alternative remote desktop systems are available, including Virtual Network Computing (VNC), TeamViewer, and LogMeIn. VNC is an open-source remote desktop system with a more customizable and flexible solution than RDP. TeamViewer and LogMeIn are commercial remote desktop systems providing additional features and functionality, including file sharing and remote printing.
Conclusion
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a robust and widely used protocol that enables remote access to computers and devices over a network. RDP provides essential features that make it easy to use and accessible to users of all skill levels while offering strong encryption and multiple-session support for improved security and flexibility. However, RDP is limited to Windows operating systems and may need to be sufficient for more complex remote desktop scenarios.
Alternative remote desktop systems, such as VNC, TeamViewer, and LogMeIn, provide additional features and functionality that may be more suitable for specific use cases. Ultimately, the choice of a remote desktop system will depend on the user’s or organization’s particular needs and requirements.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol that allows users to remotely access and control a Windows-based computer or device over a network connection. It is built into Windows operating systems and provides a basic set of features for remote desktop access.
RDP uses a client-server architecture, where the client computer connects to the remote server using an RDP client application. Once connected, the user can access and control the remote desktop environment, including running applications, accessing files, and performing other tasks as if they were physically present at the remote computer.
RDP allows users to access their computer or device remotely, which can be useful for telecommuting, remote support, or other scenarios where physical access is not possible. RDP also provides strong encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access and ensure data privacy.
RDP is limited to Windows operating systems and may not be suitable for more complex remote desktop scenarios. It also requires a stable and reliable network connection, as slow or unstable connections can affect performance and usability.
There are several alternative remote desktop systems, including Virtual Network Computing (VNC), TeamViewer, and LogMeIn. These systems provide additional features and functionality that may be more suitable for certain use cases, such as file sharing, remote printing, and multi-platform support.
RDP provides strong encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access and ensure data privacy. However, like any remote access system, RDP can be vulnerable to security threats, such as brute force attacks, malware, and phishing attacks. It is important to use strong passwords, keep software up to date, and use additional security measures, such as firewalls and VPNs, to minimize the risk of security breaches.
