Understanding What A Remote Desktop Does?

Answer 1

A remote desktop is both a protocol used in computer programming as well as an actual program that uses the protocol. The purpose of a remote desktop is to connect two computers, called the client and host, so that the client is able to either experience exactly what is happening on the host computer's screen, or alternately to allow the client to take control of the host system and interact with it as if the user were actually in front of the physical computer. Although originally the protocol was very basic and the capabilities limited, some remote desktop applications have become sophisticated enough to allow hardware emulation and sharing over a network.

When client and server computers are connected through a remote desktop interface, anything that happens on the server computer can be seen by the client. In addition, with the proper settings, the client will be able to control the mouse on the server as well as provide input from the client's keyboard. This gives the client the ability to open and run applications, copy files, and perform any other activity that could be done by a user sitting at the server terminal. In general, this occurs over an internet or network connection, so the computers do not have to be physically near each other for the remote desktop software to operate.

Advanced versions of remote desktop software actually attempt to bridge gaps that might exist between the capabilities of the client and server. This can be seen with a graphics card that contains an accelerate graphics processing unit (GPU). The server might be able to display or manage complex graphics very quickly that the client computer is incapable of handling. In cases like these, the functionality of the GPU can be emulated through software so that the client can actually see and use the same programs that the server is capable of running.

Most often, remote desktop software is used in situations where advanced technical support is needed, and the technicians are in a different location or part of the world. The software also allows a person to log in to a computer remotely to start processes, retrieve information, or to use programs that are not available on the client system. Remote desktop software has to be very carefully configured, however, because it can also be used maliciously to take control of a system and possibly install harmful software, or to steal information.