What to Expect During Remote Sessions

January 20, 2006

There're 4 remote programs used, each with pros & cons, serving specific purposes.:

• Remote Desktop (RDP) ― Built-in to Windows XP Professional and Vista
• UltraVNC (UVNC) ― Freeware software
• pcAnywhere (PCA) ― Commercial Full-featured product
• BTC-HELP — Tiny 1-time use limited remote help w/o prior setup required

UVNC and PCA allows collaboration, meaning we can simultaneously see the screen and share control. RDP allows only 1 person accessing. RDP is faster, easier and more reliable, and is preferred for most admin tasks, as well as by remote workers. UVNC and PCA are needed for tutorial, collaboration and other interactive sessions.

With an RDP session in progress, your local console is "locked out." You're required to re-login to gain access. It states: "This station is currently in use and locked."

During a UVNC or PCA session, you can see the activities on your screen. You can also initiate a chat during remote sessions.

RDP is more efficient and compatible and is used for majority of the admin tasks. UVNC and PCA are used only when user interactions are required, such as tutorial, or to show IT what the problem is.

BTC-HELP is limited in power/performance, and requires user participation, in order to initiate the out-bound connection, and repeat the process each time we reboot. The out-bound nature eliminates the need for provisions to traverse NAT routing. It is ideal for occasions when we need to work on a system not previously setup for permanent remote access; or the system is corrupted to the point the previously installed remote program is unusable.

See also:

• Bravo Policies & Protocols on Remote Access
• Preparing For Remote Admin Access
• Cost Effectiveness
• About Remote Support