10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP) – Pros and Cons
10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP) – Pros and Cons. For Linux users, the finest remote desktop programs can make remote access quick and simple. What it does it gives a user a graphical interface to connect to another/remote computer over a network connection.
So do you you need to access a desktop instead of an application, remotely and carry out work such as backing remote servers, cleaning databases or mounting directories? Then Remote Desktop Software is the way to go.
If you use Linux, you may easily connect to the distant RDP server with the aid of the Linux remote desktop clients in this scenario. To grant remote system access, there are several remote desktop protocols accessible. It involves communication between the client and server programs.
Linux comes with a built in SSH remote access tool to handle tasks of this nature, but because it requires accessing the terminal, many users are uncomfortable utilizing it. You can also use RDP clients that have GUIs.
This article covers a list of 10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP) – Pros and Cons for Linux with protocols such as SSH, Virtual Network Computing (VNC), Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and more.
Shall we start on Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP)?
10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP)
1. Remmina
Remmina‘s remote desktop software for Linux computers performs well and gives users the option to change the connection quality whenever they choose. It works with a wide range of operating systems and distributions and supports the most popular connection protocols, including RDP, VNC, Spice, SSH, X2GO and HTTP/HTTPS. Important to note that you can’t run the console on Windows. The service can control computers with any operating system, including Windows.
Pros of Remmina
- Remmina offers many plugins and add-ons. There are plugin features specifically for each of its protocols as well. One such feature is that it provides a tabbed interface.
- Lightweight, uses very few resources.
- Flexible deployment supports Windows, Linux, and Mac.
- You can alter your connection’s speed to better handle the available bandwidth.
- A huge number of computers can be easily managed since all connection profiles may be logically grouped.
- Remmina supports many OS and protocols.
Cons of Remmina
- Altering the connection speed sometimes reduces the quality of the multimedia.
- Remmina is only a remote client. It has no server features.
- Interface is outdated and can slow down busier helpdesk teams.
- No paid support option, reliant on the open source community.
- Not ideal for businesses needing all in one helpdesk solutions.
2. Team Viewer
Here Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS are just a few of the desktop and mobile operating systems that TeamViewer supports. It offers full featured remote access, remote control and remote assistance. With TeamViewer, you can virtually connect to and utilise any computer or mobile device, anywhere in the globe.
Furthermore, Teamviewer is an independent cloud based program. You can use it with almost all the popular operating systems. Excellent content communication tools, including native video conferencing software, intuitive file transfer tools, and text and also chat tools.
Pros of Teamviewer
- Cross platform compatibility.
- Get direct access to the device.
- The availability of further tools.
- High focus on security.
- Remote printing capability.
- Supports multiple platforms compatibility.
- Ensuring high security in communication and sharing data.
- Has an improved user experience.
Cons of Teamviewer
- Higher in price than few other competitior products.
- The complexity of security measures out there for little teams.
3. VNC Connect
Next on our list of 10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP) is VNC Connect .Well this one is another popular remote desktop programs to use VNC protocol. Using VNC Connect gives you a great opportunity if file transfers are essential to your remote access. With other servers, the client runs fine, but it functions best on its server.
Pros of VNC Connect
- The application supports multiple sessions, full screen operation and scaling of the remote display to suit the open window on the client machine. To avoid having to input your remote access credentials each time, it remembers them.
- Users who care about security will value the privacy options, which allow you to secure the viewer with a master password to prevent unwanted access.
- In comparison to other Linux remote desktop programs, VNC Connect has a user friendly interface.
- You can send and receive files to and from the remote server while connected, as well as send and receive instant chats.
Cons of VNC Connect
- Not free and although it comes at a lower cost, the trial users have a lack of support provided.
- If there is too much happening on the screen, VNC Connect’s performance becomes poor.
- Involves a complex set up.
4. Tight VNC
Pros of Tight VNC
- The only program under this feature that makes use of a Java viewer is TightVNC.
- Fully free and optimised to work effectively with slow connections and limited bandwidth.
- For Windows users, the website includes a single PDF starting instruction. This information makes it clear that this software is primarily intended for Windows users. You can also purchase a yearly membership if you want specialised technical help.
- Interface makes it extremely simple to transfer VNC connections across SSH tunnels.
Cons of Tight VNC
- Videos are hardly viewable and games that need quick keystrokes perform poorly, with a delay of more than two seconds.
- Integrated security is a weakness of TightVNC. Since there is no native encryption, hackers might intercept your data communications. But, there is an option to add your own security layers, if you are an experienced user.
5. Chrome remote desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free application created by Google that is compatible with all platforms and operating systems. This makes Chrome Remote Desktop an excellent Linux client for remote desktop connections. Unlimited remote assistance, online conference features, and simple file access are all provided via Chrome Remote Desktop.
Pros of Chrome remote desktop
- Very secure as it’s built on Google infrastructure using the latest technologies such as Web RTC.
- Always free and has top notch performance with an easy setup.
- With Google’s secure infrastructure and the most recent open web technologies, this solution provides robust security.
- A desktop client that supports all platforms. Can run on your mobile or tablet as well.
Cons of Chrome remote desktop
- Having a limited number of features.
- No multi monitor support and no multi session handling.
- All features require chrome.
- Chrome Remote Desktop is quite simple. Expected features like integrated text chat and file sharing are not available.
- There is no drag and drop file transfer.
6. Vinagre
Vinagre is compatible with practically all Linux systems and has a variety of appealing features for connecting to and managing remote systems. Well integrated into the GNOME environment.
This remote desktop program supports a VNC server and has numerous connections active at once, which is one of its finest features. Additional protocols supported by it include RDP, SSH, SPICE, and VNC.
Pros of Vinagre
- Analyses errors more quickly, soon as the issue occurs.
- Straightforward GUI. Simply pick a protocol from the drop down menu and add IP of remote VNC server to establish a connection.
- Allows you to simply take screenshots of the remote computers and can find a running VNC server on the network. Also tunnels VNC connections using SSH.
- If the VNC server allows it, you may also utilise Vinagre to enable JPEG compression. You may also set the colour depth for the connection using the program.
Cons of Vinagre
- Unable to get updates henceforth the lack of maintenance for some time.
- An active connection’s quality parameters cannot be altered.
- Other than the Linux desktops, the client does not run on any other systems, including mobile devices.
7. ThinLinc
ThinLinc is software used by organizations to run Linux based computing infrastructures. One of the main goals of this software is to allow companies to centralize their IT infrastructure rather than distributing them among end users. Once the infrastructure is centralized, users can access them remotely through the software. A lot of sectors including R&D, High-tech, and manufacturing use this software currently.
Pros of ThinLinc
- 1 to 5000 concurrent users can use this software.
- Protects from man in the middle attacks.
- Has much fewer faults compared to other similar tools.
- Convenience during the user journey and the administration.
Cons of ThinLinc
- It is only available to users who want to access the Linux desktop.
8. FreeRDP
FreeRDP is a free running software released under an Apache license. This software can be used anywhere and on any platform. Furthermore it follows the Microsoft open specifications.
Pros of FreeRDP
- Better performance compared to most others.
- Thus improved user experience.
- Provides safety over data being shared.
- Easily configurable without much hassle.
Cons of FreeRDP
- Inability to use the desktop concurrently.
9. rDesktop
Another tool on this list of 10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP) is rDesktop. Unquestionably one of the open source RDP apps. Furthermore a UNIX client for Windows Remote Desktop Services connections. rDesktop was not only the first remote access program that functions admirably as a Kali Linux remote desktop client, but it was also the most popular client for a long time.
Pros of rDesktop
- Comparatively low in cost.
- Presence of centralized storage.
- Increased potency and higher collaboration.
- Authorization and access management.
Cons of rDesktop
- Reliable network is indeed essential.
- Powerful Remote Desktop service is further essential to monitor all connections.
10. Aeroadmin
Following to the next tool on our list is Aeroadmin. Another remote desktop software. Basically it allows secure access, remote connections, file transfers and computer control. Furthermore it has the ability to connect to an unlimited number of endpoints. Specifically designed to simplify remote computer connection processes. Basically, no installation configuration is required to get remote access here. Even non technical people can operate this software easily. Besides it is also free to use and surprisingly offers additional features at very reasonable prices.
Pros of Aeroadmin
- The ability to transfer files easily.
- Provides secure remote connectivity.
- Free for home and business use.
- Has a strong system for access control.
- Auto update.
- Provides session logs.
Cons of Aeroadmin
- No administrative access.
This is it! Thank you for reading 10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP). We shall conclude.
10 Best Linux Remote Desktop Servers (RDP) Conclusion
Finding the best remote desktop software is challenging. First of all list down the features essential to your tasks. They look for a tool that provides all of them. Sometimes you will have to use more than one tool.
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop, or Remmina if you don’t need as much control over your network but you simply need to get some remote tasks done while away from the desk. They work well across a wide range of devices and operating systems.
You shouldn’t blindly select the tool with the most advanced features. A tool that’s easier to use and faster is often better than a tool with more features.
Linux is based on an open source community. So if you face any problems with these tools, let the other developers know. Also, try to contribute to the products while using them. That way we can thrive as an open source community.
