EXE file is less than 2MB and can even run from a USB thumb drive. All that is necessary is to copy this executable to the remote client and launch it. During the host installation, the client is simply dropped to the desktop. The host component requires a quick install, but the client application is light and portable. There was only a hint of latency when accessing my host, and screen refreshes were responsive over my remote link.

Remote resource usage was a bit heavier: about 20MB of RAM when connected but still almost no CPU usage. The three DESKTRA processes took only 14MB of RAM and almost no CPU time, even while actively browsing the host and playing back audio prompts. While it does pass audio to the remote client, it does not provide remote printing capabilities or file transfers.ĭESKTRA consumes minimal system resources on the host PC, even with a remote user connected. Only available for 32-bit versions of Windows, DESKTRA's host component installs as a service and allows two users to access the same Windows PC at the same time without interrupting each other. But for those trying to get some serious work done, remote printing may be the deal breaker.Ĭheck out these free remote access tools for Windows and Mac.ĭESKTRA Freedom Desktop 1.1InfoWorld's Free RAS score: FairĭESKTRA Freedom Desktop is a Windows-only utility that provides good remote access but is limited in functionality. For someone that just wants to check their home/office email account or view documents from outside the office, all of the utilities here will work fine. I rely on remote access tools on a daily basis, and in most cases I need to be able to print to my remote PC. For some users, the paid version will be the only true option.Īs you read about each tool, you'll notice that I put a lot of emphasis on remote printing. Many of the free tools listed here also have paid versions that offer additional features (such as support for remote printing) or licensing (extra host computers or clients). In this review, I examine seven of the most popular free remote access tools available for Windows and, in four cases, Mac users.

There are plenty of good free tools available, and some of them are downright excellent. Remote access means nothing ever gets left behind - except maybe your laptop.īest of all, a good remote access tool doesn't have to cost you a dime. With a remote access tool, your office computer can be reached from home, your home computer can be reached from the office, and both can be reached from your hotel in Omaha or Maui or wherever you happen to be. For anyone whose work follows them wherever they go (and whose doesn't?), a remote access solution is an easy sell.

Best remote desktop for mac free