“Do I need a VPN for remote desktop?” “Is VPN safer than RDP?” “Which one is faster?” These are some of the questions users keep asking on Google and various IT forums. Either of these two might serve as the right solution for your needs. However, the most important thing you should know about VPN and RDP is that they are, essentially, two different technologies.
In this article, we’d like to address some of the questions and misconceptions novice users might have about VPN and RDP, and help you make the right choice.
What is VPN?
Let’s say you’re working remotely and you need to retrieve important files from a corporate server located in a private network. You can’t access this server directly from a public network, and that’s where a virtual private network (VPN) can help.
In a nutshell, VPN enables you to transfer data over public networks by creating a secure, encrypted connection with a private network. This allows you to login to your work network, retrieve files or print documents remotely without having to physically access your office computer.
An important thing to remember, however, is that a VPN allows you access only those files that have already been shared on the private network. If these files are located on your office PC’s hard drive, you’ll need to establish a remote desktop connection to that computer.
What is RDP, or Remote Desktop?
RDP, or simply remote desktop, is a proprietary technology developed by Microsoft that allows you to access a remote computer over a public or a private network and control that computer as if you’re sitting right in front of it. For that to work, you’ll first need to configure an RDP client application on the remote end.
RDP might be the best solution for accessing your own PC or providing technical assistance within the same office network. However, if you’re going to use RDP outside your office network, you’ll need to configure that network to accept incoming connection requests which makes the initial setup a lot more complicated for a non-tech savvy person.
VPN vs Remote Desktop
So, when exactly should you choose a VPN over remote desktop, or vice versa? Let’s put that in plain words.
Do you need to access any shared resources on a corporate website when your connection is public? Go for VPN.
Do you need to access and control your own PC from a remote location? Choose RDP.
Third Option: Remote Desktop Software
Commercial remote desktop software, on the other hand, provides a better alternative to proprietary services, such as RDP, and enables you to connect to any remote machine located in any environment. Despite all the advantages of RDP – it’s free, for starters – commercial remote desktop software also offers greater flexibility, better GUI, tougher security, and more useful features that can make your job a lot easier.
For local network administration or accessing your workstation remotely, RDP might be all that you need. However, if your primary goal is to provide remote support or easily access dozens of unattended computers (or even your own devices), you’d better take a look at third-party remote desktop applications such as FixMe.IT.
FixMe.IT is a lightweight, fast, and easy-to-use remote desktop application that enables you to connect to an unlimited number of computers on demand, as well as access and manage up to 150 unattended machines. FixMe.IT also allows you to control multiple remote desktops simultaneously, transfer any data via drag-and-drop or copy-paste, share your own desktop with multiple remote users, record your remote sessions, and much more.
Learn More About FixMe.IT