A better remote desktop tool
Welcome to Advisorator’s Tip of the Week, helping you learn something new from the tech world every Tuesday! Or, in this week’s case, two new things on similar topics:
While I’ve been pretty happy using Chrome Remote Desktop to access my desktop PC and Mac Mini from afar, I’m enjoying RustDesk even more. Just install the free, open-source software on your computer, and you can use Rust’s mobile apps or website for remote access and control.
Compared to Chrome Remote Desktop, RustDesk has a bunch of extra features, such as two-way clipboard sharing, support for desktop keyboard commands, and a file transfer tool for Android devices. It also has some quick screen size options that make navigating your desktop from a phone just a little easier.
On the downside, the login process is a bit clunky. Instead of a typical username, RustDesk assigns a “Remote ID” number along with a randomly-generated password that you can change. You’ll need both when logging in for the first time on a new device, so I suggest saving them in your password manager of choice.
Like other remote desktop programs, RustDesk doesn’t work if your computer is turned off or suspended, but it comes in handy if your computer is always on. I’m using it to manage my Plex and Channels DVR media servers from outside the home, and for that it’s been great.