Thursday, December 22, 2005

Remote Desktop vs Remote Assistance

When you first learn about 'Remote Desktop' and 'Remote Assistance', you might wonder the difference between the two services. Both applications allow you to remotely control a PC from any where on your local or corporate network, and even over the Internet. Although there are some important differences between these two services.

The Remote Desktop service is only available as part of Windows XP Professional Edition. This service allows you to take control of the remote computer without first requesting access. To do this you have to have administrator rights on the local machine. Once logged in you will have complete control of the local computer.

The Remote Assistance is part of Windows XP Professional and Home Editions. To use this service the PC user has to make a request to you to be able to connect to the remote computer. Once you respond to the request, you will see the remote users desktop. This service requires you have Windows Messenger or MSN Messenger installed on your computer to receive the remote assistance request.

To enable the Remote Desktop or Remote Assistance services:
  • Open the Control Panel.
  • Double-click the System control panel.
  • Click on the Remote tab.
  • Check the Remote Desktop and/or Remote Assistance checkboxes.
  • Press the OK button when done.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wasn't sure what the difference was until now, thanks!

Scott said...

GREAT synopsis of the differences! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Doesn't really say much details about whats different about the 2. Very vague. Gonna need more.

Anonymous said...

now its clear......thanks

SANTOSH KULKARNI said...

Thanks for information.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the help. Just what I needed to know.

shibaji dutta said...

can you elaborate a little more on this please. e.g how to start each of these types. can you also throw some light on mstsc console and is it related to remote desktop or remote assistance

Remote Desktop Software said...

Honestly, the difference here matters pretty little when Windows refuses to allow any connections to be made. I don't know if it is compatibility or router issues, but I just cannot make these connections work through Windows.

home design said...

They can be found any where For instance you open control panel my computer my documents just about any window...

remote desktop terminal said...

I think the difference is very small.

remote desktop terminal said...

I think the difference is very small.

Anonymous said...

This is great information. I needed to know which was which on a test for an interview.

Ari said...

This is pre-Vista and windows7. Heard that Remote Assistance is set by default. Does that mean that any user can request?

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Nice blog thanks for sharing Network Support Technician .