Remote Desktop Connection updated: connect to a PC through your Mac

Microsoft updated their Remote Desktop Connection for Mac last week and I'm just getting started with it. I've previously used RDP to view and control my MacBook Pro with my Asus Eee PC, but I want to kick the tires of using the Mac to connect to my new UMPC. The one obvious disadvantage of using RDP between any two systems of course, is that both have to be powered on. If you leave a desktop or notebook running while at home however, this could be another free alternative for remote access.

Once I get everything set up and working here at the home office, I'll look into true remote access while on the road between the two devices. For Mac to Mac connections, the "Back to my Mac" feature works well, but it's mainly an RDP client with a nice face. Quick note: on my Q1UP running Vista Ultimate, I had to enable the Remote Desktop access. The below screenshot illustrates it. By the way: that shot is from my Mac. ;)

(via MacUser)

Comments

[Cody B]

It’s very unsafe to leave an RDP port open to the net. Not sure if that’s what you meant, but just making sure everyone’s aware.

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Absolutely agree Cody and I inadvertently overlooked that in my screenshot. Thanks!

[Mitchell Oke]

Kevin, for remote access over the net you can't go past LogMeIn. I've been using them for well over a year and nothing compares to the ease of use. The free version is great for just controlling the computer, but the paid versions offer a fair more functionality if you need it.

[vm-01]

I can vouch for logmein.

Personally I am using ultravnc now. The trick is connecting using a Hamachi VPN. That way you get both security and convenience.

[Nitin Badjatia]

Kevin,

Microsoft's remote connector is pretty good, but I've actually been getting more mileage with a combination of these two open source tools:

Mac - Chicken of the VNC
Win - Ultra VNC

That combination just seems to be much more responsive than the Microsoft app. I use Chicken/Ultra to connect to an XP machine that acts as a home file server from my MacBook Air.

Just another option, I guess.

Nitin