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Looking for software recommendation...
I'm looking for a remote desktop solution to help others with computer issues. My side needs to run on #Linux, other side needs to run on #Windows, and to a lesser extent, #Linux as well.
Setting up the connection needs to be noob friendly on their side. I have an extremely strong preference for FOSS.
So far, I have not had fun experiences with remote desktop even just controlling my own machines.
@hellomiakoda TeamViewer, I use it to do exactly this. My buddy has a gaming PC, he knows absolutely nothing about how to work it. I'm basically his IT guy, I run Ubuntu in Texas. He runs windows in Colorado. I just take control of his PC whenever I need to help him trouble shoot something real quick so we can hop on a game. You create an account and give each other passwords to connect and control your screen and mice.
@hellomiakoda Discord Screenshare? It's not remote control, but it would allow both of you to see eachother's screen.
@hellomiakoda https://rustdesk.com & winget install rustdesk on the windows side.
@darcmage
I have some (only started recently) good experience using self-hosted RustDesk with family.
@hellomiakoda
@hellomiakoda You should look into Rustdesk. Similar to Teamviewer, but fully open source, and runs on Linux, Windows and macOS if I remember well.
I have a very similar requirement, although both ends are Linux. Does Rustdesk require me to punch a hole in the host's firewall, or does it require the user being sorted to type in an IP address? I need to support someone who can't understand the instruction "open your Web browser", but I also need to keep it secure.
@CppGuy @hellomiakoda Yes it does allow to go through a firewall, as it relies on an external server which acts as an intermediary. You can have your own server or use the default one. And all this is transparent for the end user.
If configured correctly all they have to do is run rustdesk, and that's about it.
My only issue is there's something hinky with the WOL packet, but it could also be poor wireless to the gaming PC or something along those lines.
I prefer using it over other remote solutions I've used, though I will say AnyDesk also worked well in the same configuration the last time I used it ~2 years ago.
Both are the standard "give me the user ID + pw" like TeamViewer, with both having options for permanent passwords and RustDesk offering a "run your own local server" and 2FA options.
ETA: RustDesk is FOSS, AnyDesk is not (essentially more feature rich TeamViewer in license IIRC)
The best performance I've had was X2Go, though I've had more luck with running single applications remotely than a full desktop.
@hellomiakoda At work, we generally use Google Meet for most remote help (both in the direction of helping clients and receiving help from vendors). However, Google Meet does NOT have remote control, so it's "walk through" support.
At home, I use vnc for linux remote control - specifically x11vnc on the (remote) server side, and xtightvncviewer on the (local) client side. It just works easily for me.
At home, I use xfreerdp (Debian package name freerdp2-x11) to control Windows from linux...
@hellomiakoda I find it, and Windows normal remote desktop (for Windows to Windows) to be VERY good, both at home and at work, but with a humongous caveat. "Home" versions of Windows don't include it.
So if you need to help others who are running "Home" versions of Windows, you're stuck trying to deal with something more complicated.
Installing vnc is an option, but this is a pain.
Google Meet is super easy if the other person has a Google account, but it doesn't offer remote control.
@hellomiakoda Oh I forgot to mention - vnc normally is designed to work on LAN, so that's extra hurdles to deal with if you're supporting someone over the Internet.
@hellomiakoda parsec is good for windows and mac os hosts, and also has a linux client. It's pretty easy to set up and share.
It fails a bunch of your other requirements but I thought I'd mention it in case nothing else gets brought up, and a partial solution is better than nothing?
@hellomiakoda I believe #RustDesk is what you are looking for.