What Are Remote Access Tools?
Remote access software lets you control another computer over the internet as if you were sitting in front of it.
They transmit the remote screen to you and send your keyboard/mouse input back to that computer.
Common uses:
- Remote IT support
- Work from home (access office PC)
- File retrieval from another computer
- Monitoring systems remotely
They usually create an encrypted connection so data cannot be intercepted.
In context of Busy, you can use Remote Access Tools to access your Busy software running at your office from anywhere in the world.
here is a list of some useful remote desktop software for Windows and some other platforms:
Popular Free Remote Access Tools (Windows)
1. Chrome Remote Desktop
Best For: Quick, completely free access via a Google account. This is a browser extension by Google that is entirely free for both personal and commercial use. It is very easy to set up; you simply install the extension and log in with your Google account. It works across different operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android).
Download: remotedesktop.google.com
2. TeamViewer
Best For: Feature-rich support and file transfer. TeamViewer is one of the most famous remote desktop tools. It offers a very user-friendly interface and powerful features like file transfer, clipboard sharing (copy-paste between computers), and chat.
Note: It is free for personal use only. If it suspects you are using it for business, it may time out your sessions.
Download: teamviewer.com/en/download/windows/
3. AnyDesk
Best For: Speed and slow internet connections. AnyDesk is known for being lightweight and fast, often working better than competitors on slower internet connections. It requires a very small download and doesn’t even strictly need to be installed to run (it can run as a portable app). Like TeamViewer, it is free for personal use.
Download: anydesk.com/en/downloads/windows
4. RustDesk
Best For: Open-source privacy and control. RustDesk is a newer, open-source alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk. It works right out of the box with no configuration. A major advantage for privacy-conscious users is that you can host your own server, meaning your data doesn’t pass through third-party companies.
Download: rustdesk.com
5. Microsoft Remote Desktop
Best For: accessing a PC on the same Local Network. This feature is built directly into Windows (specifically Windows Pro and Enterprise editions). It offers the best performance because it is native to the system. However, setting it up to work over the internet (outside your home WiFi) requires technical knowledge of “Port Forwarding,” so it is best used for controlling a PC in another room.
Download: No download required for the host (Enable in Settings > System > Remote Desktop).
Client App: You can download the “client” app to control your PC from your phone or another PC here: Microsoft Store Link