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rdesktop VS MyRDP

Compare rdesktop VS MyRDP and see what are their differences

rdesktop logo rdesktop

rdesktop is a free and open source remote desktop protocol client designed to make the users able to manage their PCs in a new way.

MyRDP logo MyRDP

Remote desktop manager
  • rdesktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-23
  • MyRDP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-28

rdesktop features and specs

  • Open Source
    rdesktop is an open-source software, which means it is free to use and has a community of developers contributing to its improvement.
  • Lightweight
    The application is lightweight, requiring minimal system resources, which makes it suitable for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Compatibility
    rdesktop is compatible with multiple versions of the RDP protocol, allowing users to connect to different versions of Windows operating systems without issues.
  • Cross-Platform
    It is designed to work on various Unix-based operating systems, including Linux and BSD, giving users flexibility in their choice of operating system.
  • Simple Configuration
    The configuration and setup of rdesktop are straightforward, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Possible disadvantages of rdesktop

  • Lack of Active Development
    rdesktop has seen a decline in active development and updates, which might lead to vulnerabilities or incompatibilities with newer systems.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to other RDP clients, rdesktop provides a more basic set of features, lacking modern enhancements like multimedia redirection.
  • Security Concerns
    Being an older software, rdesktop may not support the latest security protocols and features, potentially making it less secure.
  • No GUI by Default
    rdesktop primarily operates through the command line, which might be challenging for users who prefer a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    There might be compatibility issues with newer Windows features or versions as development has waned, limiting connectivity options.

MyRDP features and specs

  • Open Source
    MyRDP is open source, which allows users to review, modify, and distribute the source code. This promotes transparency and community-driven improvements.
  • Customizability
    Being an open-source project, MyRDP can be customized to fit specific user needs, enabling flexibility in functionality and user interface.
  • Community Support
    Users can benefit from community support, where other users and developers contribute knowledge, best practices, and solutions to common issues.
  • Cost-Effective
    As a free tool, MyRDP helps reduce costs associated with remote desktop solutions, especially for small businesses or individual users.
  • Frequent Updates
    The project might receive regular updates with bug fixes, new features, and security patches, improving its robustness and usability.

Possible disadvantages of MyRDP

  • Limited Documentation
    Open-source projects sometimes suffer from insufficient documentation, which can make it challenging for new users to understand or implement.
  • Potential Security Risks
    As an open-source solution, MyRDP might not have the rigorous security protocols that proprietary software offers, making it potentially vulnerable if not properly managed.
  • Reliability and Support
    Unlike commercial products, open-source projects like MyRDP may lack official support channels, making it harder to get professional help when issues arise.
  • Compatibility Concerns
    There may be compatibility issues with certain operating systems or environments, as the software might not be as extensively tested as commercial alternatives.
  • Complex Setup
    Users may face a complex setup process compared to proprietary software, which often comes with user-friendly installers and detailed setup guides.

Analysis of rdesktop

Overall verdict

  • rdesktop can be considered a decent choice if you are looking for a basic, open-source RDP client. However, newer alternatives like FreeRDP or Remmina might offer better performance, security, and features due to more active development and support for modern RDP features.

Why this product is good

  • rdesktop is an open-source client for Microsoft's RDP protocol, historically used for accessing remote desktops on Windows machines. It is lightweight and has been a popular choice for Linux users who need to connect to Windows servers. However, development activity has slowed down, and it may lack some of the more advanced features found in other RDP clients. It is still a viable option for users seeking a straightforward, no-frills remote desktop connection.

Recommended for

    rdesktop is recommended for users who need a simple and lightweight RDP client on Linux platforms, particularly for accessing older Windows servers or when minimal configuration is desired. Users requiring advanced features or handling of modern Windows environments may want to explore other options.

rdesktop videos

Difference between Rdesktop and Freerdp

More videos:

  • Review - rdesktop - Remote Desktop to Windows OS from Linux - Linux CLI

MyRDP videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to rdesktop and MyRDP)
Remote Desktop
82 82%
18% 18
Remote PC Access
81 81%
19% 19
Office & Productivity
82 82%
18% 18
Remote Control
67 67%
33% 33

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing rdesktop and MyRDP, you can also consider the following products

mRemoteNG - mRemoteNG is a fork of mRemote, an open source, tabbed, multi-protocol, remote connections manager.

ASG-Remote Desktop - Deliver Secure Remote Access to Servers and Workstations in Real Time

Chrome Remote Desktop - The easy way to remotely connect with your home or work computer, or share your screen with others.

WinConn - WinConn simplifies creation, management and desktop integration of remote windows applications in...

X2Go - Get X2Go. Installing X2Go (client/server). Download X2Go Client (Windows installer (XP and Later), OS X 10. 9 and higher DMG, OS X 10. 10 and higher DMG or macOS 10.

Remote Desktop Plus - Launch a Remote Desktop session and automatically log you in from the command line or a GUI.