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rdesktop VS X2Go

Compare rdesktop VS X2Go and see what are their differences

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Remote support software that just works. Securely access attended or unattended computers from anywhere. featured
Contents:
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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

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.

X2Go logo 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.
  • rdesktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-23
  • X2Go Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

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.

X2Go features and specs

  • Performance
    X2Go offers a high level of performance, providing efficient remote desktop and application access with minimal lag, which is ideal for multimedia or graphical tasks.
  • Security
    X2Go uses SSH for secure communication, ensuring that data transmitted between the client and server is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping.
  • Multi-platform support
    X2Go supports various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions, making it versatile and accessible for users on different platforms.
  • Session management
    X2Go enables users to suspend and resume sessions, allowing them to pick up where they left off without losing their work, which is particularly useful for long-running tasks.
  • Open-source
    As an open-source project, X2Go is free to use and benefits from community-driven development, which can lead to rapid improvements and bug fixes.

Possible disadvantages of X2Go

  • Complexity of setup
    The initial setup of X2Go can be complex and challenging, especially for users who are not familiar with configuring servers and clients.
  • Limited support and documentation
    While X2Go has a dedicated community, its documentation can be lacking in detail, and official support channels might not be as robust as commercial alternatives.
  • Compatibility issues
    There can be compatibility issues with certain desktop environments or applications, which might require additional configuration or result in reduced functionality.
  • Dependence on network quality
    The performance and usability of X2Go are significantly affected by network quality; poor internet connections can result in a suboptimal user experience.
  • Heavy resource usage on the server
    Running X2Go can lead to high resource usage on the server side, which may require more robust hardware to ensure smooth performance, especially with multiple concurrent users.

rdesktop videos

+ Add

Difference between Rdesktop and Freerdp

More videos:

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

X2Go videos

+ Add

X2GO: Linux Remote Desktop & Terminal Server System With Support For Published Applications

More videos:

  • Review - X2Go Desktops Running on a 4GB Raspberry pi 4: XFCE, MATE, LXDE, KDE-Plasma

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to rdesktop and X2Go)

rdesktop

X2Go

Remote Desktop
46 46%
Remote Desktop
54% 54
Remote PC Access
44 44%
Remote PC Access
56% 56
Office & Productivity
51 51%
Office & Productivity
49% 49
Remote Control
40 40%
Remote Control
60% 60

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare rdesktop and X2Go

rdesktop Reviews

We have no reviews of rdesktop yet.
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X2Go Reviews

  1. Tyler Fawkes
    · Author at Individual ·
    I chose X2go over Nomachine

    We use X2go as access our home office work machine while traveling. The home office desktop (X2go server) is used primarily for word processing, spreadsheets and creating presentations. The X2go server is running on 3rd generation Intel i-5 processor with onboard Intel graphics and 12 Gb DDR4 RAM. The OS is Linux Mint Mate' 20.04. Nomachine works on most desktops, however X2go seems to prefer the XFCE and Mate' environments. My experience with X2go is slightly faster and more stable on the Linux Mint Mate' flavor than Ubuntu's 20.04 Mate'. It also looks much better. Remote access is accomplished using X2go client over SSH (ECDSA-256) with minimal compression through a ZeroTier network. Nomachine free version doesn't allow SSH connections. Nomachine also uses 128 bit encryption and is prettier and faster as first installed. However, X2go has more granular connection options. After multiple trial and error adjustments X2go is MUCH smoother and comparable to sitting at the physical desktop over ATT 4g-LTE hotspot connections. Youtube videos streamed remotely are a little jerky but watchable so I don't recommend gaming remotely over 4g. Additionally X2go allows for using 'published applications' making it possible to get work done over all but the slowest connections. X2go also allows multiple users to connect to the server and work in their individual environments simultaneously. Similar to a terminal server, although heavier on resources. My wife and I occasionally do this through hotel or cafe' WiFi. Nomachine free allows only one user connection at a time per machine. Nomachine is easier to set up for a novice and has Android & IOS apps. Not something we have a need for or want.

    🏁 Competitors: NoMachine Everybody
    👍 Pros:    Secure|Fast|Multiple simultaneous users|Published applications performance
    👎 Cons:    Requires ssh server installation & configuration.|Requires users to navigate a daunting number of options to find optimal performance.|Wiki isn't novice friendly and often has sections out of date. support is minimal through user forum.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing rdesktop and X2Go, you can also consider the following products

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

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

TeamViewer - TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few seconds.

Remote Desktop Manager - Remote Desktop Manager is a remote connection and password management platform for IT pros trusted by more than 300 000 users in 130 countries.‎Add-ons - Remote Desktop .

DWService - DWService offers a service that allows access to remote systems using a standard web browser.

join.me - Instant screen sharing. Instant Aha!

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