Remote Desktop client to MacOS computer

Jan 28th, 2023 6:37 pm

#1

wally_walrus [OP]: Deal Addict; Oct 19, 2007; 1931 posts; 838 upvotes; 45.467253°N, 75.5123…

Jan 28th, 2023 6:37 pm

Remote Desktop client to MacOS computer

I plan on buying a Mac Mini and only use it with Remote Desktop clients on either Windows, Linux laptops or Chromebooks. I'm clueless when it comes to MacOS (never had one), so if anyone is doing something similar or has any thoughts I'd love to hear about it...

Requirements / questions are:
- more than one user at a time be able to operate a remote desktop session
- how secure is the client software on Windows (or even Linux for that matter)? Is there any possibility for a malware-infected desktop client OS to take control of keyboard / screen of a remote session? Any chance client remains immune to this threat, or at least able to detect it's been interfered with?
- is anyone running the original KeePass on MacOS, and how well does it work? I know there's some compatible apps but would rather stay with the real thing
- the Mini will connect to the TV, any option of transferring a remote session / window back to the local desktop to be displayed on the TV?

Thanks in advance,

Jan 29th, 2023 10:00 am

#2

vkizzle: Deal Expert; Aug 22, 2011; 38452 posts; 24684 upvotes; Center of Universe

Jan 29th, 2023 10:00 am

Teamviewer

Jan 29th, 2023 1:15 pm

#3

kramer1: Deal Addict; Apr 29, 2018; 2307 posts; 1682 upvotes; Vancouver

Jan 29th, 2023 1:15 pm

1) No, only one user per remote session. Maybe you could try with 3-4 apps, but doubt that will work well.
2) Ofcourse, anything can be hacked. After all the code is running on your machine locally, and so with the right settings/privileges/permissions it can do whatever it wants. As for the client, how would it know? It is getting inputs and will do as the input commands.
3) Using 1Password, as I do-not see the point of cheapening out with important secrets
4) The RDP program is only going to show you what is on-screen. You will see the same thing on the display.

Can't Stop. Won't Stop. Game Stop

+1

Jan 29th, 2023 2:09 pm

#4

wally_walrus [OP]: Deal Addict; Oct 19, 2007; 1931 posts; 838 upvotes; 45.467253°N, 75.5123…

Jan 29th, 2023 2:09 pm

You haven't indicated which RDP client is recommended, I was only able to find VNC and @vkizzle above indicated TeamViewer... Also added some clarifications below, and thanks for offering your thoughts

kramer1 wrote: ↑ 1) No, only one user per remote session. Maybe you could try with 3-4 apps, but doubt that will work well.
...

Sorry I meant to ask if two users can each have their own remote session under their own username at the same time, not whether they can both work on the same one remote session

kramer1 wrote: ↑ 2) Ofcourse, anything can be hacked. After all the code is running on your machine locally, and so with the right settings/privileges/permissions it can do whatever it wants. As for the client, how would it know? It is getting inputs and will do as the input commands.
...

Assuming the remote desktop client was installed on a clean host OS initially, I was hoping it would be able to self-verify its code before starting to read the keyboard. Kind of like a graphics tunnel that insulates the input / output from the client host and everything inside runs on the remote system

kramer1 wrote: ↑ 3) Using 1Password, as I do-not see the point of cheapening out with important secrets
...

I prefer KeePass for it has protection against dictionary and GPU attacks. Not sure if 1Password has it...

kramer1 wrote: ↑ 4) The RDP program is only going to show you what is on-screen. You will see the same thing on the display.

That should work

Jan 29th, 2023 6:40 pm

#5

kramer1: Deal Addict; Apr 29, 2018; 2307 posts; 1682 upvotes; Vancouver

Jan 29th, 2023 6:40 pm

There are many software options for RDP. Everything from the Apple built-in Screensharing, VNC, Sunshine + Moonlight, Parsec, LogMeIn, Teamviewer, etc

No, it is not possible to run 2 graphical user sessions without messing around. At minimum you would need 2 VMs, and 2 compatible GPUs

The host system can verify itself. Being a Mac, it will use it's T2 chip and the host of other protection to provide some sort of certainty of the OSX Kernel. But verifying the client can only be done by the client. What is preventing a rogue client from pretending to be the actual client? It all depends on what the incentives are for an attacker. Unless you are securing something worthwhile, and broadcast that fact out to the public, doubt anyone will even try.

Can't Stop. Won't Stop. Game Stop

+3

Jan 29th, 2023 7:04 pm

#6

Canuck_TO: Deal Addict; Dec 11, 2008; 1543 posts; 942 upvotes; Toronto

Jan 29th, 2023 7:04 pm

Anydesk is a good option. (anydesk.com) much better than Teamviewer as Teamviewer requires all computers to be on the same version. It's a pain.
Anydesk is a good free option. Also, Download older versions of Anydesk so you don't have to deal with nag screens.

I would suggest that you use a version from 2021.

+3

Jan 30th, 2023 8:00 am

#7

darknebulae: Sr. Member; Nov 9, 2021; 957 posts; 1982 upvotes

Jan 30th, 2023 8:00 am

wally_walrus wrote: ↑ I plan on buying a Mac Mini and only use it with Remote Desktop clients on either Windows, Linux laptops or Chromebooks. I'm clueless when it comes to MacOS (never had one), so if anyone is doing something similar or has any thoughts I'd love to hear about it...

Requirements / questions are:
- more than one user at a time be able to operate a remote desktop session
- how secure is the client software on Windows (or even Linux for that matter)? Is there any possibility for a malware-infected desktop client OS to take control of keyboard / screen of a remote session? Any chance client remains immune to this threat, or at least able to detect it's been interfered with?
- is anyone running the original KeePass on MacOS, and how well does it work? I know there's some compatible apps but would rather stay with the real thing
- the Mini will connect to the TV, any option of transferring a remote session / window back to the local desktop to be displayed on the TV?

Thanks in advance,

https://keepassxc.org/

https://strongboxsafe.com/

+1

Jan 30th, 2023 11:22 am

#8

sexyj: Deal Guru; Feb 10, 2007; 13373 posts; 4728 upvotes

Jan 30th, 2023 11:22 am

There is no RDP for mac., and macs are not multi-user like Windows. It can only be single user signed in.

So any solution you are using will be limited to one "session" only.

Get a windows server man...

[self promotion rule violation, removed twice already][self promotion rule violation, removed twice already]Trolling or Threadcrapping Trolling - woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop

+1

Jan 30th, 2023 11:30 am

#9

EEE2: Deal Addict; Jan 31, 2007; 4549 posts; 1589 upvotes

Jan 30th, 2023 11:30 am

Apple is got their own VNC Servers. But they call it some fancy word. You need to enable it under sharing and allow it in the firewall. then you can remote into your mac from supported VNC Clients.
https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/m ... lp1066/mac
official apple guide depending on the version of your MAC OS.

Edit1: There is an Official RDP client made by Microsoft in the Apple Store. it works really well. (you use this client to access Windows based machines)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft ... 3466?mt=12

Can you clarify are you trying to access your new mac from other operating systems. Or use your MAC to access other devices?

+1

Jan 30th, 2023 11:41 am

#10

sexyj: Deal Guru; Feb 10, 2007; 13373 posts; 4728 upvotes

Jan 30th, 2023 11:41 am

EEE2 wrote: ↑ Can you clarify are you trying to access your new mac from other operating systems. Or use your MAC to access other devices?

pretty sure the OP want's to use the mac as a server for people to remote in

[self promotion rule violation, removed twice already][self promotion rule violation, removed twice already]Trolling or Threadcrapping Trolling - woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop

Jan 30th, 2023 11:42 pm

#11

EEE2: Deal Addict; Jan 31, 2007; 4549 posts; 1589 upvotes

Jan 30th, 2023 11:42 pm

Canuck_TO wrote: ↑Anydesk is a good option. (anydesk.com) much better than Teamviewer as Teamviewer requires all computers to be on the same version. It's a pain.
Anydesk is a good free option. Also, Download older versions of Anydesk so you don't have to deal with nag screens.

I would suggest that you use a version from 2021.

TeamViewer isn't free anymore. If you don't access the machine using a paid accont it will disconnect every 5 min.

RDP requires port forwarding

Vnc also does.

Unless you can access from within the same network. Outside wan side you need to open ports on router.

Jan 30th, 2023 11:50 pm

#12

wally_walrus [OP]: Deal Addict; Oct 19, 2007; 1931 posts; 838 upvotes; 45.467253°N, 75.5123…

Jan 30th, 2023 11:50 pm

EEE2 wrote: ↑ Apple is got their own VNC Servers. But they call it some fancy word. You need to enable it under sharing and allow it in the firewall. then you can remote into your mac from supported VNC Clients.
https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/m ... lp1066/mac
official apple guide depending on the version of your MAC OS.

Edit1: There is an Official RDP client made by Microsoft in the Apple Store. it works really well. (you use this client to access Windows based machines)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft ... 3466?mt=12

Can you clarify are you trying to access your new mac from other operating systems. Or use your MAC to access other devices?

Yes, I'd like to access my (future) mac mini from another OS (Windows, Chromebook, Linux, etc). Main reason for this is I'd like to separate financial (or other highly sensitive) web sessions from general browsing activity...

So ideally when I need to do a financial transaction, I'd remote into the Mac and use its browser via a remote desktop session. Hence why I'd like to know if the remote desktop client can be trusted even when running on an infected host. I realize this is a tall order...

Thanks for your thoughts!

Jan 30th, 2023 11:52 pm

#13

wally_walrus [OP]: Deal Addict; Oct 19, 2007; 1931 posts; 838 upvotes; 45.467253°N, 75.5123…

Jan 30th, 2023 11:52 pm

darknebulae wrote: ↑ https://keepassxc.org/

https://strongboxsafe.com/

Thanks for the suggestion, since I'm using KeePass on Windows migrating to one of these should be smooth. Was actually wondering if someone is running the KeePass portable .exe on MacOS under Mono

Jan 30th, 2023 11:53 pm

#14

wally_walrus [OP]: Deal Addict; Oct 19, 2007; 1931 posts; 838 upvotes; 45.467253°N, 75.5123…

Jan 30th, 2023 11:53 pm

sexyj wrote: ↑ pretty sure the OP want's to use the mac as a server for people to remote in

Nope, strictly inside my LAN and for my own family use

Jan 31st, 2023 12:00 am

#15

wally_walrus [OP]: Deal Addict; Oct 19, 2007; 1931 posts; 838 upvotes; 45.467253°N, 75.5123…

Jan 31st, 2023 12:00 am

EEE2 wrote: ↑ TeamViewer isn't free anymore. If you don't access the machine using a paid accont it will disconnect every 5 min.

RDP requires port forwarding

Vnc also does.

Unless you can access from within the same network. Outside wan side you need to open ports on router.

I'll be accessing it from within my LAN, so no need to forward ports or open the firewall. The browser on the client is my biggest worry, given how much scripting runs nowadays on even the most basic websites. If the browser is compromised, the host can no longer be trusted so that's why I was wondering if the remote desktop solution has any way to take over and "tunnel" keyboard strokes all the way to the Mac. Maybe I'm just dreaming and a solution doesn't actually exist...

Jan 31st, 2023 1:32 am

#16

Keigotw: Deal Expert; Mar 25, 2003; 16879 posts; 5347 upvotes; Markham

Jan 31st, 2023 1:32 am

EEE2 wrote: ↑ TeamViewer isn't free anymore. If you don't access the machine using a paid accont it will disconnect every 5 min.

RDP requires port forwarding

Vnc also does.

Unless you can access from within the same network. Outside wan side you need to open ports on router.

TeamViewer still free for personal use
if disconnects for you maybe they detected you are using for business

48TB Node 304 / i5-3570 / Server 2016 Essentials
12TB HP Mediasmart EX 495 (E8400, 3.0GHZ, 4GB Mushkin), with Server 2016 Essentials
16TB Qnap TS-459 Pro

Jan 31st, 2023 8:41 am

#17

EEE2: Deal Addict; Jan 31, 2007; 4549 posts; 1589 upvotes

Jan 31st, 2023 8:41 am

wally_walrus wrote: ↑ I'll be accessing it from within my LAN, so no need to forward ports or open the firewall. The browser on the client is my biggest worry, given how much scripting runs nowadays on even the most basic websites. If the browser is compromised, the host can no longer be trusted so that's why I was wondering if the remote desktop solution has any way to take over and "tunnel" keyboard strokes all the way to the Mac. Maybe I'm just dreaming and a solution doesn't actually exist...

If you worried, then dont do it. Pay $99 per year for 10 hosts to use splashtop.com 1000% the best I have ever used... Worth the $99....
It also supports 3D acceleration, usually when you use RDP the GPU drops. With Splashtop you can remote in and access the GPUS too. Cant explain it in technical way. I know my CAD users, remote into my Rendering farms and they use that from their crappy laptops to do real work. The cheapest and safest way was using splash top. It just works, no bs, no worries. You can also use to setup "Jumpbox" and no open ports on FIrewall really needed. Another sweet if they accidentally turn off the machine, it support wake on lan to wake it up. No need for IPMI.

+1

Jan 31st, 2023 11:33 am

#18

Gee: Deal Expert; Aug 2, 2004; 36596 posts; 9809 upvotes; East Gwillimbury

Jan 31st, 2023 11:33 am

wally_walrus wrote: ↑ So ideally when I need to do a financial transaction, I'd remote into the Mac and use its browser via a remote desktop session. Hence why I'd like to know if the remote desktop client can be trusted even when running on an infected host. I realize this is a tall order...

Get an iPad instead and do your transactions on it. Portable and very safe. Even better if you use a banking apps

Home Automation Thread

Heatware

+1

Jan 31st, 2023 1:04 pm

#19

Canuck_TO: Deal Addict; Dec 11, 2008; 1543 posts; 942 upvotes; Toronto

Jan 31st, 2023 1:04 pm

EEE2 wrote: ↑ TeamViewer isn't free anymore. If you don't access the machine using a paid accont it will disconnect every 5 min.

RDP requires port forwarding

Vnc also does.

Unless you can access from within the same network. Outside wan side you need to open ports on router.

When did Teamviewer change to only paid?
I still use Teamviewer on free with no disconnects. I used it within the last few weeks with no issues while connecting to a Mac user.
Actually, when I have problems helping someone get set up with Anydesk on a Mac, I usually have to switch to Teamviewer as it's a bit easier.

Not sure if it's a secret but never install Teamviewer. Just run the app and do not install. This minimizes the 5 minute disconnect/ban.

Jan 31st, 2023 1:08 pm

#20

sexyj: Deal Guru; Feb 10, 2007; 13373 posts; 4728 upvotes

Jan 31st, 2023 1:08 pm

If you just want to remote in, then just install Jump desktop on it.

Free for windows clients.

One time payment for client for ios, android, mac

[self promotion rule violation, removed twice already][self promotion rule violation, removed twice already]Trolling or Threadcrapping Trolling - woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop woooooooo 3k on a laptop

+2