What is remote desktop?

How it works

1. The program is opened on the computer to be reachedThe computer gets an ID and waits for incoming connections.
2. The person connecting types the IDFrom the desktop app, a browser or a phone.
3. Permission or passwordThe person at the other end accepts the connection, or you sign in with a password set in advance.
4. Screen and commands travel encryptedThe two devices connect directly. If that is not possible, a relay server only forwards the encrypted bytes and cannot decrypt the content.

How it differs from Windows Remote Desktop Connection (RDP)

Windows' own Remote Desktop Connection is usually used on the same network or over a VPN; access from outside needs router and firewall settings.

Remote access programs such as SkyyDesk connect to a computer behind a router without any configuration. Nothing needs to be installed on the connecting side either: you can connect from a browser.

Which devices you can connect from

Windows

Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit.

Linux

Debian and Ubuntu, 64-bit.

Android phone and tablet

Android 5.1 and later, 64-bit ARM. Step-by-step guide: Connect from your phone.

Browser

Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari; nothing to install. Details: Remote support with nothing to install.

macOS, iPhone and iPad

macOS app coming soon. The iPhone and iPad app is on the App Store (connecting side).

Connecting when nobody is at the other end

This is called unattended access. SkyyDesk is installed on the computer as a service and a fixed password is set; after that you connect without anyone having to approve. Unattended access is in the licensed version. In the free version, the person at the computer accepts the connection.

What to check when using it in an organisation

Questions to ask when choosing a remote access program, and SkyyDesk's answers:

Do accounts have two-factor authentication, and can it be made mandatory for everyone?

Yes; it can be made mandatory across the organisation. In Standard and Ultimate.

Can staff sign in with the organisation's own account?

Corporate sign-in (SSO, OIDC) and LDAP / Active Directory sync are in Ultimate.

Where are permission restrictions enforced?

There are six roles. Restrictions are not just hidden in the interface; the server enforces them on the remote machine. In Ultimate.

Is it logged who connected where?

Connection, file transfer, sign-in and admin logs are kept and can be downloaded as CSV. In Ultimate.

Where are session recordings kept, and can they be altered?

Recordings are collected centrally and each one is sealed with SHA-256; the organisation can make recording mandatory. In Ultimate.

Can the logs flow to the organisation's SIEM?

Yes, as CEF or JSON. For closed networks there is a connector that runs on the organisation's server. In Ultimate.

Which country is session data in?

In Turkey, on ELPO Bilişim's servers. Details: Remote access with servers in Turkey.

How these settings look in the panel: on page 1, with screenshots.

What to use instead of AnyDesk or TeamViewer?

If you are looking for support with nothing to install, data kept in Turkey or organisational oversight, see the comparisons: AnyDesk alternative, TeamViewer alternative.

How much does it cost?

Individual, single use is free. The licence is per user and annual; the number of machines you connect to is not limited. Current prices are on the Pricing page.

Frequently asked questions