Remote administration
Encyclopedia
Remote administration refers to any method of controlling a computer
from a remote location.
Software that allows remote administration is becoming increasingly common and is often used when it is difficult or impractical to be physically near a system in order to use it, or in order to access web material that is not available in one's location, for example viewing the BBC iPlayer
from outside the United Kingdom
. A remote location may refer to a computer in the next room or one on the other side of the world. It may also refer to both legal and illegal (i.e. hacking
) remote administration (see 0wned).
connection, TCP
/IP
or on a Local Area Network
can be remotely administered.
For non-malicious administration, the user must install or enable server software on the host system in order to be viewed. Then the user/client can access the host system from another computer
using the installed software.
Usually, both systems should be connected to the internet, and the IP address
of the host/server system must be known. Remote administration is therefore less practical if the host uses a dial-up modem
, which is not constantly online and often has a Dynamic IP.
of the host usually appears. The client may then control the host as if he/she were sitting right in front of it.
Certain versions of Windows XP
have a built-in remote administration package called Remote Desktop Connection. A free cross-platform alternative is VNC, which offers similar functionality.
/2008, Tablet PC
Editions, and Windows Vista
Ultimate, Enterprise and Business editions come with Microsoft's Microsoft Management Console
, Windows Registry
Editor and various command-line utilities
that may be used to administrate a remote machine. One form of remote administration is remote desktop software
, and Windows includes a Remote Desktop Connection
client for this purpose.
Windows XP
comes with a built-in remote administration tools called Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop, these are restricted versions of the Windows Server 2003
Terminal Services meant only for helping users and remote administration. With a simple hack/patch (derived from the beta version of Windows XP
) it's possible to "unlock" XP to a fully featured Terminal Server, one good and easy example is Sala´s Terminal Server Patch. With this patch it is possible to make a terminal server out of Windows XP Professional, Multimeda Center, and Tablet PC Edition. Windows XP Home can be made to run a full-featured Terminal Service as well, with additional patching. http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/13/convert-and-upgrade-windows-xp-home-to-professional-without-reinstalling/ http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/14/install-and-enable-remote-desktop-in-windows-xp-home-edition/.
Windows Server 2003
comes with built-in remote administration tools, including a web application
and a simplified version of Terminal Services
designed for Remote administration.
Active Directory
and other features found in Microsoft
's Windows NT
Domains
allow for remote administration of computers that are members of the domain, including editing the registry
and modifying system services and access to the system's "Computer Management" Microsoft Management Console
snap-in.
Some third-party remote desktop software
programs perform the same job.
Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 enables IT
administrators to manage roles and features that are installed on remote computers that are running Windows Server 2008 R2
can be used for remote administration of computer
s, however it is increasingly being used as an equivalent of Terminal Services
and Remote Desktop Protocol
for multi-user environments.
Back Orifice
, whilst commonly used as a Script Kiddie
tool, claims to be a remote-administration and system management tool. Critics have previously stated that the capabilities of the software require a very loose definition of what "administration" entails.
Linux
, UNIX
and BSD support remote administration via remote login, typically via SSH
(The use of the Telnet
protocol has been phased out due to security concerns). X-server
connection forwarding, often tunnelled over SSH for security, allows GUI
programs to be used remotely. VNC is also available for these operating systems.
Apple Remote Desktop
provides Macintosh
users with remote administration capabilities.
Scriptlogic
's Desktop Authority encompasses remote control as a part of remote management. This solution includes: secure web-based access to client machines, real-time diagnostics and troubleshooting, management of the file system, users/groups, registry, virtual memory, reboots and more - without user interaction, interactive remote monitoring and control of the desktop, supports clients running Windows 98 through XP/2003/Vista.
NX and its Google fork NeatX are free graphical Desktop sharing solutions for the X Window System with Clients for different platforms like Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. There is also a enhanced commercial version of NX Server available.
, Pocket PC
, and Palm devices, as well as some mobile phone
s.
Generally these solutions do not provide the full remote access seen on software such as VNC or Terminal Services
, but do allow administrators
to perform a variety of tasks, such as rebooting computers, resetting password
s, and viewing system event logs, thus reducing or even eliminating the need for system administrators to carry a laptop
or be within reach of the office.
AetherPal
and Netop Remote Control
can be used for full wireless remote access and administration on Smartphone
devices.
For systems in environments that need to meet and maintain compliance requirements, remote administration software must have strict security control. Such Software Must be able to exceed the Cyber security standards
.
It is necessary to examine the remote control software functionality that best serves organizations that need a highly secure tool that crosses all platforms and devices and is completely scalable in any environment. It will help IT professionals select a remote control solution that increases productivity and customer satisfaction, as well as enhances the flexibility of the IT organization and improves the company’s risk profile.
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
from a remote location.
Software that allows remote administration is becoming increasingly common and is often used when it is difficult or impractical to be physically near a system in order to use it, or in order to access web material that is not available in one's location, for example viewing the BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer, commonly shortened to iPlayer, is an internet television and radio service, developed by the BBC to extend its former RealPlayer-based and other streamed video clip content to include whole TV shows....
from outside the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. A remote location may refer to a computer in the next room or one on the other side of the world. It may also refer to both legal and illegal (i.e. hacking
Hacker (computer security)
In computer security and everyday language, a hacker is someone who breaks into computers and computer networks. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, including profit, protest, or because of the challenge...
) remote administration (see 0wned).
Internet connection
Any computer with an InternetInternet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
connection, TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
The Transmission Control Protocol is one of the core protocols of the Internet Protocol Suite. TCP is one of the two original components of the suite, complementing the Internet Protocol , and therefore the entire suite is commonly referred to as TCP/IP...
/IP
Internet Protocol
The Internet Protocol is the principal communications protocol used for relaying datagrams across an internetwork using the Internet Protocol Suite...
or on a Local Area Network
Local area network
A local area network is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building...
can be remotely administered.
For non-malicious administration, the user must install or enable server software on the host system in order to be viewed. Then the user/client can access the host system from another computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
using the installed software.
Usually, both systems should be connected to the internet, and the IP address
IP address
An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing...
of the host/server system must be known. Remote administration is therefore less practical if the host uses a dial-up modem
Modem
A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data...
, which is not constantly online and often has a Dynamic IP.
Connecting
When the client connects to the host computer, a window showing the DesktopDesktop environment
In graphical computing, a desktop environment commonly refers to a style of graphical user interface derived from the desktop metaphor that is seen on most modern personal computers. These GUIs help the user in easily accessing, configuring, and modifying many important and frequently accessed...
of the host usually appears. The client may then control the host as if he/she were sitting right in front of it.
Certain versions of Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
have a built-in remote administration package called Remote Desktop Connection. A free cross-platform alternative is VNC, which offers similar functionality.
General
Controlling one's own computer from a remote location (e.g. to access the software on a personal computer from an internet café).Shutdown
- Shutting down or rebooting another computer over a network
Accessing Peripherals
- Using a network device, like printer
- Retrieving streaming data, much like a CCTV system
Modifying
- Editing another computer's registryWindows registryThe Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
settings - Modifying system services
- Installing software on another machine
- Modifying logical groups
Viewing
- Remotely assisting others
- Supervising computer or internet usage
- Access to a remote system's "Computer ManagementMicrosoft Management ConsoleMicrosoft Management Console is a component of Windows 2000 and its successors that provides system administrators and advanced users an interface for configuring and monitoring the system.- Snap-ins and consoles :...
" snap-in
Windows
Windows Server 2003Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 is a server operating system produced by Microsoft, introduced on 24 April 2003. An updated version, Windows Server 2003 R2, was released to manufacturing on 6 December 2005...
/2008, Tablet PC
Tablet computer
A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a complete mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen...
Editions, and Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
Ultimate, Enterprise and Business editions come with Microsoft's Microsoft Management Console
Microsoft Management Console
Microsoft Management Console is a component of Windows 2000 and its successors that provides system administrators and advanced users an interface for configuring and monitoring the system.- Snap-ins and consoles :...
, Windows Registry
Windows registry
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
Editor and various command-line utilities
Command-line interface
A command-line interface is a mechanism for interacting with a computer operating system or software by typing commands to perform specific tasks...
that may be used to administrate a remote machine. One form of remote administration is remote desktop software
Remote desktop software
In computing, the term remote desktop refers to a software or an OS feature allowing applications, either command line programs or graphical applications, to be run remotely on a server, while being displayed locally. Remote desktop applications have varying features...
, and Windows includes a Remote Desktop Connection
Remote Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft, which provides a user with a graphical interface to another computer. The protocol is an extension of the ITU-T T.128 application sharing protocol. Clients exist for most versions of Microsoft Windows , Linux, Unix, Mac OS...
client for this purpose.
Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
comes with a built-in remote administration tools called Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop, these are restricted versions of the Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 is a server operating system produced by Microsoft, introduced on 24 April 2003. An updated version, Windows Server 2003 R2, was released to manufacturing on 6 December 2005...
Terminal Services meant only for helping users and remote administration. With a simple hack/patch (derived from the beta version of Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
) it's possible to "unlock" XP to a fully featured Terminal Server, one good and easy example is Sala´s Terminal Server Patch. With this patch it is possible to make a terminal server out of Windows XP Professional, Multimeda Center, and Tablet PC Edition. Windows XP Home can be made to run a full-featured Terminal Service as well, with additional patching. http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/13/convert-and-upgrade-windows-xp-home-to-professional-without-reinstalling/ http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/14/install-and-enable-remote-desktop-in-windows-xp-home-edition/.
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 is a server operating system produced by Microsoft, introduced on 24 April 2003. An updated version, Windows Server 2003 R2, was released to manufacturing on 6 December 2005...
comes with built-in remote administration tools, including a web application
Web application
A web application is an application that is accessed over a network such as the Internet or an intranet. The term may also mean a computer software application that is coded in a browser-supported language and reliant on a common web browser to render the application executable.Web applications are...
and a simplified version of Terminal Services
Terminal Services
Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2, formerly known as Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 and previous versions, is one of the components of Microsoft Windows that allows a user to access applications and data on a remote computer over a network, using the Remote Desktop...
designed for Remote administration.
Active Directory
Active Directory
Active Directory is a directory service created by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is included in most Windows Server operating systems. Server computers on which Active Directory is running are called domain controllers....
and other features found in Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
's Windows NT
Windows NT
Windows NT is a family of operating systems produced by Microsoft, the first version of which was released in July 1993. It was a powerful high-level-language-based, processor-independent, multiprocessing, multiuser operating system with features comparable to Unix. It was intended to complement...
Domains
Windows Server domain
A Windows domain is a collection of security principals that share a central directory database. This central database contains the user accounts and security information for...
allow for remote administration of computers that are members of the domain, including editing the registry
Windows registry
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
and modifying system services and access to the system's "Computer Management" Microsoft Management Console
Microsoft Management Console
Microsoft Management Console is a component of Windows 2000 and its successors that provides system administrators and advanced users an interface for configuring and monitoring the system.- Snap-ins and consoles :...
snap-in.
Some third-party remote desktop software
Remote desktop software
In computing, the term remote desktop refers to a software or an OS feature allowing applications, either command line programs or graphical applications, to be run remotely on a server, while being displayed locally. Remote desktop applications have varying features...
programs perform the same job.
Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 enables IT
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
administrators to manage roles and features that are installed on remote computers that are running Windows Server 2008 R2
Non-Windows
VNCVirtual Network Computing
In computing, Virtual Network Computing is a graphical desktop sharing system that uses the RFB protocol to remotely control another computer...
can be used for remote administration of computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
s, however it is increasingly being used as an equivalent of Terminal Services
Terminal Services
Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2, formerly known as Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 and previous versions, is one of the components of Microsoft Windows that allows a user to access applications and data on a remote computer over a network, using the Remote Desktop...
and Remote Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft, which provides a user with a graphical interface to another computer. The protocol is an extension of the ITU-T T.128 application sharing protocol. Clients exist for most versions of Microsoft Windows , Linux, Unix, Mac OS...
for multi-user environments.
Back Orifice
Back Orifice
Back Orifice is a controversial computer program designed for remote system administration. It enables a user to control a computer running the Microsoft Windows operating system from a remote location. The name is a word play on Microsoft BackOffice Server software.Back Orifice was designed with...
, whilst commonly used as a Script Kiddie
Script kiddie
A script kiddie or skiddie, occasionally skid, script bunny, script kitty, script-running juvenile or similar, is a derogatory term used to describe those who use scripts or programs developed by others to attack computer systems and networks and deface websites.-Characteristics:In a Carnegie...
tool, claims to be a remote-administration and system management tool. Critics have previously stated that the capabilities of the software require a very loose definition of what "administration" entails.
Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
, UNIX
Unix
Unix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna...
and BSD support remote administration via remote login, typically via SSH
Secure Shell
Secure Shell is a network protocol for secure data communication, remote shell services or command execution and other secure network services between two networked computers that it connects via a secure channel over an insecure network: a server and a client...
(The use of the Telnet
TELNET
Telnet is a network protocol used on the Internet or local area networks to provide a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communications facility using a virtual terminal connection...
protocol has been phased out due to security concerns). X-server
X Window System
The X window system is a computer software system and network protocol that provides a basis for graphical user interfaces and rich input device capability for networked computers...
connection forwarding, often tunnelled over SSH for security, allows GUI
Gui
Gui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally...
programs to be used remotely. VNC is also available for these operating systems.
Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is a Macintosh application produced by Apple Inc., first released on March 14, 2002, that replaced a similar product called Apple Network Assistant...
provides Macintosh
Macintosh
The Macintosh , or Mac, is a series of several lines of personal computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. The first Macintosh was introduced by Apple's then-chairman Steve Jobs on January 24, 1984; it was the first commercially successful personal computer to feature a mouse and a...
users with remote administration capabilities.
Scriptlogic
Scriptlogic
ScriptLogic Corporation is a software manufacturer of network administration products for Microsoft Windows-based networks. ScriptLogic’s suite of desktop, server, and Active Directory management products allow network administrators to remotely manage network-connected desktop PCs and servers to...
's Desktop Authority encompasses remote control as a part of remote management. This solution includes: secure web-based access to client machines, real-time diagnostics and troubleshooting, management of the file system, users/groups, registry, virtual memory, reboots and more - without user interaction, interactive remote monitoring and control of the desktop, supports clients running Windows 98 through XP/2003/Vista.
NX and its Google fork NeatX are free graphical Desktop sharing solutions for the X Window System with Clients for different platforms like Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. There is also a enhanced commercial version of NX Server available.
Wireless Remote Administration
Remote administration software has recently started to appear on wireless devices such as the BlackBerryBlackBerry
BlackBerry is a line of mobile email and smartphone devices developed and designed by Canadian company Research In Motion since 1999.BlackBerry devices are smartphones, designed to function as personal digital assistants, portable media players, internet browsers, gaming devices, and much more...
, Pocket PC
Pocket PC
A Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
, and Palm devices, as well as some mobile phone
Mobile phone
A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
s.
Generally these solutions do not provide the full remote access seen on software such as VNC or Terminal Services
Terminal Services
Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2, formerly known as Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 and previous versions, is one of the components of Microsoft Windows that allows a user to access applications and data on a remote computer over a network, using the Remote Desktop...
, but do allow administrators
System administrator
A system administrator, IT systems administrator, systems administrator, or sysadmin is a person employed to maintain and operate a computer system and/or network...
to perform a variety of tasks, such as rebooting computers, resetting password
Password
A password is a secret word or string of characters that is used for authentication, to prove identity or gain access to a resource . The password should be kept secret from those not allowed access....
s, and viewing system event logs, thus reducing or even eliminating the need for system administrators to carry a laptop
Laptop
A laptop, also called a notebook, is a personal computer for mobile use. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device and speakers into a single unit...
or be within reach of the office.
AetherPal
AetherPal
AetherPal is a smart remote control allows support staff to take control of any smartphone or pc anywhere in the world over an IP connection, as if the smartphone is in the hands of the support staff...
and Netop Remote Control
Netop Remote Control
Netop Remote Control is a product of Netop Business Solutions A/S. It provides solutions for the remote management and support of enterprise IT infrastructure, help desk, customer service, kiosk and POS devices...
can be used for full wireless remote access and administration on Smartphone
Smartphone
A smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
devices.
Security
Security is an important factor when choosing a remote support solution for any enterprise. Gone are the days where security was just a matter of the highest degree of encryption. Today, a truly secure remote support solution will allow organizations to centrally control who can do what and where safe in the knowledge that when each remote session has finished it should be able to document what actually took place.For systems in environments that need to meet and maintain compliance requirements, remote administration software must have strict security control. Such Software Must be able to exceed the Cyber security standards
Cyber security standards
Cyber security standards are security standards which enable organizations to practice safe security techniques to minimize the number of successful cyber security attacks. These guides provide general outlines as well as specific techniques for implementing cyber security. For certain specific...
.
It is necessary to examine the remote control software functionality that best serves organizations that need a highly secure tool that crosses all platforms and devices and is completely scalable in any environment. It will help IT professionals select a remote control solution that increases productivity and customer satisfaction, as well as enhances the flexibility of the IT organization and improves the company’s risk profile.