HOW TO CONNECT TO THE SERVER VIA RDP

What will you learn from this post?

• Definition of RDP.
• How to connect to the server from Windows?
• How to connect to the server from Ubuntu?
• How to connect to the server from mobile devices?

What is RDP?

RDP abbreviation means Remote Desktop Protocol, the protocol responsible for the remote control of the desktop. Microsoft owns it. The protocol ensures the most convenient, functional, and secure way to connect to the particular device. It can be a personal computer or a VDS server (same as VPS. Follow the link to learn more).

Note: you need nothing but the basics of technoliteracy to use RDP. Even so, you can launch it from almost every operating system. Though, the algorithm of actions varies. That is why a post about server connection must be divided into sections with step-by-step instructions.

Connection With the Server Through Windows

As the company that developed the protocol owns this operating system, this way is the easiest. RDP is available in versions from 2000 and XP to 10 inclusive. Each version has got a Start menu option called “Remote desktop connection.” On the other hand, you might not look for it and act simpler:

1. Find an option “Run” in a Start menu or press the buttons Win + R on your keyboard. In a window that has just appeared, you must type mstsc and press Enter.
2. A dialog window occurs. There, you must find a column “Computer” and fill it with the IP address of your server.
3. After that, the authorization window pops up. Fill in your login name and password, press the button “OK.”
4. Sometimes a warning about an SSL certificate being unable to pass the check can appear. It is not a mistake. You can check the option “Never ask me again” and press “Yes.”
5. If you do everything right, you will see a desktop of your server!

Connection With the Server Through Ubuntu

As the RDP protocol is a Microsoft product, it has no official support in this operating system. Though there is a convenient and reliable solution - Remmina client. Some versions have it by default. If you don’t have it, it is not an issue either. To install it, run the Terminal and type three commands:

• sudo apt-add-repository ppa:remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp libfreerdp-plugins-standard

After that, you need to reboot an application and perform the following actions:

1. Run Remmina, choose the RDP connection, type the IP address of your server and press the “Connect” button.
2. A new window will appear, where you need to type in the server user’s name (login) and password. Press the OK button.
3. If a question about an SSL certificate appears, press the button “Accept”. Now, you must be able to see the desktop of your server. 

Connection With the Server Through a Mobile Device

Today, the issue of connection with a remote server through a smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS, it does not matter) goes more urgent. Microsoft created brand applications for both ecosystems. You can find them in the App Store or Google Play under the name “Remote Desktop”. its usage has some special moments:

1. First, you need to go to the Options tab and create a user account — type login and password into the corresponding fields.
2. Then, press “+” in the upper right corner, then choose the option “Desktop”, fill in the IP address of the server, and choose an account you’ve just created. 
3. If you get a message about the SSL certificate mistake, check the option “Never ask me again”.
4. You must see a desktop of your server on the screen of your device. 

P.S. As you can see, RDP is not that difficult. However, every VPS user might have questions and troubles. That is why convenient technical support solving problems fast and in an intelligible way is essential. In HostZealot, you’ll get such support. Our managers are always ready to help with RDP connections in different situations.