Today's technology has come a long way in closing the divide between Windows and Mac applications, especially in the enterprise. However, a gap still exists for some and requires a bridge to move between computing environments.
For Mac users, the stalwart tool has been the Microsoft Remote Desktop connection. Available now through the Mac App store, it allows users to remotely connect to a Windows desktop to access local files, applications, and network resources.
Note: If you want to access Microsoft Remote Desktop on a newer Mac running macOS Sierra, check out this article instead.
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In order to get started with Microsoft Remote Desktop, you must begin by downloading it from the Mac App Store. Click the blue 'App Store' icon in your dock. Or, you can download it from our sister site Download.com here.
Once you've accessed the Mac App Store, use the search bar at the top right of the screen to search for 'Microsoft Remote Desktop.' The first search result should be what you're looking for. To begin the download, click the blue 'Get' button. This app is free, so no price will be listed.
Next, open the application by clicking through the grey 'Launchpad' icon and clicking on the Remote Desktop app icon. Or, you can use the searchlight feature by clicking the looking glass at the top right of your home screen, or by using the shortcut Command + Space Bar, and searching for 'Microsoft Remote Desktop.' Opening the app should look like this:
If you think you'll be frequently using this remote desktop connection, now would be a good time to set it in your dock. Right click (control + click) on the icon, mouse over 'Options,' and click 'Keep in Dock.' This will keep you from having to look for the icon every time you need to use it.
At this point you'll need to enable remote access on your target PC. For a Windows 8 machine, the fastest way to get this done is to search for 'Allow remote access to your computer' and click on that when it comes up. You may need an administrator password to complete this step. Under the 'System Properties' box you should see 'Remote Desktop' and the button labeled 'Allow remote connections to this computer' should be selected.
Next, you'll need to select the users who will be able to be accessed through the remote desktop connection. Now, search for 'System' and click it when it appears. Turn off hibernation and sleep settings for the target PC, as you won't be able to access it remotely if it falls asleep.
SEE: Software usage policy (Tech Pro Research)
While still in 'System,' it's a good time to go ahead and get your full PC name if you don't already have it, as you'll need it to set up the connection. Click on 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings' to find the full PC name and write it down. Enabling a Windows 7 computer is a little different, but you can find out how to do that here.
Head back to your Mac and click the 'New' button at the top left of the Microsoft Remote Desktop screen. You'll be prompted to fill in quite a few fields.
The first thing you'll need to input is the connection name. This is simply what you want to call the connection and it has no real bearing on the connection itself. For example, you could call it 'John's work computer,' or 'Jennifer's PC.'
Next, you'll need to input the PC name (the one you wrote down from earlier), or the IP address so your Mac knows where to find your PC. The next line down allows you to configure a Gateway, which would let you connect to virtual desktops or session-based desktops that are on your company's network. Check with your network administrator to see if there is a gateway you are to use.
Credentials is where you will type in the domain, username, and password for the target PC so you can log in through the remote connection. Resolution, colors, and full screen mode are all personal preferences for how you want the remote desktop to launch on your machine. If you're not sure, start with the standard settings and go from there.
If you want to configure peripheral devices for your remote desktop, you can find options for that under the middle tab, 'Session.'
The first choice is a drop-down menu for sound. You can disable sound, have it play on the remote PC, or have it play on your Mac. If you want to connect to an administrator session on a Windows server, click the box next to 'Connect to admin session.'
The next option to 'Forward printing devices' will make your local printers available during your remote desktop session. 'Swap mouse buttons' will allow you to use left click commands with a right-click Mac mouse.
The last tab at the top of the window is 'Redirection.' This is where you would choose a local folder you wanted to be available during your remote session. Click the '+' button, choose a name for the folder, and input the folder's path to have it available.
When you are finished configuring your remote desktop, click the red close button at the top left of the dialog box and your new remote desktop will be added. To start a session with that desktop, simply double-click it to begin.
If you want to edit, duplicate, export, or delete that remote connection, right-click (control + click) on the desktop name to access those options.
If you don't think Microsoft Remote Desktop is the option for you, here are some other options available at Download.com:
What do you think?
Is there a better way to access your Windows applications? Tell us in the comments.
Apple Weekly Newsletter
Whether you need iPhone and Mac tips or rundowns of enterprise-specific Apple news, we've got you covered. Delivered Tuesdays
Sign up today Sign up todayAlso see
- Top 20 Apple keyboard shortcuts for business users (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
- Windows RDP flaw: 'Install Microsoft's patch, turn on your firewall' (ZDNet)
- Apple macOS Mojave: Cheat sheet (TechRepublic)
- The 12 best features of MacOS Mojave (CNET)
- How to secure your Mac in 4 basic steps (TechRepublic)
If you are starting a business or are venturing into organizing webinars, you probably should try a free product first before investing in professional webinar software and tools. Bear in mind that free services and tools come with some limitations. In webinars, the limitation is usually the number of attendees you can have in a meeting. All of the webinar providers listed here are either free or have a free plan or trial period, which allows you to evaluate each of them before you buy.
JoinMe
What We Like
Customizable URL and background.
Modern, easy-to-use interface.
Mobile apps for Android and iOS.
What We Don't Like
No webcam streams in free version.
Doesn't work well with a slow internet connection.
This sleek and simple tool has a feature that is useful for webinars — screen sharing. It also offers the possibility of file sharing and access using mobile phones running iOS and Android. The free version of JoinMe is limited to three meeting participants. The company offers several paid plans with extended features if you decide it is the right plan for you.
Mikogo
What We Like
Robust screen-sharing features.
No download needed for participants accessing via browsers.
Impressive whiteboard tools.
What We Don't Like
Auto-renewal without prior notification.
3-month notice of cancellation.
Screen freezes and poor quality on slow internet connections.
Screenshot Tool For Mac
Mikogo has three paid plans, a free personal plan, and a 14-day free-trial. However, the free plan accommodates only one user and one participant per session and contains limited features compared to the paid plans. The company offers a 14-day free trial of its paid Professional service, which accommodates 25 attendees per webinar. Mikogo's Premier Business Account is available for a custom number of users in your company to organize webinars and a custom number of participants.
Participants connect via web browser or mobile app. Its free screen-sharing capability is the star of the service.
OpenMeetings
What We Like
Open source software.
Includes chat and private message center.
Can create Yes/No polls of participants.
What We Don't Like
Not as user-friendly as its competitors.
User interface looks outdated.
Apache OpenMeetings is free open-source software that allows you to set up conference calls using either voice or video. There is no limitation on the usage or the number of persons participating in a meeting. It offers the possibility to share your desktop, share documents on a whiteboard, and record the meetings. It requires you to download and install a small package on your server before using the service.
Ekiga
What We Like
Free open-source software.
Clean, modern interface.
HD sound and high-quality video.
What We Don't Like
Features are limited.
No version for Mac computers.
Ekiga is an open-source Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) softphone app that includes the functionalities of a voice softphone, video conferencing tool, and instant messaging tool. It is available for Windows and Linux and is completely free and simple to use. Although it does not come with a ton of features, it offers user-friendliness and seamless Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) communication for Windows and Linux users.
GoToMeeting
What We Like
Available for all popular operating systems and mobile devices.
Crystal-clear audio.
Custom URL and personal meeting room.
Free trial includes 50 participants.
What We Don't Like
Software download and sign-in process is confusing for webinar newbies.
No polling capability.
Video calls can't be recorded.
SEE: Software usage policy (Tech Pro Research)
While still in 'System,' it's a good time to go ahead and get your full PC name if you don't already have it, as you'll need it to set up the connection. Click on 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings' to find the full PC name and write it down. Enabling a Windows 7 computer is a little different, but you can find out how to do that here.
Head back to your Mac and click the 'New' button at the top left of the Microsoft Remote Desktop screen. You'll be prompted to fill in quite a few fields.
The first thing you'll need to input is the connection name. This is simply what you want to call the connection and it has no real bearing on the connection itself. For example, you could call it 'John's work computer,' or 'Jennifer's PC.'
Next, you'll need to input the PC name (the one you wrote down from earlier), or the IP address so your Mac knows where to find your PC. The next line down allows you to configure a Gateway, which would let you connect to virtual desktops or session-based desktops that are on your company's network. Check with your network administrator to see if there is a gateway you are to use.
Credentials is where you will type in the domain, username, and password for the target PC so you can log in through the remote connection. Resolution, colors, and full screen mode are all personal preferences for how you want the remote desktop to launch on your machine. If you're not sure, start with the standard settings and go from there.
If you want to configure peripheral devices for your remote desktop, you can find options for that under the middle tab, 'Session.'
The first choice is a drop-down menu for sound. You can disable sound, have it play on the remote PC, or have it play on your Mac. If you want to connect to an administrator session on a Windows server, click the box next to 'Connect to admin session.'
The next option to 'Forward printing devices' will make your local printers available during your remote desktop session. 'Swap mouse buttons' will allow you to use left click commands with a right-click Mac mouse.
The last tab at the top of the window is 'Redirection.' This is where you would choose a local folder you wanted to be available during your remote session. Click the '+' button, choose a name for the folder, and input the folder's path to have it available.
When you are finished configuring your remote desktop, click the red close button at the top left of the dialog box and your new remote desktop will be added. To start a session with that desktop, simply double-click it to begin.
If you want to edit, duplicate, export, or delete that remote connection, right-click (control + click) on the desktop name to access those options.
If you don't think Microsoft Remote Desktop is the option for you, here are some other options available at Download.com:
What do you think?
Is there a better way to access your Windows applications? Tell us in the comments.
Apple Weekly Newsletter
Whether you need iPhone and Mac tips or rundowns of enterprise-specific Apple news, we've got you covered. Delivered Tuesdays
Sign up today Sign up todayAlso see
- Top 20 Apple keyboard shortcuts for business users (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
- Windows RDP flaw: 'Install Microsoft's patch, turn on your firewall' (ZDNet)
- Apple macOS Mojave: Cheat sheet (TechRepublic)
- The 12 best features of MacOS Mojave (CNET)
- How to secure your Mac in 4 basic steps (TechRepublic)
If you are starting a business or are venturing into organizing webinars, you probably should try a free product first before investing in professional webinar software and tools. Bear in mind that free services and tools come with some limitations. In webinars, the limitation is usually the number of attendees you can have in a meeting. All of the webinar providers listed here are either free or have a free plan or trial period, which allows you to evaluate each of them before you buy.
JoinMe
What We Like
Customizable URL and background.
Modern, easy-to-use interface.
Mobile apps for Android and iOS.
What We Don't Like
No webcam streams in free version.
Doesn't work well with a slow internet connection.
This sleek and simple tool has a feature that is useful for webinars — screen sharing. It also offers the possibility of file sharing and access using mobile phones running iOS and Android. The free version of JoinMe is limited to three meeting participants. The company offers several paid plans with extended features if you decide it is the right plan for you.
Mikogo
What We Like
Robust screen-sharing features.
No download needed for participants accessing via browsers.
Impressive whiteboard tools.
What We Don't Like
Auto-renewal without prior notification.
3-month notice of cancellation.
Screen freezes and poor quality on slow internet connections.
Screenshot Tool For Mac
Mikogo has three paid plans, a free personal plan, and a 14-day free-trial. However, the free plan accommodates only one user and one participant per session and contains limited features compared to the paid plans. The company offers a 14-day free trial of its paid Professional service, which accommodates 25 attendees per webinar. Mikogo's Premier Business Account is available for a custom number of users in your company to organize webinars and a custom number of participants.
Participants connect via web browser or mobile app. Its free screen-sharing capability is the star of the service.
OpenMeetings
What We Like
Open source software.
Includes chat and private message center.
Can create Yes/No polls of participants.
What We Don't Like
Not as user-friendly as its competitors.
User interface looks outdated.
Apache OpenMeetings is free open-source software that allows you to set up conference calls using either voice or video. There is no limitation on the usage or the number of persons participating in a meeting. It offers the possibility to share your desktop, share documents on a whiteboard, and record the meetings. It requires you to download and install a small package on your server before using the service.
Ekiga
What We Like
Free open-source software.
Clean, modern interface.
HD sound and high-quality video.
What We Don't Like
Features are limited.
No version for Mac computers.
Ekiga is an open-source Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) softphone app that includes the functionalities of a voice softphone, video conferencing tool, and instant messaging tool. It is available for Windows and Linux and is completely free and simple to use. Although it does not come with a ton of features, it offers user-friendliness and seamless Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) communication for Windows and Linux users.
GoToMeeting
What We Like
Available for all popular operating systems and mobile devices.
Crystal-clear audio.
Custom URL and personal meeting room.
Free trial includes 50 participants.
What We Don't Like
Software download and sign-in process is confusing for webinar newbies.
No polling capability.
Video calls can't be recorded.
Stalwart Tools Reviews
GoToMeeting is no newcomer in the webinar arena. This business stalwart connects with anyone on any device. The service is feature-rich and includes everything you could want: screen-sharing, HD video conferencing, recording, mobile apps, keyboard and mouse sharing, and 1-click meetings.
Stalwart Tool For Mac
Zoom
What We Like
HD video and audio.
Straightforward platform is easy to use.
Live demo is available.
What We Don't Like
Lots of features are available only as paid add-ons.
Business with multiple hosts must have multiple paid accounts.
Not much in the way of tutorials or onboarding.
Whether your webinar is for online meetings, training, technical support, or marketing events, Zoom can meet your needs. The service provides cross-platform messaging and file sharing for up to 500 video participants and 10,000 viewers with the company's several paid plans.
Zoom offers a free plan for up to 100 participants. The free plan has many of the features of the paid plans, including video conferencing, web conferencing, group collaboration features, and security. However, the free plan limits webinars to 40 minutes. Still, this is enough to give you a good feel for the service's capabilities.
