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How to Set Up Remote Access to a Work Computer

Stable remote access to a work computer without administrator rights. Best self-hosted solutions: Getscreen.me, RustDesk, NoMachine. Step-by-step setup and security.

#getscreen-me#kinetic-router#remote-access#remote-access-security#rustdesk#self-hosting
Question

How to set up remote access to a work computer?

I periodically need to work from home, but I’m not the main administrator in the organization, so connecting through the corporate MikroTik is not possible. The old AnyDesk works unstably: sometimes it hangs or doesn’t establish a connection with the company network. I tried Tailscale, which initially seemed like a suitable solution, but at some point it stopped functioning.

I’ve seen many alternative solutions, including self-hosted options. I need a solution with minimal setup or a relatively stable one that can be configured once and then left alone.

If it matters, I have a Kinetic router at home.

NeuroAgent

For organizing stable remote access to a work computer without administrative rights, I recommend using self-hosting solutions like Getscreen.me, RustDesk, or NoMachine. These tools allow you to create a secure connection with minimal setup and do not require administrator rights on the remote computer.

Table of Contents

Best Self-Hosted Solutions

Getscreen.me

Getscreen.me is a powerful self-hosting solution that offers a seamless client experience for accessing your home computer from anywhere. As noted by experts at xda-developers, this program surpasses RustDesk in many aspects.

Advantages:

  • Allows access through any web browser without installing client software
  • Supports file transfers up to 2 GB
  • Built-in chat and video conferencing features
  • Remote power management capabilities
  • Session recording for future analysis

RustDesk

RustDesk is a free and open-source tool that is perfect for self-hosting. According to Neowin, the platform works with minimal configuration requirements and does not require administrative rights for installation.

Key Features:

  • Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
  • Works without VPN or port forwarding, overcoming firewalls and NAT
  • Brand customization options for corporate use
  • Open-source code for security control
  • Simple installation via MSI files

NoMachine

NoMachine uses NX technology based on SSH, which ensures a secure connection over the internet. According to Wikipedia, this system allows running modern Unix and Windows desktops over the internet in secure mode.

Advantages:

  • Reliable connection encryption
  • Support for various session types (Remote Desktop, XDM)
  • Ability to run individual applications without a full desktop
  • Automatic handling of session suspension and resumption

Step-by-Step Setup of Popular Tools

Setting up Getscreen.me

  1. Download the server software from the official website
  2. Install on your home computer - the process does not require administrative rights
  3. Configure web access:
    bash
    # Example basic configuration for Getscreen.me
getscreen --web-port=8080 --enable-web-interface
  4. Open access in the Kinetic router:
    • Go to the router’s web interface
    • Configure port forwarding for port 8080 to your computer’s local IP
  5. Save the ID and password for access from outside the network

Setting up RustDesk

  1. Download the installer from the official website
  2. Install on your home computer - works without admin rights
  3. Activate self-hosting:
    RustDesk Professional Server (paid) or Basic Server (free)
  4. Configure cloud tunnel to bypass firewalls:
    bash
    # Example configuration via Cloudflare Tunnel
rustdesk-server --relay-server rustdesk.com:21117 --key your-api-key
  5. Use the web client to access from any browser

Setting up NoMachine

  1. Download the free version from the official website
  2. Install on your home computer
  3. Create a custom session:
    Launch NoMachine → Add → Custom session → mate-terminal
  4. Configure SSH tunnel for secure access
  5. Save connection parameters for quick access

Security and Connection Stability

Connection Protection

To ensure secure remote access, it is recommended to:

  1. Use two-factor authentication wherever possible
  2. Regularly update software - self-hosting solutions receive security patches
  3. Restrict access by IP addresses in router settings
  4. Use VPN as an additional layer of protection

Operational Stability

Avoid instability issues:

  • Choose servers in your region to minimize latency
  • Optimize network settings of the Kinetic router:
    QoS priority for remote desktop traffic
Stable bandwidth of at least 10 Mbps
  • Use wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for the home computer
  • Configure automatic service restart in case of failure

Alternative Cloud Solutions

If self-hosting seems too complicated, consider cloud alternatives:

TeamViewer

According to TeamViewer, it’s free for personal use and provides stable connections. Advantages:

  • Fully automatic setup
  • Global relay network
  • Integration with mobile devices

Splashtop

As noted by Splashtop, this is the best alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop with high performance and security.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Simple browser-based access that doesn’t require client software installation. Ideal for situations when you need to connect quickly.

Solving Kinetic Router Issues

For proper operation with a Kinetic router, perform the following settings:

Port Forwarding

  1. Go to the router’s web interface (usually 192.168.1.1)
  2. Navigate to the “Port Forwarding” section
  3. Add rules for the ports used:
    Getscreen.me: 8080
RustDesk: 21117 (or another selected port)
NoMachine: 4000

UPnP Configuration

Enable UPnP in router settings for automatic device discovery in the network.

Stable Operation

  • Update router firmware to the latest version
  • Configure Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize remote desktop traffic
  • Use static IP for the home computer

Connection Testing

After configuration, check availability through online services like portchecker.co or use the built-in tests of the tools.

Sources

  1. Getscreen.me - Self-hosting solution better than RustDesk
  2. RustDesk - Free open source
  3. NoMachine - NX technology via SSH
  4. TeamViewer - Free for personal use
  5. Splashtop - Alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop
  6. Reddit - Discussion of self-hosting solutions

Conclusion

For remote access to a work computer without administrative rights, I recommend:

  1. Getscreen.me - the best choice for minimal setup and web access
  2. RustDesk - ideal for those who want full control over the connection
  3. NoMachine - suitable for secure corporate use

These solutions allow you to set up the connection once and forget about problems. For working with a Kinetic router, configure port forwarding and UPnP for automatic device discovery. Always use two-factor authentication and regular software updates for security.

How to set up port forwarding on a Kinetic router for remote access?How to secure remote access to a work computer?What are TeamViewer alternatives for remote access without administrator rights?How to set up Getscreen.me for stable remote access?How to fix unstable connection issues with remote access?How to use NoMachine for remote access via SSH?
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