A main use of remote desktop software is remote administration and remote implementation. This need arises when software buyers are far away from their software vendor. Most remote access software can be used for "
headless computers": instead of each computer having its own monitor, keyboard, and mouse, or using a
KVM switch, one computer can have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and remote control software, and control many headless computers. The duplicate desktop mode is useful for user support and education. Remote control software combined with telephone communication can be nearly as helpful for novice computer-users as if the support staff were actually there. Remote desktop software can be used to access a remote computer: a physical personal
computer to which a user does not have physical access, but that can be accessed or interacted with. Unlike
servers, remote computers are mainly used for peer to peer connections, where one device is unattended. A remote computer connection is generally only possible if both devices have a
network connection. Since the advent of
cloud computing remote desktop software can be housed on
USB hardware devices, allowing users to connect the device to any PC connected to their network or the Internet and recreate their desktop via a connection to the cloud. This model avoids one problem with remote desktop software, which requires the local computer to be switched on at the time when the user wishes to access it remotely. (It is possible with a router with C2S VPN support, and
wake on LAN equipment, to establish a
virtual private network (VPN) connection with the router over the Internet if not connected to the
LAN, switch on a computer connected to the router, then connect to it.) Remote desktop products are available in three models: hosted service, software, and appliance.
Tech support scammers use remote desktop software to connect to their victim's computer and will often lock out the computer if the victim does not cooperate. == Protocols ==