I'm looking for a reliable remote desktop client to assist my mother with her computer issues. I've installed Remmina on both her and my computer, but I'm a little lost on how to use it effectively. Both computers are running Mint, but she's on an older 32-bit version (I know, I probably should upgrade her system). Since we're not on the same network and have different IPs, I'm wondering if I need a server or if there's a better app out there. Any suggestions or guidance would be incredibly helpful!
6 Answers
If you're looking for something simpler, Rustdesk is quite user-friendly and doesn’t require setting up a server at all, though you can if you want the extra features. Just a FYI, their Android app is only available on GitHub, not on Google Play. It's worth looking into if you haven't already!
Remmina is great, but it can be a bit tricky since it mainly connects to machines on the same network. If your mom's computer is behind a router, that could complicate things. I’d recommend looking into alternatives like TeamViewer or Rustdesk. Just a heads-up, Rustdesk may not support 32-bit systems, and older versions of Mint (like the one your mom is using) are both unsupported and a security risk. You might want to think about upgrading her OS for her safety.
I have had great experiences using AnyDesk for remote support, especially since they have a version for Linux. Best part? It’s free for personal use and easy to set up. You might want to give that a try as well!
Considering your mom’s situation, a Chromebook could be an excellent choice. My friends in their 70s made the switch and are really happy with it. Chromebooks are user-friendly, secure, and update automatically, which makes it easier for non-tech savvy users. If Mint is working fine for her and you think she can manage it, that’s great too. But if you find troubleshooting to be difficult, a Chromebook might simplify things for both of you.
For remote access, I personally use NoMachine as a fallback, but I find Moonlight really good if you’re into gaming too. It works seamlessly on older hardware, which should work fine for your setup. Just make sure you have a solid internet connection for the best performance!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely check out Moonlight.