How to use the command rdesktop (with examples)

The rdesktop command is a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client that allows users to connect to a remote computer using the RDP protocol. It provides a graphical interface to the remote desktop, allowing users to access and control the remote computer’s desktop and applications.

Use case 1: Connect to a remote computer

Code:

rdesktop -u username -p password host:port

Motivation: This use case allows users to connect to a remote computer using their username and password. It is useful when you need to access files, applications, and resources on a remote computer.

Explanation:

• -u username: Specifies the username to be used for authentication.
• -p password: Specifies the password to be used for authentication.
• host:port: Specifies the IP address or hostname of the remote computer and the port number (default is 3389).

Example output:

Trying 192.168.1.111...
Connected to 192.168.1.111.

Use case 2: Simple Examples

Code:

rdesktop -u Administrator -p passwd123 192.168.1.111:3389

Motivation: This use case demonstrates a simple example where the username is “Administrator” and the password is “passwd123”. It can be used as a template to connect to a remote computer using specific credentials.

Example output:

Trying 192.168.1.111...
Connected to 192.168.1.111.

Use case 3: Connect to a remote computer with full screen

Code:

rdesktop -u username -p password -f host:port

Motivation: This use case allows users to connect to a remote computer using full-screen mode. It provides a more immersive experience when working with the remote desktop.

Explanation:

• -f: Specifies to launch rdesktop in full-screen mode.

Example output:

Trying 192.168.1.111...
Connected to 192.168.1.111 in full screen mode.

Use case 4: Use a custom resolution

Code:

rdesktop -u username -p password -g 1366x768 host:port

Motivation: This use case allows users to specify a custom resolution for the remote desktop. It is useful when you want to match the resolution of the remote desktop to your local display.

Explanation:

• -g 1366x768: Specifies the resolution of the remote desktop. In this example, it sets the resolution to 1366x768.

Example output:

Trying 192.168.1.111...
Connected to 192.168.1.111 with a resolution of 1366x768.

Use case 5: Connect to a remote computer using domain user

Code:

rdesktop -u username -p password -d domainname host:port

Motivation: This use case allows users to authenticate with a remote computer using a domain user. It is useful when the remote computer is part of a domain and requires domain credentials for authentication.

Explanation:

• -d domainname: Specifies the name of the domain to which the user belongs.

Example output:

Trying 192.168.1.111...
Connected to 192.168.1.111 with domain credentials.

Use case 6: Use 16-bit color

Code:

rdesktop -u username -p password -a 16 host:port

Motivation: This use case allows users to connect to a remote computer using 16-bit color depth. It can help improve performance when working with graphical-intensive applications on the remote desktop.

Explanation:

• -a 16: Specifies the color depth to be used. In this example, it sets the color depth to 16-bit.

Example output:

Trying 192.168.1.111...
Connected to 192.168.1.111 with 16-bit color depth.

Conclusion:

The rdesktop command provides a versatile way to connect to a remote computer using the RDP protocol. Whether you need to access files, applications, or resources on a remote computer, customize the resolution, or use domain credentials, rdesktop has you covered. Its various options allow users to tailor their remote desktop experience to their preferences and requirements.