rdesktop

rdesktop is an open-source command-line client for Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It allows Linux and Unix users to connect to and control Windows-based computers over a network, making it useful for remote administration, technical support, and accessing Windows applications or desktops from a non-Windows environment.

Purpose

• Remote Desktop Access: Connect to Windows terminal servers or desktops remotely.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Enables Linux and Unix users to interact with Windows environments using RDP.

• Command-Line Flexibility: Offers a range of options for tailoring connection settings such as screen resolution, color depth, authentication, and more.

Basic Syntax

rdesktop [options] server[:port]

• server: The hostname or IP address of the Windows machine to connect to.

• port: (Optional) The port number for the RDP service (default is 3389).

Common Options

• -u <username>: Specify the username for login.

  rdesktop -u john_doe server.example.com

• -p <password>: Specify the password for login (use with caution as it may be visible in process listings).

  rdesktop -u john_doe -p secret server.example.com

• -g <geometry>: Set the screen resolution. Acceptable formats include <width>x<height>, e.g., 1024x768.

  rdesktop -g 1280x1024 server.example.com

• -a <depth>: Specify the color depth (in bits). Common values are 8, 16, or 32.

  rdesktop -a 16 server.example.com

• -f: Launch in full-screen mode.

  rdesktop -f server.example.com

• -k <layout>: Set the keyboard layout (e.g., en-us, fr, etc.).

  rdesktop -k en-us server.example.com

• -d <domain>: Specify the domain for authentication (useful in corporate environments).

  rdesktop -d MYDOMAIN -u john_doe server.example.com

• -r sound:local: Redirect sound from the remote machine to the local machine.

  rdesktop -r sound:local server.example.com

• -r clipboard:PRIMARYCLIPBOARD: Enable clipboard sharing between the local and remote systems.

  rdesktop -r clipboard:PRIMARYCLIPBOARD server.example.com

Examples

1. Basic Connection:

   rdesktop server.example.com

   Connects to the Windows machine at server.example.com using default settings.

2. Specify User and Domain:

   rdesktop -u john_doe -d MYDOMAIN server.example.com

   Connects with the username john_doe in the domain MYDOMAIN.

3. Full-Screen with Custom Resolution:

   rdesktop -f -g 1920x1080 server.example.com

   Launches the connection in full-screen mode with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.

4. Connection with Specified Color Depth and Clipboard Redirection:

   rdesktop -a 16 -r clipboard:PRIMARYCLIPBOARD server.example.com

   Connects using 16-bit color depth and enables clipboard sharing.

Conclusion

rdesktop is a powerful tool for Linux and Unix users who need to access Windows systems remotely using RDP. Its extensive range of options allows users to customize connections for various requirements, such as screen resolution, authentication, and peripheral redirection. Whether for administrative tasks or everyday remote desktop use, rdesktop offers a flexible solution for cross-platform connectivity.