CoRD - Remote Desktop Client for Mac
The Evolution of Multi-Device Computing and the Need for Remote Access
The era of relying on a single personal computer is now largely behind us. A significant majority of computer users currently utilize multiple devices across various locations. Consequently, the need to access one computer from another arises frequently.
This is where remote desktop clients become essential tools.
Introducing CoRD: An Open-Source Remote Desktop Solution
Numerous remote desktop clients are available, and many have been previously reviewed. Today’s focus is on CoRD, an open-source application designed to facilitate control of Windows PCs from a macOS environment.
Key Features of CoRD
CoRD distinguishes itself through its ability to manage connections to multiple PCs within a single session. This functionality enables seamless switching between different machines as needed.
The application provides a convenient way to remotely operate Windows systems directly from a Mac.
CoRD offers a streamlined experience for users requiring access to their Windows computers while working on macOS.
Initial Mac Client Setup
Upon the first launch of CoRD, a prompt appears offering to relocate the application to the Applications folder. This convenient feature assists in maintaining an organized download directory.
The CoRD main interface is characterized by its simplicity, featuring a large, empty display area and a single toolbar. The empty area serves as the display for the remote computer's screen.
To manage remote computers, click the "Servers" icon, which will open the server sidebar. This sidebar is where all your remote computer connections are administered.
Adding a new remote computer is accomplished by clicking the "+ (plus)" button located in the sidebar's bottom right corner. Essential information, including the IP address, username, and password of the target computer, must be provided before a connection can be established.
Consult your network administrator or router documentation to obtain this necessary connection information.
The "Session Preferences" pane allows customization of the remote session. Here, you can define the screen size, color depth, and hotkey assignments.
Furthermore, this pane enables the forwarding of disks and printers connected to the remote computer. The "Performance & Audio" pane controls the inclusion of additional elements like desktop backgrounds, animations, and themes.
Because these visual enhancements demand greater CPU resources, disabling them can lead to improved performance. Reducing the screen size and disabling external devices within the "Session Preferences" pane will also contribute to a more responsive experience.
Additional options for individual remote computers can be accessed by right-clicking on their entry within the sidebar.
To determine the network address of a remote computer on a home or work network, a network detection application, such as the free Network Scanner, can be utilized on the remote machine.
Begin by defining the IP range, then scan the network to identify the computer's address from the resulting list.
Alternatively, online tools like What Is My IP Address can also be employed to discover the remote computer’s network address.
Configuring the Windows System
Following the CoRD setup on your Mac, the next step involves configuring the Windows machine to enable remote access capabilities. The official CoRD support documentation links to Microsoft’s resources designed to assist with Windows configuration. This process can be streamlined as follows.
Initiate the process by opening the Control Panel and utilizing the search function to locate "remote settings". Select the option labeled "System - Allow remote access to your computer".
Navigate to the "Remote" tab, ensuring it is selected. Within the "Remote Assistance" section, activate the corresponding checkbox. Subsequently, within the "Remote Desktop" section, choose the radio button indicating "Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure)".
Confirm your selections by clicking "Apply" and then "OK".
Returning to the CoRD application, you can now right-click on the desired remote computer and select "Connect" from the context menu. Alternatively, if a shortcut has been assigned, utilize the designated key combination to initiate the connection. Once established, the Windows computer will be controllable through the CoRD interface.
Due to limitations during testing, access was restricted to a single Windows machine. Consequently, connecting to multiple Windows systems could not be verified. If you possess a Mac and have access to several Windows machines, we encourage you to test CoRD and share your findings in the comments section.
Explore our other articles covering Mac remote desktop clients, including options like Join.me, Chicken Of The VNC, and a compilation of the best free remote desktop apps available for iPad.
