Chrome Remote Desktop: Free, versatile remote access for Google-ites

This browser-based app supports numerous platforms and is the only solution we know of for Chrome OS.

- JON L. JACOBI

Chrome Remote Desktop is the most obvious remote desktop solution for most users, and, as far as we know, the only solution for Chromebooks. It's easy to use, it covers the basics including file transfers, and it offers both fixed remote control and one-off screen sharing for those who don't share your Google. It's available on any operating system that supports Chrome, including iOS and Android.

Chrome Remote Desktop has some limitations that will affect pros, but none that will significantly impact the majority of users.

INSTALLATION AND DESIGN

There are two ways to use Chrome Remote Desktop: by adding clients to your account and defining permanent PINs for anytime access, or by having helpees generate a one-time access code for a single screen sharing (with control) session.

The first example is Remote Access in CRD-speak which requires installing clients on any computer to be a controlled-a simple task. Simply log in to your Google account using Chrome (only Chrome is supported-Google isn't crazy) on the computer you want to access remotely, head to fave.co/3NaS4bg, and follow the prompts to install the viewer or client.