What is Remote Desktop?

Simply put, remote desktop is gaining access to a computer's desktop from a remote location such as home or hotel. But what does it mean to use remote desktop?

First off, most operating system have some for of remote access that allow a user to access a desktop environment much like s/he would in person. By definition, when you access the desktop, the computer must be on and available over the network because you're actually accessing that computer as opposed to a server. The two most important aspects are that it must be on and it must remain on. Aside from that, the computer must be accessible over the network, but what does that mean?

Essentially, there are 3 parts to this equation: 1) your local network which is likely your home or hotel, 2) the internet which is actually split in two parts: 2a) your local provider (again, home or hotel) and 2b) the internet provider of your desktop's internet connection. And last but not least, 3) your office network.

Hopefully this perspective gives you some clarity on what's actually going on to make that handshake and that desktop appear.