Navigating the world of Remote Desktop Servers can be challenging, but don’t worry; we’re here to help guide you through the process.
Just like you wouldn’t buy a car without checking under the hood, purchasing an RDP requires some careful consideration.
There are multiple factors to keep in mind, such as performance and security measures.
We’ve got you covered with a list of the top 15 must-check factors to help you choose the best RDP tailored to your needs.
So, sit back, relax, and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Let’s begin!
What Is an RDP Server?
An RDP Server is a powerful computing machine that has been configured for remote access using the windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
The best part is you can connect to it from any device, whether it be a desktop, laptop, mobile, or tablet.
Once you connect to the RDP Server, you can use it like a regular Windows desktop computer to transfer files, store data, and install applications.
The RDP Server receives and executes your commands, like mouse clicks and keyboard strokes, from your device and sends back the screen updates to your device in real-time.
So everything is quick and responsive. It feels like the programs are actually running on your computer, even though they are running on the distant RDP Server.
This makes it super convenient to remote in and use the RDP Server’s processing power, storage, and resources from anywhere.
You can use it to carry out remote work, store your data or run resource-intensive applications that require high-end hardware.
Note: People often use the term “RDP” to refer to an RDP Server on the internet.
How To Select The Best RDP Server?
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Check The Type of Setup:
Nowadays, most providers offer two kinds of RDP setups, i.e., Shared RDP and Private RDP. A Shared RDP server is one where all users on the server share resources, such as CPU, bandwidth, and RAM. Your data remains private, but the availability of resources can be influenced by the activities of others. This can be a disadvantage if the server becomes overcrowded and resources are overused.However, if other users are not fully utilizing the server’s resources, you could potentially have a larger share for your own needs. On the other hand, a Private RDP server operates as a virtual private server (VPS). You get a fixed allocation of resources dedicated only to your account. This prevents potential abuse from overuse by other users. In addition, you have access to a control panel that offers more control and customization options for your server. So if your workload tends to be lighter, a Shared RDP server might be just what you need. Alternatively, a Private RDP server would make more sense if your work requires constant performance.
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Check If the RDP Has Admin Access:
Admin access allows you to install your required software and customize your server as per your preference. Some providers even charge separately for Admin Access in their shared setups. If there is no Admin Access in your RDP, you’ll have to request your provider’s support team to install your softwares which can be time-consuming. So, if having more control over your server sounds like your cup of tea, consider a Shared RDP that includes Admin Access or a Private RDP that has it by default.
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Check The Available OS Versions:
When exploring RDP server options, you’ll likely find that most providers offer limited versions of Windows. Now, if you need a specific operating system version for your software, it’s a good idea to do a bit of homework before you buy. Check out the provider’s website or drop a line to their support team to get the info you need. Remember that not all providers support all versions of Windows.
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Check The Quality of Support:
Before diving into an RDP purchase, contacting the provider’s support team with a few technical questions will help you judge the support quality. Pay attention to their responses and the timeliness of their reply. If they take a while to get back to you, or if their answers don’t quite hit the mark, then it’s better to consider other options. Remember, your needs come first, and finding the right provider can make all the difference!
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Check The Provider’s Reviews:
Checking out reviews before you buy Windows RDP is a must-do. Websites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews are great places to start. But beware! Some RDP providers might boost their ratings with purchased reviews. So, flip through the first few pages to ensure the genuineness of reviews. If you spot a pattern of similar-sounding reviews, they might be fake, and it’s best to steer clear of such providers. Also, in case you encounter negative reviews, look at how the provider responds to them. If you see them arguing with their customers, it’s a red flag. It’s best to avoid buying your RDP from them.
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Check The Available Payment Methods:
If it’s your first time buying an RDP, sticking with payment options like Paypal or your credit card could be a great choice since they offer top-notch fraud protection. Be wary of RDP providers who don’t have a proper Paypal account and want you to send your payment to a third-party account. These providers might not be reliable. Plus, when making the payment, always try to checkout directly on the official website. That way, you’ll have solid proof of your purchase, and in case something doesn’t go quite right, you’ll be in a better position to ask for a refund.
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Check The RDP Provider’s Domain Age:
If you’re looking to try out a new RDP provider, it’s a good idea to check their domain age and expiry. You can do this by visiting: https://www.whois.com/whois/
It’s important to note that you can trust a provider if their domain has been in business for over 5 years and is not expiring for at least 3 more years. But if the domain is new and its expiry date is looming, it might be best to tread carefully. Such providers might not be here for the long haul. -
Check If the RDP Provider’s Website Has SSL:
Whenever you’re making a payment for an RDP, it’s essential to double-check if the RDP seller’s website has SSL. You can spot this easily. Look at the start of the URL – it should begin with “https,” not just “http.”
That extra “s” in “https” stands for “secure.” It’s a sign that the site uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate. If your RDP provider’s website doesn’t have that important “s” in their URL, it means your transaction might not be secure and could potentially be intercepted by others. That’s a big warning sign, and it’d be wise to avoid such providers at all costs. -
Check Bandwidth Limits:
It’s not uncommon to find RDP providers setting bandwidth limits in their plans. So, you must take a careful look at all the features listed in their plans before you buy. If you see a mention of a bandwidth limit, it’s worth asking the provider about what happens when you hit that limit. Will they put your server on pause or just slow down your speed? If your day-to-day work involves things like moving large amounts of data to cloud storage, which eat up a lot of bandwidth, it might be in your best interest to find an RDP provider that offers unlimited bandwidth on their plans. This way, you’ll be all set to handle your bandwidth-hungry tasks without a hitch.
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Check For Additional Charges During Checkout:
Some RDP providers use sneaky tactics to show a lower price. You might spot a bargain on the website, but then at checkout, surprise! They add extra charges that seem to come out of nowhere, like a transaction fee or a payment gateway fee. So, it’s wise to choose providers who play fair – those who are upfront with their pricing and don’t sneak in any hidden fees. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and what it will cost you.
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Check The Type of Storage & Space:
Many RDP providers today use SSD storage, which offers faster speed than traditional SATA drives. But, there are still a few providers out there using SATA Drives in their RDP Plans. Over time, these SATA drives can slow down, and their efficiency in reading and writing data can take a hit due to constant regular use. That’s why opting for an RDP with SSD storage is better for good performance. If you want to go one step further, consider getting an RDP with NVMe SSD drives. They can be up to seven times faster than regular SSDs and help you get your work done super fast.
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Check The Uptime Guarantee:
RDP’s, especially Shared RDPs, can sometimes suffer from downtime issues. This usually happens when they get overloaded because of high user activity. An Uptime Guarantee from your provider is like a promise that your RDP will be up and running most of the time. So, if your work needs your remote desktop to be available around the clock, make sure you pick a provider who offers a high uptime guarantee, say 99.99%. Remember, even a tiny 0.99% difference in uptime guarantee can mean up to 7 hours of downtime in a month. So, the higher the uptime guarantee, the less you have to worry about any downtime messing with your work schedule!
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Check The Activation Time:
When you’re eager to get started, waiting for your new RDP to be activated can feel like forever! Generally speaking, Shared RDPs get up and running within a maximum of 12 hours, while Private RDPs are pretty much ready to go in a snap. Before you buy an RDP, remember to check how long it takes for setup. If you can’t find this information on the provider’s website, don’t hesitate to reach out to their support team and ask. It’s more practical to pick providers who offer a fast or instant setup. It allows you to save time and dive straight into your work without waiting around.
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Check For a Moneyback Guarantee:
When trying out new RDP providers, checking their refund policy and seeing if they offer a money-back guarantee is crucial. Keep an eye out for any time limits on when you can request a refund, and jot that down so you won’t forget. If a money-back guarantee isn’t there, try asking the provider for a free trial. A money-back guarantee or a free trial can help ensure that the RDP fits your needs well.
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Check For Location Options:
When choosing an RDP provider, it’s beneficial to consider those that offer a variety of server locations. Having more options allows you to select a server closer to your physical location, which can help improve your connection speed and overall RDP experience. Also, multiple location options provide you with the flexibility to switch servers if needed in the future. If a provider only has one or two server locations, it might limit your options. So, it’s worth exploring providers with a diverse range of server locations.
Where Can You Buy an RDP Server Online?
When buying an RDP online, there are many options out there, in fact, hundreds of them. But not all of them are created equal, and it’s important to find a reliable provider you can trust. That’s where RDP Arena comes in!
Why RDP Arena, you might wonder? Well, they’ve been in the RDP business for over a decade and have successfully catered to more than 50,000 clients.
They’ve got your back with a 72-hour money-back guarantee, so you can trust them with your investment.
Plus, they offer a multitude of global locations to choose from, giving you the flexibility you need.
And with a broad array of payment options, they make it easy for you to get started.
So if you’re looking for an RDP you can count on, be sure to check out RDP Arena, as they tick all the right boxes.
And as a special bonus for reading this far, we’ve got a 20% discount code for you to use at checkout! Just enter the code “20off” to save big on your first purchase. Happy shopping!