Freedom251 › Remote desktop software
rdesktop
What rdesktop is
rdesktop is a free, open-source client for Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol. It implements RDP versions 4 and 5 and is known to work with Windows systems from NT 4 Terminal Server through Windows 2012 R2 RDS. The project describes support for most UNIX-based platforms using the X Window System, with macOS compatibility. File transfer is supported. The repository identifies a GPL-3.0 license and documents installation as a source build using configure, make and make install. Smart-card support uses PCSC-lite and can be enabled with the --enable-smartcard option. Command-line options are covered in the rdesktop manual page. The project states that rdesktop is no longer maintained and has not received a patch in many years. It also says reported security vulnerabilities have not been reviewed, advising use at the user’s own risk. The listed rdesktop plan costs nothing.
Who it suits
It suits users needing an open-source RDP client on Unix-like systems with X Window System or compatible macOS setups. It is most appropriate for readers who accept an unmaintained project and its stated security caution.
What it does well
- Free GPL-3.0 software
- Implements RDP versions 4 and 5
- Supports file transfer
- Works with listed legacy Windows versions
- Smart-card support via PCSC-lite
What to know first
- No longer maintained
- Reported vulnerabilities have not been reviewed
- Installation requires building from source
- Windows support ends at listed versions
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| rdesktop | Open source RDP client · GPL-3.0 | Free |
As rdesktop.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
rdesktop covers basic open-source RDP access with file transfer and smart-card support. Its long-term maintenance and unresolved security warnings are significant considerations.
Facts from rdesktop's own pages
- File transfer
- Yes · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Installation
- The project documents a GNU-style source build using configure, make, and make install. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies the project license as GPL-3.0. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Maintenance status
- The project says rdesktop is no longer maintained and has not received a patch in many years. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Platform scope
- The official website describes rdesktop as running on most UNIX-based platforms with the X Window System. · rdesktop.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Protocol versions
- The project says rdesktop implements RDP versions 4 and 5. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- rdesktop is an open source client for Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project says reported security vulnerabilities have not been reviewed and advises using rdesktop with caution and at the user's own risk. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Smart cards
- The project says smart-card support uses PCSC-lite and can be enabled with --enable-smartcard. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The repository directs users to the rdesktop manual page for command-line options. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Unix-like systems with X Window System; macOS compatibility · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Windows compatibility
- The project says it is known to work with Windows versions from NT 4 Terminal Server through Windows 2012 R2 RDS. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where rdesktop stands on Freedom251
- Remote desktop software#73 of 135