What is Polpo Desk and how does it work?
The three parts of Polpo Desk (client, operator app, management panel) and how a remote support connection is set up from start to finish.
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Polpo Desk is a remote support service that lets you connect to a computer, see its screen, use its mouse and keyboard, and share files and the clipboard. It is developed by İNFORMAC TEKNOLOJİ SANAYİ VE TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ and provided through polpodesk.com.
This article summarizes the parts that make up the product and how a connection is established.
The three parts
Polpo Desk has two sides: the computer receiving support and the person providing support (the operator). On top of that there is the web panel where you manage your account.
| Part | Who uses it | Where it runs |
|---|---|---|
| Client | The person receiving support | Windows |
| Operator app | The person providing support | Web console (browser), Windows, macOS |
| Management panel | The account owner and team | Browser (polpodesk.com/panel) |
Client (receives support)
The client is a small Windows app that runs on the computer you connect to. It is a single file and opens without installation. When it opens, it shows two pieces of information: Your Connection ID (a 9-digit number) and Session Password (6 digits, one-time). The person receiving support doesn't need an account.
If you like, you can install the client as a service. Then administrator (UAC) screens are shared too, and unattended access with a fixed password becomes possible. Details: Installing the Windows client.
Operator app (provides support)
The operator signs in with a Polpo Desk account and connects by entering the other side's connection ID. There are four options:
- Web console: no installation, opens in your browser.
- Windows app: a single-file desktop console that also runs without installing.
- macOS app: a .dmg package notarized by Apple.
- Android app: for providing support from your phone; installed from Google Play.
Details: Operator apps.
Management panel
In the panel you manage your account and team: the Overview (plan and usage), Users, Subscription, Sessions, Audit, Access (app downloads) and Support sections are here. Which menus you see depends on your role.
How is a connection established?
- The person receiving support opens the client. The client opens a secure connection to our server (HTTPS/WSS, port 443) and the status line shows Ready to connect.
- They give the connection ID (and, if they wish, the session password) to the operator.
- The operator enters the ID in the console and presses Connect.
- If no password was entered, an Incoming connection request window opens on the computer receiving support; the session starts when the user presses Allow Connection. If the operator entered the valid session password, the session starts without asking for approval.
- Video and control data flow over WebRTC, directly between the two computers whenever possible. If a direct path can't be established, the traffic is relayed through a relay (TURN) server.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see Your first remote connection.
Security in brief
- Sessions are end-to-end encrypted (WebRTC DTLS-SRTP).
- The session password is one-time; Renew Password invalidates it immediately.
- The name and company of the connecting operator are shown in the approval window.
- The person receiving support can click the status line to see the connected operators and end the session at any time with Disconnect.
More: How security works.
What can you do?
- File transfer and clipboard sharing
- Chat and special keys such as Ctrl+Alt+Del
- Working with multiple monitors
- Privacy screen and remote reboot
- Unattended access and connecting on the same network by IP or computer name
- Multiple operators in the same session
Some features depend on your plan; see Plans and limits.
Where to start?
- Create an account (only needed by the side providing support).
- Install the client on the computer that will receive support.
- Make your first connection.