Remote debugging guide

14 februari 2026 in

CTech Metrology, Luc Wens

Summary

Here are steps how a remote debugging session can be set up between a develop PC and a test PC, assuming that the test PC has nothing special installed.

I had the problem that I could not access d:\ in the Teamviewer file transfer. The reason was that there was a nul file that cannot be removed via explorer.

I managed to remove it via CMD terminal:

bash
rm nul

Teamviewer alternative

Teamviewer subscription was stopped, after 3/6/2026 we will continue with NoMachine Enterprise

https://store.nomachine.com/product/enterprise-desktop-subscription/?products=desktop

Comparison Review: NoMachine vs. TeamViewer

Reviewers frequently highlight the following differences relevant to developers:

Performance: NoMachine’s native NX protocol is optimized for high-speed, graphics-intensive applications. It is noted for providing smoother responsiveness compared to TeamViewer, especially when handling resource-heavy development environments or 3D rendering.
Security & VPN: Unlike TeamViewer, which requires manual driver installation for its VPN, NoMachine's Enterprise suite includes an integrated VPN system. This redirects all traffic between the client and the internet through the remote server, essentially making the remote network infrastructure your local gateway.
Cost Efficiency: NoMachine Enterprise Desktop starts at $44.50 per year, which is substantially cheaper than TeamViewer’s business-oriented tiers (often starting near $299–$610+ per year).
Complexity: TeamViewer is praised for its "onboarding wizard" and simplicity. In contrast, NoMachine’s setup can be more complex and often requires technical knowledge for tasks like port forwarding or server-side configuration.

Best VPN-Ready Alternatives for Remote Debugging

If your primary goal is remote debugging, these alternatives also provide VPN or VPN-like networking:

Alternative	VPN/Networking Type	Best For
NoMachine Enterprise	Integrated VPN	High-performance graphics and low-latency debugging.
AnyDesk	Driver-based VPN	Fast connections on low-bandwidth networks.
LogMeIn Resolve	Zero-Trust Access	Secure, certificate-based access without a traditional VPN.
Tailscale + RDP	Mesh VPN	A popular "pro" choice; use Tailscale to create a secure tunnel and standard RDP or NoMachine over it.
NordVPN Meshnet	Peer-to-Peer	Securely routing traffic through a colleague's device or accessing a home PC from the road.