Autoruns vs Nexterm
Autoruns
learn.microsoft.comNexterm
nexterm.devSide by side
| Figure | Autoruns | Nexterm |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Remote Connection Manager Software | 8.0 (#12) | 8.6 (#6) |
| Purpose | Autoruns shows programs and drivers configured to run during system boot, login, and when certain built-in Windows applications start. | Nexterm is open-source server management software for connecting to servers over SSH, VNC, and RDP. |
Plans
In their own words
Autoruns
Autoruns shows programs and drivers configured to run during Windows boot, login, or when certain built-in Windows applications start. It reports startup items from locations such as the Startup folder, Registry keys, Explorer extensions, services, scheduled tasks, and Winlogon entries. Users can hide signed Microsoft entries to focus on third-party items, inspect startup images configured for other accounts, and disable an entry or delete its configuration. Scan options include signature verification and VirusTotal hash checks; submitting files not previously scanned requires the upload option, and VirusTotal features require accepting its terms. The download includes Autorunsc, a command-line version that can output CSV or tab-delimited data, verify signatures, and scan an offline Windows system. The Autoruns and Autorunsc download is listed as 3 MB, and Microsoft offers a Sysinternals Live option. Autoruns costs nothing, with no limit on installation or use on devices owned or supported by the user, but no redistribution license. Microsoft says Sysinternals tools are provided as is without official support and points users to a community forum.
Nexterm
Nexterm is free, open-source server management software for connecting to servers over SSH, VNC and RDP, with Telnet also listed among its supported protocols. It includes SFTP file management, real-time CPU, memory and process monitoring, and tools for deploying applications via Docker and managing Proxmox LXC and QEMU containers. Organizations can share server access with team members; command snippets and customizable scripts help manage and automate repetitive tasks. The project lists two-factor authentication and OIDC single sign-on, while its documentation also covers LDAP and Active Directory authentication. It documents server-side encryption for passwords and private keys and requires an encryption key for secure data storage. Deployment options include all-in-one, server-only and engine-only Docker images, with split server and engine deployments for distributed setups. Connector downloads are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Nexterm is distributed under the MIT License. Its installation documentation says it is still in beta and recommends regular backups and reporting issues on GitHub.