A **private remote node** doesn't run on your local machine, but you have full control over it. A classic example is a node running on a VPS or a server. That node is not on your local machine, but you have full control over it. You can even decide to make it become an open node, allowing people to connect to it.
An **Open remote node** can be used by people who, for their own reasons (usually because of hardware requirements, disk space, or technical abilities), cannot/don't want to run their own node and prefer to relay on one publicly available on the Monero network. Open remote nodes are often simply referred as "remote nodes".
Using an open node will allow to make a @transaction instantaneously, without the need to download the @blockchain and sync to the Monero network first, but at the cost of the control over your privacy. the Monero community suggests to always run your own node to obtain the maximum privacy possible and to help decentralize the network.
Open nodes are cool because, as we said above, allow people who are not running their own node to immediately join the Monero network. There are 2 main ways to connect to an open node: Simply get somebody to share with you their node, by asking them to "open it" and provide you with IP address and port, or use a public one.
Be aware that using public remote nodes can be risky. Node operators can link transactions to IP addresses. These risks can be mitigated, but you should always avoid using them if you have the possibility. Run your own node!
