Virtual Network Computing (VNC) Software: Guide

Originally developed by AT&T research team in UK, Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is actively used by millions throughout industry, acdemics and private users. Various enterprises typically use VNC for remote technical support and accessing files on one’s working network or via internet. In today’s huge corporate computer networks, with hundreds of computers located across the globe, the key is to manage these computers effectively to make optimal use of staff time and saving on major cost.

The technology is being increasing used as it is free, available for a different operating systems, simplicity of use and dynamic backward compatibility. For the network administrators cross-platform support allowing remote control between different computers is a huge plus. VNC is used in a wide range of applications that includes system administration, IT support and helpdesks. The system can also be used to support mobile users for hot desking within an enterprise. Let’s explore it in details.

What is VNC?

VNC is remote control software using which you can view and fully interact with one computer desktop (VNC server) using a simple program (VNC viewer) on another computer desktop anywhere on the Internet.

Virtual computer networking is an independent system. The user can connect to any system integrated to VNC and move to another computer.  You can check
Virtual network computing is also sharable that enables several people in the network to view the desktop on their machines.

What is the requirement for VNC?

To use a VNC you need to have a network TCP/IP connection, a VNC server and a VNC viewer to connect to computer running the VNC server.

What are the major applications?

The system comes with several connections to the same desktop. It provides an invaluable tool for a team work in workplace or classroom

For private users, its typical for VNC to help troubleshoot the computer of a distant less-tech-savvy relative. Sitting at your desk in Baltimore, you could use VNC to take control of your relative’s PC in California and show them how to install and use some new software package by actually doing it yourself.
Common business application of VNC is remote system administration, where it is used by administrators to take control of employee machines to diagnose and troubleshoot their problems, or to access and administer server machines

VNC can be used to offer hot desking and collaborative set up for the employees, enabling them to access their office desktop and server machines from any machine in the office or situated somewhere in a remote site.

In academia VNC is used is used by group of students to view a computer screen manipulated by an instructor, simultaneously. Further, the instructor is able to control the students’ computer in order to provide assistance.

Top 10 VNC software

Let’s take a look at the top 10 VNC variants

1. RealVNC

This has been developed by spin-off developers from AT&T. The RealVNC comes in a number of versions that includes a free version and others designed for commercial enterprises. For more, RealVNC offers a VNC mobile solution. It features a unique and innovative box known as KVM-via-IP that makes any KVM switch remotely accessible over TCP/IP, for any VNC viewer in the network.

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2. UltraVNC

This is a highly advanced version of VNC designed for mainstream applications. UltraVNC features file transfer function, enhanced compression, video handling as well as chat function. With the inclusion of seamless windows support the application would be able to remotely control a single remote program window instead of the entire desktop.

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3. TightVNC

It’s a free and lightweight VNC version with GPL license with full source code available. The key features in TightVNC include file transfers in versions for Windows, scale remote desktops, efficient encoding jpeg compression, enhanced web browser access, and support for password used for authentication. TightVNC also offers a free DFMirage mirror display driver that can detect screen updates and grab pixel data in an efficient way. The remote control software is available for Windows and Unix and compatible with other VNC software. The Unix version of TightVNC can tunnel connections via SSH automatically using local SSH/OpenSSH client installation.

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4. SupportAnyPC

This is a commercial remote control software based on UltraVNC SC including some added functionality. SupportAnyPC is capable of transversing NAT firewalls at customers site without the need for opening ports or any other modification. To deal with internet connection snaps, SupportAnyPC has an auto reconnect feature that tries to re-establish connection.

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5. TeamViewer

Intended to offer easier and faster remote control, TeamViewer works between PCs of a workgroup. The VNC software is focused on ease of use and can skip the local administrative rights that makes it an exclusive from the rest of the pack. It is accompanied by a companion product called DynGate that acts as a gateway between the internet and local teamViewer/VNC clients. Above all,  TeamViewer works over the NAT firewalls. It is a complete software for team collaboration, trainings and sales presentations.

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6. SmartCOde VNC Manager

This VNC manager is a powerful tool for remote administration and monitoring for both the business and home network environments. Typically, SmartCOde serves remote network management, remote system administration as well as helpdesk environments. Using the software users can remotely control any computers running VNC, Windows Terminal Services, Microsoft Virtual Server 2005, SSH, or Telnet servers. With an intuitive interface and smart defaults the software is easy to manage and operate. SmartCode VNC Manager offers two editions -  enterprise and standard.

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7. Radmin

It’s a swift remote control software for secure remote access to PC from anywhere you want. Radmin can be used on home or office computer and allow helpdesk technicians to assist the clients, organize online conferences, teach students and perform system administration.

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8. EchoVNC

It’s firewall-friendly remote desktop tool based on the UltraVNC. EchoVNC allows tunneling of firewalls by using a public gateway server and providing encrypted data transfers. The software might be licensed at a reasonable price providing an alternative for generating a cuatomer support infrastructure.

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9. .NET VNC Viewer

This is a free VNC viewer written in C# for PDAs and smartphones that renders basic functionalities. It’s an exclusive software binary compatible with Smartphones, Pocket PCs and WIndows Desktop. It is offers client side scaling server side scaling, session history, Hi-Res support for VGA Pocket PCs and QVGA Smartphones. .NET VNC Viewer runs on different modes - single window mode, full screen mode and listen mode.
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10. x11vnc

This free program allows remote access to real X server session using VNC. It polls the X server’s frame buffer to include changes. With x11vnc
users can remotely control their X11 desktop (KDE, GNOME, XFCE, etc) in an network or over the internet. It works exclusively for the Unix/X11.

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