VNC standsforVirtual Network Computing.It is a cross-platformscreensharing system thatwas created to remotely control another computer.This means that acomputer’s screen, keyboard,and mousecan be used from a distance by aremote userfrom a secondary deviceas though they were sitting right in front of it. VNCworks on a client/server model.A server component is installed on the remote computer (the one you want to control), and a VNC viewer, or client, is installedon the device you want to control from. This can include another computer, a tablet, or a mobile phone.When theserver and viewerareconnected, the server transmits a copy of the remote computer’s screen to the viewer. Not only can the remote user see everything on the remote computer’s screen,but the program also allows for keyboard and mousecommandstowork on the remote computerfrom afar, so the connected userhas full control(after being granted permissionfrom theremotecompute)r. VNC was createdinCambridgein the late 1990s bythefounders ofRealVNC,andwascommercializedin2002 when the company was established. A server is a piece of computer hardware or softwarethat providescapabilitiesfor other programs called “clients.”This is called the client-server model, whereas a server canprovide services such as data or resource sharing to one or multiple clients. One server can serve multiple clients in this way, and one single clientcan use multiple servers. A client will send a request to a server, which then sends a response back to the client. Acomputer withVNC Serversoftware installedcan be accessed and controlled from a different device in a different location.The softwareallows abroadcastof thedevice desktop to a secondary devicewith VNC Viewer installed.Connected VNC Viewer userssend a request, and then (with permission) cansee the same thing as the person sitting in front of the remote computer. Download VNC Server here: VNC Server download A viewer, on the other hand, is a program thatrenders the contents of a digital file on screen. VNC Vieweris used for local computers and mobile devices you want to controlfrom.Adevice such as a computer, tablet, or smart phone with VNC Viewer software installed can access and take control ofa computer in another location. It is a graphical desktop sharing system that allows a user to remotely controlthe desktop of a remote computer (running VNC Server) from your device, and it transmits the keyboard and mouse or touch events to VNC Server, so thatonce you are connected, you have control over the computer you’ve accessed. If you’re using your mobile phone, for example, you would be able touse the computer you’ve remotely accessed as though you were sitting right in front of it. Download VNC Viewer here: VNC Viewer download Watch: VNC Server and VNC Viewer tutorial Remote Framebuffer, orRFB,is the protocol that governs the format of the data that passes betweenthe client and serverwithinthe VNCsystem. This is what allowsa client to view and control another computer remotely.It is applicable to all windowing applications and systems, which means that it works across platforms such as Windows, macOS,Linux, and other popular operating systems. The place where the user sits, with thedisplay, mouse, and keyboard capabilities, is called the RFB client or viewer. The place where the framebufferchanges originate (as in thewindowing system)is called the RFB server.Remote Framebufferis designed so that clients can run on the widest range of hardware and so that implementing a client is as simple as possible, with very few requirements needed from the client. RFB startedas a very simple protocolbut has been enhanced to include features such as file transfer,more refined compression, and stronger security measures as it has developed.Seamless cross-compatibility between VNC clients and servers is made possiblebecause theyare able tonegotiate a connection which uses the best RFB version, as well assecurity and compression options that are supported by both. RFB was developed as a remote display technology inCambridge, UK,by someof theoriginal developers ofVNCandthe current RFB protocol specifications for version 6 are published ontheRealVNCwebsite. Blog: VNC vs RDP: which remote desktop tool is the best? The VNC protocol and RDP, the Remote Desktop Protocoldeveloped by Microsoft, share several similarities: Both VNC and RDP connect devices through a network, eithervia server or peer-to-peer.But even though their goals are the same – to provide graphical remote desktop capabilities to a device – they also differ in how they achieve that goal. In 2016,RealVNClaunchedtheir latest VNC-basedremote access product:VNC Connect.This software combines the convenience of a cloud service with the flexibility ofofflineconnectivity(also known as direct)andprovides an optimized strategy for every size business. Since its initial release,the product has continued to evolve, with features such as high-speed streaming and remote audio being added to the mix, along with continual tweaks to further refine the product to meet the needs of our customers. VNCConnect’skey features include intuitive remote control, cross-platform support, attended and unattended access, file transfer, multilingual support, online team management and virtual desktop management under Linux. Its sessions are encrypted end-to-end using up to 256-bit AES encryption providing multi-factor authentication, single-sign on (SSO), granular access control and rich session permissions. See all VNC Connect features Read: How to use VNC Connect remote desktop software VNC Connect is available in English, French, German, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese languages. It offers PC to PC, and mobile to PC support across Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, iOS and Android platforms. Take a free trial of VNC Connect: Thereisalways going to bea littlehesitationwhen it comes tousing new software and systems, and misinformation going around that affects how people feel about implementingthese programsinto their business model.The issue with this is that it prevents individuals and businesses fromaccessing real, measurable benefits throughuse of suchtechnologies. Here we outline some of the most common misconceptions about VNC Connect that are often tied to VNC's open source origins, and then break down why theyarejust not true. It is true that VNC technology was originally open-source, and many modern derivatives of the software still are, but that's not the case for all VNC-based software. VNC Connect, which was released in 2016 and uses version 6 of the RFB protocol, is not open source. Open source VNC-based remote access is insecure out of the box and increases exposure to risks. VNC Connect however is secure out of the box, all connections are encrypted end-to-end, and by default remote computers are protected by a password or by system login credentials. Features such as multi-factor authentication and remote access logs give additional protection to users. This software also meets the compliance demands of HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR. See: VNC Connect Security Most VNC-based open-source software only allows for offline connectivity. VNC connect offers both offline (also known as "direct") connections as well as cloud connections, so you can choose whichever one is most suited to your business requirements. Blog: Cloud vs direct connections with remote access software: which is right for your business? VNC technology was developed over 20 years ago, but it has significantly evolved. VNC Connect is monitored and updated regularly to fix any bugs and to address customer needs as they change with the times. The software roadmap is informed by the feedback submitted by its users, to ensure it includes the designs and features that are most commonly requested. Comparison guide: VNC Connect vs Open Source VNC Want to try VNC Connect for yourself? We offer a 30-day free trial!What is VNC?
What’s a VNC Server?
What’s a VNC Viewer?
What is the RFB protocol?
Similarities between VNC and RDP
Differences between VNC and RDP
VNC Connect remote access software: the evolution of VNC
Misconceptions about VNC and VNC Connect
Misconception:allVNC-based remote access software is open source
Misconception: VNC-based software is not secure
Misconception: VNC-based softwaredoesn’t support cloud
Misconception: VNC technology is outdated
See Also
Encryption Security for a Post Quantum World | Strategic Technologies Blog | CSISHow can I check if my browser uses 128-bit encryption?What is exposed VNC, why is it a risk an how can you mitigate that risk? - Skyway WestOver 9,000 VNC servers exposed online without a password