What is a VNC?

What is a VNC (Virtual Network Computing)?

VNC stands for virtual network computing. This is a desktop sharing system that allows you to remotely control another computer.

VNC works by transmitting all of your keyboard and mouse movements from your thin client computer to the other, large client computer. 

A virtual network computing system is platform dependant. This means that the client working on one type of operating system can’t connect to the VNC server that operates on a different type of operating system.

There are many different types of clients and servers available for different GUI-based systems. In addition, a virtual network computing system is available for Java. Some of the VNC programs only work for the Windows operating system.

VNC was originally developed by an AT&T research team, but virtual network computing systems are extremely popular in handling business and personal uses.

Uses for Virtual Network Computing Systems

These types of systems have many different uses that can make things relatively easier for businesses and individuals alike. For example, a VNC system can help with remote technical support. This means that if there is a problem on one computer, a person could connect to that computer’s network in order to troubleshoot any problems. This is a major use for businesses. It is also used by people who want to help friends or relatives with computer issues.

People can use VNC to remotely access files on certain computers in a wide range of situations. 

• VNC can be effectively used by people who need to access work files from their office computer. It is also great for people who happened to forget to bring their presentation to work. They can use VNC to connect to their home computer in order to retrieve any files.
• This type of program is often used by system administrators, IT support, and help desks. It is used by administrators in order to take control of an employee’s computer. Administrators may need to do this in order to help certain employees with any type of program.
• It can also be used in the classroom by teachers. Teachers may take advantage of this program in order to allow students to view what is happening at the teacher’s computer. This can help teachers teach their students easily and more effectively.

What You Need to Use a VNC system

In order to use a virtual network computing system, you do not need much. All you need is a network TCP/IP connection, a VNC server, and VNC viewer in order to connect to the computer that is running the server. The VNC viewer can be any type of thin client. There are even programs available that allow you to access your computer directly from your mobile phone.

Some Cons in Using a Virtual Network Computing Program

There might be a range of challenges to face using a VNC program. They typically involve a variety of potential security issues and performance issues. Whether or not the strengths outweigh these challenges depends on your reasons for using such a program. It also depends on the type of security and software that is already on your network of computers.

Security issues can quickly become a major problem. There are no security features on most of the available virtual network computing programs. For example, if your current thin client contains a virus, this can possibly compromise your entire network. However, you can download other security programs that can help to  protect your network. it is important to keep security current to avoid newer hacks and lower risks.

Another issue is performance. Your program is only as fast as the slowest available Internet connection. If your Internet connection is slow, you may have a problem with running the programs on your large client. Performance issues will also tend to increase as you use real-time programs and interactive applications.

Complexity could cause some people to give-up on using a virtual network computing system. If you are using more than one network, protocol, service provider, or collection of network hardware equipment to establish the VNC tunnel, then you could have a hard time trying to make the programs work together. You may need to hire a professional to make things work. This is especially true if the programs were not designed to work together.

The Benefits of Using a Network Computing System

If you can find ways to overcome the challenges presented by using a network computing system, then there is no doubt that you will enjoy the benefits of this system. In addition to saving data, the benefits include saving time and money.

You can save money on total hardware requirements. VNC can allow you to use an older computer to run a recent program. This sometimes allows businesses to purchase fewer computers. Businesses no longer need the same type of disk memory or processing capability, for VNC makes things easier.

In the event of a disaster, you can potentially restore any lost data that was on the large client computer. This is because all data that a virtual desktop has is stored in a secondary data center. This allows you to access all of your data with no disruption normal workflows.

Real VNC

Real VNC is a company that was developed by the original creators of the virtual network computing system. This company offers many different versions of programs. There is even a free version available. You may want this free version because the prices can range from $30-100. If you want a mobile solution, you will only have to pay about $10.

Ultra VNC

Ultra VNC This company offers a free and highly advanced program that is mostly used for mainstream companies. Many of the features available with this program include:

• File transfer functions
• Compression enhancement
• Chat capabilities
• Ability to handle video
• Email access from remote locations
• Windows support
• The ability to control a single program remotely

Tight VNC

Tight VNC This is a free and easy to use program that has GPC licensing features and a full source code available. The features for this program include the following:

• File transfer capabilities that is only available for Windows operating systems
• Scale remote desktops
• Web browser access that is enhanced
• JPEG compression with efficient encoding capabilities
• Password support

This program is available for Windows and UNIX. It is also compatible with other VNC software.

.NET VNC Viewer

.NET VNC Viewer This is a completely free program that is mostly used by PDAs and Smart Phones. This program can run on different modes. The program can run single window mode, full screen mode, and even listen mode. The features of this program include the following:

• Client and server side scaling
• Support for pocket computers
• Support for Smart Phones
• Session history