Home > Articles > Home & Office Computing > Microsoft Windows Desktop

From a Distance: Using RealVNC to Control Your PC from Far Away (for Free)

With virtual network computing (VNC) you can view and interact with your computer remotely via the Internet. In this article, Kulvir Bhogal will introduce you to RealVNC, an implementation of VNC available for free under the GNU General Public License. After reading this article, you'll be set up to use VNC to control your computer from afar.
Like this article? We recommend

Like this article? We recommend

For more information on Digital Lifestyles topics, visit our Digital Lifestyles Reference Guide or sign up for our Digital Lifestyles Newsletter

You are sitting miles away from your home or office, and you need a way to access your computer from another computer over the internet, just as if you were sitting in front of it. In this article, I'll show you how to use RealVNC to control your PC from afar. There are a lot of plusses for this capability. For example, you might use such a setup to access your home computer while you're at work or to help out a not-so-computer savvy friend/family member by holding their hand (or rather, controlling their mouse and keyboard) in order to show them the ropes more easily. Yes, you can act as tech support!

The acronym VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing. A VNC setup consists of two pieces, a server component and a viewer component. An interesting aspect of VNC is its capability to be run as a server and client on many different operating systems, including Unix-based systems, Windows, and Mac. VNC clients are even available for devices such as Palm Pilots and Windows mobile devices. In this article I'll focus on running the server and client on the Windows platform. I'll also show you how to access a VNC server through a Java-capable internet browser. You can download RealVNC for free under the GNU General Public License. At the time of this article's writing, RealVNC was in version 4.1.1.

Setting Up Your VNC Server

To start out, go ahead and download the RealVNC Free Edition from http://www.realvnc.com/download.html. Look for the option that reads "Installer including both Server and Viewer option," as shown in Figure 1:

Figure 01

Figure 1 Downloading the VNC Free Edition for Windows (Server and Viewer) from the RealVNC web site <img src=serverandviewer.gif>

Though RealVNC has versions for Windows, Linux and Solaris, we'll only be looking at the Windows version. The download is available as both an executable or a zip file. For the purposes of demonstration in this article, I chose the executable.

After launching the installer, click Next on the Welcome screen (shown in Figure 2).

Figure 02

Figure 2 The VNC Setup Wizard Welcome Screen

Next, go ahead and read through the license agreement and, if you agree, indicate that by checking the box and click Next, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 03

Figure 3 The Real VNC License Agreement

Next, you'll be asked where you want to install RealVNC. Go ahead and choose a location on your hard drive, as shown in Figure 4:

Figure 04

Figure 4 Selecting a Destination Directory

For the server side, you can opt for a custom installation, as shown in Figure 5. You can choose the VNC server option, or, alternatively, you can also choose the VNC viewer option if want your server machine to act as a viewer as well.

Figure 05

Figure 5 Selecting the VNC Server Component in a Custom Installation

Next, the installer will place VNC's shortcuts in the RealVNC group as shown in Figure 5. As soon as this is finished, go ahead and click Next, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 06

Figure 6 Choosing a Program Group for VNC

By default, the VNC server listens on port 5900. Accordingly, if the computer you are trying to connect to is behind a hardware router, you will need to forward port 5900 to the IP address of the machine you are trying to connect to.

In the subsequent screen, you are given the option to register RealVNC as a Windows Service that can be started when Windows starts. If you keep the "Start the VNC Server in Service-Mode" (see Figure 7) option checked, then the VNC Server will run whenever Windows starts up. If this is not what you want, go ahead and uncheck the option.

Figure 07

Figure 7 Opting to Install the VNC Service and Having it Run Automatically on Windows Startup

Next, you are given a chance to review your setup options as shown in Figure 8. After reviewing the installation options, click Install.

Figure 08

Figure 8 Reviewing Installation Options

After the installation finishes up, you will be shown the VNC Properties. In the Authentication tab, click the Configure button next to the VNC Password Authentication Option, as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 09

Figure 9 Configuring VNC Authentication

Next, specify a password for your VNC server and click OK. This password will be used by VNC clients to connect to your VNC server. See Figure 10 for an example of this screen.

Figure 10

Figure 10 Choosing a VNC Server Password <img src=password.gif>

To increase performance, you can also click on the Desktop tab and then check the "Remove wallpaper," "Remove background pattern," and "Disable user interface effects" options, as shown in Figure 11:

Figure 11

Figure 11 Choosing options to Increase VNC Performance

Checking these options cuts down the amount of data that is transferred across the wire as your clients interact with the VNC server.

Next, go ahead and click Apply. Believe it or not, you are now finished setting up your VNC server. Note that you should see a VNC icon in your Windows taskbar, as shown in Figure 12. If you like, you can double-click on the icon to launch the properties screen for subsequent modification of your VNC server's properties.

Figure 12

Figure 12 The VNC Icon in the Taskbar

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020