VNC Server and VNC Viewer

Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a technology that allows you to remotely connect to a computer (a server) over a network or the Internet using another computer (a client). This can be useful if you need to look at a file you've left on your home computer or if you'd like to remotely peek in on your PC while you're away. By installing a VNC Server on your home computer and a VNC Viewer on your remote computer, you'll be able to control your home PC from anywhere.

 Instructions Using VNC Server-

Download and install a VNC Server. There are several VNC options out there, most of them free. Take a look at applications like TightVNC, RealVNC and UltraVNC (see Resources).

Right-click on the VNC Server icon located in the Windows taskbar and choose "Configuration." This will allow you to make changes to your VNC Server configuration, including the password needed for a client to connect. When you are finished configuring the VNC server, click "OK."

Hover your mouse over the VNC Server icon in the task bar. This will pop up a string of text that tells you the IP address of your computer on the network or Internet. Write this down--you'll need it to connect to your PC remotely using the VNC Viewer software.

Using VNC Viewer

• Download and install a VNC Viewer client. You can find Viewer software on the same website you downloaded the Server software from (see Resources). The VNC Viewer is the application you'll use to remotely connect to your home PC.

• Run the VNC Viewer software. A pop-up box will display with a field labeled "VNC Server." Type the IP address you wrote down earlier for the VNC Server and click "Connect." Enter the password for the VNC Server when prompted.

• Allow the connection to be established. Your home PC should show up on your remote computer's screen. You'll experience a bit of lag as you navigate around your home computer, but you'll be able to use it as though you were right in front of it. You can use your remote computer's mouse and keyboard to click and type on your home computer, run software applications, shut down your PC and more.

 

Tips & Warnings

·         If your home computer is behind a router and you try to connect through the Internet, you may experience issues. You'll need to consult your router's user manual to learn how to enable port forwarding for your VNC Server.