Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is the go-to technology for businesses and organizations that want to improve their remote working capabilities. With VNC, users will be able to access their work computer from any device, anywhere in the world. This will allow them to stay connected with their team and continue working even when they’re on the go.
What is VNC?
Virtual Network Computing, or VNC, is a term used to describe a remote desktop connection. VNC connection enables you to access another computer. This type of connection allows a user to access another computer as if they were sitting in front of it. This can be done through the use of an application or a website.
VNC connections are popular among businesses and educators because they allow users to work on files and applications located on other computers without having to transfer them first. Additionally, VNC connections are useful for troubleshooting because they provide a way for IT professionals to remotely see what is happening on a user’s computer.
This blog will go through everything you need to know about VNC. Let’s start with figuring out the difference between VNC Server and VNC Viewer.
VNC Server and VNC Viewer
The VNC Viewer application is installed on the computer from which you are controlling the other computer. It enables you to see and control the other computer’s desktop in real-time. This means that as you move the mouse or type on your keyboard, the mouse pointer and text will appear on the other computer’s screen in real-time.
The VNC Server application is installed on the machine you wish to manage. This application allows you to control this machine using the VNC Viewer remotely. You cannot connect to the desired machine using VNC Viewer without this.
VNC vs. RDP
Remote desktop protocols, RDP and VNC, are both tools that let you control one computer from another. They’re both useful, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. To get a deep comparison of RDP vs VNC, let’s start by going through each one’s definition:
VNC is a cross-platform protocol that’s been around for a long time. It’s easy to set up but not as fast or reliable as RDP. It also doesn’t support audio or video streaming.
RDP is a Microsoft protocol, so it’s best for Windows machines. It’s fast and reliable, and it supports audio and video streaming. However, it can be tricky to set up, and it’s unavailable on Mac or Linux machines.
VNC and RDP Similarities
There are a few key similarities between VNC and RDP:
- They are both remote desktop sharing protocols that allow users to share a graphical desktop environment with someone else.
- They both use compression to minimize bandwidth usage and latency.
- They both use TCP/IP networking, so they are both fast and reliable.
VNC and RDP Differences
Although VNC and RDP are both remote desktop applications and have the above-mentioned similarities, there are some key differences between the two applications:
- One difference is that VNC is free, while RDP is a paid application.
- RDP uses Microsoft’s proprietary protocol, while VNC uses the open-source TightVNC protocol.
- Another difference is that VNC is more customizable than RDP. For example, you can change the colour of the remote desktop or add extra features like file sharing.
- RDP can support multiple monitors, while VNC cannot.
- Moreover, RDP encrypts data that is transmitted between clients and servers. This is why RDP is more secure than VNC.
- VNC can be used on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux systems. RDP is only compatible with Windows systems.
- RDP is faster than VNC due to the fact that it is mostly resource sharing, not screen sharing.
- Lastly, RDP needs port forwarding to be able to be used over the Internet (it is an exposed service). This is not true for VNC.
Now that you are familiar with VNC and RDP’s similarities and differences, it’s time to see when to choose each one.
When to Choose RDP
As mentioned before, RDP can be used for various purposes, such as accessing files on a remote computer, working on projects with others, or taking control of a remote machine to troubleshoot an issue.
But when should you choose RDP? There are several factors to consider:
- What do you need to access? RDP may be the best option if you need to access specific files or applications on a remote computer.
- What is your level of technical expertise? It may be the best option for you if you are comfortable working with technology and are familiar with RDP.
- What type of data do you need to transport? RDP is a secure protocol that uses encryption to protect data sent between the client and server. However, certain data types, such as credit card numbers or personal information, should not be transmitted over the network unless encrypted using a tool like Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
- What type of connection is available? RDP can be used over a wide range of connections, including LANs, WANs, ISDN, POTS, and TCP/IP.
- Are you connecting to a computer running Windows? If so, RDP is your best option.
If you decide that RDP is the right choice for you, make sure that you use a reliable RDP provider. It must be affordable, fast, and secure.
When to Choose VNC
Now it’s time to see when to choose VNC.
There are a few factors you should consider when deciding whether to use VNC:
- Your network security: One of the most significant factors is your network environment. If you have a secure network, VNC is a good option because it doesn’t require any additional software or hardware. But if you use a public network like Wi-Fi in a coffee shop, you may want to avoid using VNC because someone could intercept your traffic and see your screen. In general, VNC is a secure protocol, but it’s always best to use caution when sending sensitive information over the internet.
- Your technical ability: Another factor to consider is your technical ability. It’s very easy to set up and use.
- Your budget: Consider your budget. While there is no cost for using VNC, some other remote access solutions may require purchasing additional software or hardware. So, it’s the best option for those with a low budget.
- Your purpose: If you need to edit documents or work on projects that require a lot of screen real estate, using VNC will give you the most flexibility.
Take all the mentioned factors into account and choose the most suitable option.
If you choose VNC, you should consider that there are different versions of VNC applications.
VNC and VNC Connect
VNC and VNC Connect are remote desktop applications allowing users to connect to and control a remote computer. The two applications have some similarities but also some key differences.
With VNC, the user is responsible for setting up the connection between the two computers. This can be done manually or by using a third-party tool such as RealVNC Server or TightVNC Server. Once the connection is established, the user can control the remote computer just as if they were sitting in front of it.
With VNC Connect, on the other hand, there is no need to set up a connection manually. Instead, VNC Connect takes care of all of that for you. Simply download and install the application on both computers, and you’re good to go.
VNC Connect Security
There are many benefits to using VNC Connect for remote access, such as its low price and wide platform support. However, security is a concern for any remote access solution. Let’s find out how secure VNC Connect is.
First, it’s essential to understand how VNC works. VNC uses a protocol called RFB, which stands for Remote Frame buffer. RFB is an ancient protocol and is not as secure as more recent protocols such as RDP or SSH. This means that VNC is more vulnerable to attack than other solutions.
However, VNC Connect does include some security features that can help to protect your data. Firstly, you can require a password to connect to a remote computer. This will help to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, you can use encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by attackers. So it would be a better choice if you want to have more security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Virtual Network Computing (VNC) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) are both great tools for remotely accessing your computer. If you are unsure which one to choose, consider the mentioned facts in this article and then decide the more suitable option according to your needs.
