Quite a few free remote desktop software exist. With such helpers you can remotely take over a computer. You then look along with someone on the desktop and adjust system settings directly. Many freeware work on the basis of the universal vnc protocol, so that you can take over a computer with a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. A good example of this is VNC Connect. How do you use this application on different platforms?
The vnc protocol is an abbreviation for virtual network computing, which always involves a server and client (also known as a viewer). The vnc server runs on the system you want to take over. With a viewer you then have access to the remote desktop. The vnc protocol sends keystrokes and mouse movements to the server, so you can exercise full control remotely.
A big advantage is that the vnc protocol can be used on all kinds of (mobile) operating systems. For example, you can take over a PC on the road with your smartphone; that way you can retrieve an important document or show someone a nice photo.
Security issues
The vnc protocol is quite vulnerable to hackers. For example, at the beginning of this year, Kaspersky experts discovered various security problems for various programs. Some holes in the software have been around for years. Kaspersky notified the affected developers of this and most of the security issues have now been resolved.
As a user, you are simply dependent on the capabilities of programmers for safety. Therefore, do not use vnc programs for privacy-sensitive tasks, such as doing remote banking or opening your mailbox. Also install good anti-virus software on Windows machines.
Would you rather not control computers remotely via the universal vnc protocol? Alternatively, you can use closed remote desktop software, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop.
01 Register VNC Connect
Many vnc programs have a commercial slant and that is no different with VNC Connect (formerly RealVNC). Nevertheless, we recommend this program, as alternatives such as UltraVNC and TightVNC regularly face security issues. VNC Connect uses an encrypted connection via 128bit-aes encryption and the software is also very user-friendly. This way, you don’t have to open any ports in the router to connect to a computer remotely.
While the landing page doesn’t list a free version anywhere, it does exist. surf to www.realvnc.com/en/connect/home to sign up for this. Scroll down a bit and fill under the cup How to get started in the second step enter a valid email address. Click twice Next and tick the option I am not a robot. You fill in the requested data, for which you come up with a strong password for security. In addition, select the option personal use. Agree to the terms and conditions and confirm with Sign up. You will then enter your personal account. Finally, open your mailbox to confirm your account.
02 Installing VNC Server
From your account you have access to two programs, namely VNC Server and VNC Viewer. The first intention is to install the server on the system that you want to take over remotely.
Open this web page and click the blue download button. In addition to a version for Windows, the server program is also available for macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi. Nice, because unlike alternatives such as UltraVNC and TightVNC, VNC Connect effortlessly connects different operating systems of (mobile) devices. Run the installer and choose the desired language. Unfortunately, there is no Dutch translation available. For that reason, we use the English version in this basic course. Through OK and Next you agree to the terms. Go through all the steps and don’t forget to check the option Add an exception to the firewall for VNC-Server tick. This will add an exception to the firewall. Through Next / Install / Finish complete the installation.
03 Configure VNC Server
A VNC Server login window will automatically appear after the installation. Enter the correct login details and click on Sign in. After a while, the program will ask you to associate a new password with the current computer. This cannot be the same password as the previously created VNC Connect profile. Type a fresh password twice and click Next. An overview window with account information appears. Note that with a free account you can use up to five devices. Close the window with Apply / Done. The main window of VNC Connect will now appear. The Windows version nestles in the system tray at the bottom right, so you simply open the program in the future. The server is now ready for use.
Quick Assist in Windows 10
Windows 10 includes an integrated solution under the name of Quick Assist to connect remotely to a PC or laptop. You can find this tool via Start and accessories. Do you want to take over the system from a friend or family member? Choose Help someone else and sign in with your Microsoft account. The displayed code is valid for ten minutes. Have your contact also open Quick Assist on a Windows machine and provide the six-digit code. You gain access as soon as the conscious person is under Assistant code enter the number series and confirm with Share screen. Now make a choice between Full management and View screen. Through Get on the remote desktop will appear in seconds, provided your contact accepts the connection request. You use the toolbar at the top to send messages and take notes.
04 VNC Viewer on computer
Once VNC Server is active on a computer, you can easily take over this system from another machine. For this you call on the VNC Viewer program. surf to www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer and click the blue download button. Versions exist for Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi. Open the installation file and go through all the steps to add this so-called client to the computer.
Within Windows 10 you will find the program in the start menu. See for this RealVNC. Open VNC Viewer and click via Got it the opening screen away. Then navigate to at the top right Sign in, then enter the email address and password for your VNC Connect profile. Confirm with Sign in. You will then receive an email message for verification. Through Continuous signing in opens a webpage where you confirm again with Authorize sign-in. Note that within VNC Viewer the name of the machine on which you previously installed VNC Server will appear. Double-click on it to connect and choose Continuous. Now enter the password you previously chose for the computer with VNC Server. Once you click on OK the remote desktop appears.
05 Remote operation
Operation is a piece of cake. As soon as you hover the mouse pointer over the remote desktop, take over the cursor. For example, open the start menu or settings. You can also use the keyboard remotely, so that you can enter commands or web addresses, for example. Move the mouse pointer to the top of the VNC Viewer window to display additional options. Click the four-arrow icon to use the remote desktop in full screen mode. Do you want to adopt the exact image format? Then click on the icon with the square and arrow. Via the information icon you can see which server the computer is connected to and whether 128bit-aes encryption is active.
Finally, use the gear wheel to adjust the image quality as needed. In that case, select back Picture quality the option High, Medium or Low. If the remote computer is slow to respond, setting a lower image quality usually helps.
Invite contacts
Until now, you have only connected to systems via your own VNC Connect profile. You may want to take over a computer from another person. Of course you can pass on instructions for the installation of VNC Server and then share account information. Would you rather not do that for safety reasons? No problem; you can just as easily let contacts create their own account, after which you invite them to your team. surf to https://manage.realvnc.com and log in with your login details. Navigate to People / Invite people and then send out invitations via email.
06 VNC Viewer on mobile
VNC Viewer is also available for iOS and Android. A valuable addition, because you can easily control a computer with Windows, macOS or Linux from a smartphone or tablet.
On a mobile device, open the App Store or Play Store and install the VNC Viewer – Remote Desktop application. After opening the app, swipe the English introduction pages to the left and fill in via Get Started / Sign in enter your VNC Connect account credentials. You then open your mailbox to confirm the connection request. After approval, tap the name of the machine running VNC Server and enter the corresponding password. Through Continuous you can access the remote desktop.
The operation on a touch screen does take some getting used to. Fortunately, a short interactive manual will help you on your way. You can perform all common actions on the computer via various tap and swipe movements. In addition, a virtual keyboard is also available.
