How to Use RealVNC: 8 Steps (With Pictures)

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How to Use RealVNC: 8 Steps (With Pictures)
How to Use RealVNC: 8 Steps (With Pictures)
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You can operate another PC on your local network or over the internet as if you were sitting at your keyboard with just a couple of minutes of setup. This can be useful for troubleshooting or repairing your PC remotely, or controlling a PC other than your own.

Steps

Use RealVNC Step 1
Use RealVNC Step 1

Step 1. Visit RealVNC to download the necessary software through this link

Choose the free edition. Note, it will ask you to enter your name and email address but you can proceed without this information by just clicking Next. Or, you can get UltraVNC sourceforge. Click "Download" from the bar at the top of the website. This will take you to a page with multiple links (see step 2). UltraVNC is free, and has more features than the Premium version of RealVNC, but some find it more difficult to configure. It depends on you.

Use RealVNC Step 2
Use RealVNC Step 2

Step 2. If you choose RealVNC, download the version with server and visualization on the PC you want to control, and install it

If you choose to use UltraVNC, then the link you need will say something like "Download UltraVnc-101-Setup.zip".

Use RealVNC Step 3
Use RealVNC Step 3

Step 3. Download the display version on any PC with which you want to control the other PC

For UltraVNC the link will look something like "Download UltraVnc-101-Setup.zip". While you could always install the server / display combination on each PC, you get an extra measure of security by not installing the software on any PC you don't want them to control.

Use RealVNC Step 4
Use RealVNC Step 4

Step 4. Make sure the server software runs on the PC you want to control, and that it is connected to the network

The first time you run it, you will need to set a password to access the PC - make sure it is a strong password.

Use RealVNC Step 5
Use RealVNC Step 5

Step 5. Open the viewing software on the PC you are going to control

Here you will need to enter the name of the PC you are going to control (or its IP address), if you know it. To learn its name, on the PC you are going to control (in Windows XP) go to control panel, and select System. Go to the Computer Name tab. The name is next to where it says "Full Name of Computer:". Note: you can omit the period after the name.

Use RealVNC Step 6
Use RealVNC Step 6

Step 6. Click "OK" after entering the name

It should now ask you for the password you set in step 4.

Use RealVNC Step 7
Use RealVNC Step 7

Step 7. Done

You should see the desktop of the computer you want to control, and be able to operate it as if you were in front of your desk.

Use RealVNC Step 8
Use RealVNC Step 8

Step 8. If for some reason this does not work, check that the Firewall on one of the computers is not blocking the connection

A common port for VNC to use is port 5900.

Advice

  • Be sure to read the program's instructions and warnings on the site before installing it, this will often help you avoid problems.
  • Some anti-spyware programs will detect the VNC program as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). This is because if someone else installed the program on your computer without your knowledge, then they can control your computer. As long as you have installed VNC (or someone else did it for you), it is safe to ignore these warnings.
  • These instructions are for Windows XP, but the software is available for Mac and Linux as well.
  • The programs are free. The more advanced versions can be found available from companies like NTR Global which is much better for professional support organizations as they offer AES encryption, reporting features, and have fewer firewall / proxy issues.
  • If RealVNC doesn't meet your needs, it may be worth uninstalling and using UltraVnc but it's a good idea to have someone who knows computers help you.
  • If you have Windows XP Professional on one of your computers, and XP Pro or Home on the other, you can use the Remote Desktop Control function that is already included in the system. However, one of the PCs must be running XP Professional.
  • If you are having trouble installing and adjusting these programs, try looking for a link that says "Forum" or you may be able to "contact" someone at the site where you downloaded the VNC software. Here you will find people willing to help you with problems. Don't be discouraged if someone rude says your questions are silly - the open nature of the internet unfortunately gives these people more or less free rein to be annoying, but there are far more people than helping others.
  • Make sure you get your external IP address by going to http://whatismyip.com or any kind of website that tells you your IP.
  • Windows 2003 server also has Remote Desktop functionality, so any operating system can connect to or from the other without using VNC. Remote Desktop uses port 3389, so make sure that port is not blocked by your firewall.

Warnings

  • If you leave the server on all the time then you risk someone who knows your IP address and can figure out your password from accessing the internet. Make sure to put a strong password, and configure the firewall to the internet. If you have a router, you may already have the firewall. RealVNC (and UltraVNC) operates on port 5900 by default, consider blocking this port on your firewall to prevent someone outside your network from controlling your PC. Or, if you need to access your VNC from the internet, you can use port forwarding to allow the internet to access it. However, that can be a security risk.
  • Also, watch out for unencrypted information flowing between your connected computers (the free edition of RealVNC does not include encryption). Ultra VNC does support encryption, but you're going to struggle a bit to fully configure it.

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