About VNC Servers
Virtual Network Computing is a use of the RFB network protocol that allows remote access to the graphical user interface of a computer. Mouse and keyboard commands are relayed from one computer to the other, and updates from the screen are sent back. VNC is platform-independent: a Mac can control a system running Windows, or vice-versa. VNC clients have even written for mobile platforms such as the iPhone.
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The RFB protocol
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The remote frame buffer (RFB) protocol is designed for precisely this kind of remote graphic interface. It interacts directly with the frame buffer output of a computer's graphics hardware, which makes it universally compatible. Though the protocol itself is relatively basic, it has been extended many times, particularly by developers working with VNC software. Common extensions allow file transfers and various kinds of compression. A modern RFB connection includes negotiation of which extensions are available before transferring data.
How VNC works
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In order to allow remote access, a computer must have a VNC server installed and running. Computers running Mac OSX Tiger or later have a VNC server installed by default, called Apple Remote Desktop. A configured VNC server listens for network connections from VNC clients, or in some cases, web browsers. When a client connects, they are presented with a windowed view of the remote computer. Keyboard and mouse input are transferred directly to the VNC server, and screen updates are sent back to the client.
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History
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The original VNC program was designed by the Olivetti and Oracle Labs, owned by Oracle Corporation and Olivetti. In 1999 AT&T bought the lab, ending funding for development in 2002. Several of the original developers continued working on the open-source VNC project in their own time, under the name RealVNC. Since that time many other developers have forked the original VNC, creating many custom versions with different specialties.
Uses and Benefits
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Remote control of a graphical desktop is useful in a variety of situations. Many companies use VNC for telecommuting or traveling workers. Others use it for remote repairs. It is even used in some home automation and personal entertainment centers as a remote control. Depending on the extensions used, it can be lightweight enough to operate on a mobile phone, or robust enough to be a complete desktop replacement.
Security
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On its own, VPN is not a particularly secure remote desktop solution. Some VNC clients such as RealVNC offer an open-source encryption plugin, but since it is not a part of the protocol, this feature reduces compatibility with other VNC servers and clients. Users on UNIX based systems often tunnel VNC through an SSH connection, but this is more difficult to implement for Windows systems.
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