need some easy to use VNC remote desktop software

cmt · 11 Apr 2007 at 14:19

Just built my brother a computer from some spare parts i had lying around.

To avoid having to explain some things, it would be easier if i could take control of his PC from home and talk him through stuff while doing it myself (If you get what i mean!)

whats recommended, we are both running XP MCE

MikeTimbers · 11 Apr 2007 at 14:38

The biggest question isn't what to use (UltraVNC gets my vote) but how to make the remote access secure and reliable. How much do you know about networking and security?

Tony Williams · 11 Apr 2007 at 14:49

VNC is probably about the best option, is there a reason why you don't want it?

cmt · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:03

MikeTimbers said:
How much do you know about networking and security?

not a huge amount.

Mark M · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:04

If VNC server isnt running then is there a security threat?

cmt · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:05

Tony Williams said:
VNC is probably about the best option, is there a reason why you don't want it?

didn't say i didn't want it.

Just want something secure, easy to use, easy to configure

Tony Williams · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:10

cmt said:
didn't say i didn't want it.

Just want something secure, easy to use, easy to configure

VNC is all of them. If you've never used it I'll show you how it should be configured.

cmt · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:12

Tony Williams said:
VNC is all of them.

where do i get this software (Link).

ta!

Tony Williams · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:13

Okay well, my favorite flavour of VNC is REALVNC, there are three different versions but the free one is good enough.

RealVNC.com

M0t0r0la · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:15

Does VNC allow the user to see what the remote controller is doing or does it log them out like remote-desktop???

Tony Williams · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:16

M0t0r0la said:
Does VNC allow the user to see what the remote controller is doing or does it log them out like remote-desktop???

When someone accesses your machine they are sharing your mouse, keyboard and clipboard.

fini · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:16

If you're accessing over the internet I'd recommend tightvnc as it'll be the most responsive and, to make it secure, install hamachi aswell. It makes it completely secure and is very easy to use - stops you from having to find out the persons IP each time for tightvnc.

fini

Tony Williams · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:34

Providing you are using the current version of whatever VNC from the offical page and protect it with a non-dictionary password your probably safe - also you can enable PROMPT LOCAL USER BEFORE CONNECT. When you try to use your brothers PC he'll see this. Also you can just use it on LAN (no internet) that's what I do on my sisters computer.

Also when someone logs into your VNC over LAN or internet your VNC icon in the system tray turns black.

(spot the difference)

fini · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:56

True, but all the information is still being sent over the internet without any sort of encryption - thus the reason that hamachi is so usefull (it also means you don't have to open any ports on your firewall).

fini

Tony Williams · 11 Apr 2007 at 15:59

fini said:
True, but all the information is still being sent over the internet without any sort of encryption - thus the reason that hamachi is so usefull (it also means you don't have to open any ports on your firewall).

fini

Yeah okay - fair do's, I've never used hamachi myself so I am not knocking it. The pay-for RealVNC has encyption.

I would still secure VNC regardless of LAN or Internet or that piece of mind.

M0t0r0la · 11 Apr 2007 at 16:00

fini said:
True, but all the information is still being sent over the internet without any sort of encryption - thus the reason that hamachi is so usefull (it also means you don't have to open any ports on your firewall).

fini

Agree Hamachi rocks, I use it to control over a dozen zombie servers.