2. Uses Of VNC

Remote desktop administration is the first thing that springs to mind, allowing a user to take control of a computer with technical issues and fix it themselves. This, of course, presupposes the broken computer already having a VNC server package installed, and a connection to the computer of whoever wishes to fix it. A connection can be made simply by entering the IP address of the server computer, and entering the password that was set when the server was set up.

VNC even runs on mobile devices.

Closer to home, there are uses for VNC that go beyond technical support. It is possible to only view a server’s output, effectively watching what is happening on the remote computer. Developers, or those whose work will appear differently on different machines, can benefit from access to a machine running a different operating system and a VNC server. Applications and processes that make heavy use of the CPU or generally take time, like rendering a 3D scene or backing up a DVD, can be run on a server and checked up on by VNC.

Recreational use of VNC gets a little more creative. Versions of VNC exist for both the Nintendo DS and the PSP, meaning that these handhelds can be used as high tech remote controls, allowing a user control over their computer like a television. Users will undoubtedly also find their own applications for it, like using it to set up a jukebox PC that is simply connected to the network and speakers. Users could use VNC to control the play list. Experimentation will lead to finding a great number of uses for the software, from the trivial, like using it rather than going downstairs to check the family PC, to the important.

VNC software packages are slowly being replaced in their business capacity with hardware solutions, thin clients specifically built for the purpose rather than low spec PCs being adapted. Its role as a single standard that can be used across a wealth of platforms from PalmPCs to Apple Macs to access remote computers has changed subtly, but it still remains a useful and worthwhile tool.

You can find out more about and download VNC software at the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering .