So, remote control is cool, right? Right. We've got remote controls for TVs, stereos, ipods, planes, trains and automobiles. Why not a remote control for an entire computer? That's what I'm talkin' about, Willis.VNC is just that. It's a software implementation that allows you to remote control a computer across a network or across the internet. Imagine that you're on the road and you want to do something on your computer at home. No prob. Imagine you only download your podcasts to your home computer and when you're at work you wanna get those downloaded so you can listen when you get home. Cool!
VNC rocks. This podcast, inspired by a listeners phone call and with information cut out of last week's networking 'cast, talks all about how to use VNC and why it's beneficial. So, drop what you're doing and dig into the links below. And, as always, E-Mail us if you have any further questions, or just post them in the comments below....
Show Links:
_Learn More About VNC Here
-How to use VNC for remote control
-VNC server and client for Windows and Linux
-VNC Client for Mac
-VNC Server for Mac (although, OS X users don't need to set up a server, just enable "Remote Desktop" in your sharing prefs. and you're good to go!)
VNC and security
From Wikipedia: "By default, VNC is not a secure protocol."
I highly recommend using either one of the secured variants, or tunneling with a VPN or other security technology. No point in needlessly exposing oneself.
"be as wise as serpents, but as harmless as doves..."
VNC Security
Very true. There are ways to add security. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vnc#Security_in_VNC
VNC Port forwarding
Hi,
You mentioned in the podcast about port forwarding 5900 through your router to the VNC server. I'd like to suggest coming up with a different port number (a setting that you can change in the configuration) to be more secure. If there is a hacker out there scanning ports, I'd think that 5900 would be one of the ones that they'd try to scan and attack.
Just a thought,
Craig
Great Thought
That is a great thought. A great way to improve security with VNS is to change the port your VNC uses on your computer, and forward the different port on.
This is, also, a way to connect to multiple computers on the same network. Give each of them a different port.
Thanks for the tip.
Matt Farina
Geeks and God Co-Host
www.mattfarina.com
a little late... oops... sorry
So, I'm about a month late to the party b/c I just discovered Geeks and God... I am a HUGE fan and my computer is busily downloading podcast after podcast as we speak... er, read and type
I love VNC and I hope more people will use it as it's applications are endless (i do remote tech support for my parents!)
I recommend using ssh tunneling whenever possible... it's a tad bit simpler to set up than a full-fledged VPN solution and you only have to open one port in your router/firewall... all ssh/sftp traffic goes in and out of one port!
thanks for the great words, guys... God bless... give me a driveby sometime at the blog below! I look forward to being an avid contributer to the forums/comments so, I hope you don't get sick of me!
SDG,
Matt
Matty the Stranger
mattythestranger.wordpress.com
Mac OSX... Because making Unix user friendly is easier than debugging Windows...
love the footer
"Mac OSX... Because making Unix user friendly is easier than debugging Windows..."
I love that.... I am a unix guy at heart.
Matt Farina
Geeks and God Co-Host
www.mattfarina.com