Use RealVNC

You can operate another PC on your home network or over the Internet as if you were sitting at the keyboard with just a few minutes of setup. This can be useful to troubleshoot or repair a PC remotely, or to control another PC that you own.

Steps

  1. Visit RealVNC to download the necessary software through this link. Choose the free edition. Note it asks you to enter you name and email address but will proceed without this information if you just push the next button.Click on 'Download' from the bar at the top of the site. This takes you to a page with several links (see step 2).
  2. If you chose RealVnc, download the version with both server and viewer onto the PC you wish to be controlled, and install.
  3. Download the viewer-only version onto any PC you wish to control the other computer with. While you could just install the combined server and viewer on every PC, you will get an extra measure of security by not installing the server software on any PC you do not wish to be controlled.
  4. Make sure the server software is running on the PC to be controlled, and that it is connected to the network. The first time you run it, you will need to set a password for accessing the PC -- be sure to Choose a Secure Password.
  5. Open the viewer software on the controlling PC. Here you will need to enter the name of the PC to be controlled (or its IP Address), if you know it. To learn its name, on the PC to be controlled (in Win XP) go to the control panel, and select system. Go to the Computer Name tab. The name is next to where it says "Full Computer Name:". Note you can disregard the period after the name.
  6. Click "OK" after you have entered the name. It should now ask you for the password you set in step 4.
  7. Voila! You should see the desktop of the controlled computer, and be able to operate it as if you were at its keyboard.
  8. If for some reason this doesn't work, verify that a Firewall on either computer is not blocking the connection. A common port for VNC to use is port 5900.

Tips

  • Make sure to read all the program's instructions and warnings on the site before installing, as this will often help prevent problems.
  • Some anti-spyware programs will detect VNC programs as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). This is because if someone else had installed VNC on your computer without your knowledge, they could control your computer. As long as you installed VNC yourself (or had someone do 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 software is provided free by the people at RealVNC.
  • If you have Windows XP professional on one of the computers (viewer or server), and XP pro or home on the other, you can use the built in Remote Desktop Control function. However, one of the PCs must be running XP professional.
  • If you have problems installing and setting up these programs, try looking for a link that says "forums" or "message boards" or perhaps "contact" on the site from which you downloaded the VNC software. Here you will find people willing to help you through your troubles. Don't be discouraged if an impolite user calls your questions stupid - The open nature of the Internet unfortunately gives these kind of people more or less free reign to be jerks, but there are far, far more kind and helpful people out there than the others.
  • Be sure to obtain your external IP address by going to http://whatismyip.com or any other website that tells you your IP.
  • Windows 2003 server also has Remote Desktop capability, so either operating system can connect to or from each other in this fashion without using VNC. Remote Desktop uses port 3389, so ensure this port is not blocked by your firewall.

Warnings

  • If you leave the server software running at all times, then the computer is exposed to being accessed over the Internet by someone who knows its IP address and can figure out your password. Be sure to Choose a Secure Password. Consider setting up a firewall to the Internet. If you have a router, you may already have a firewall. RealVNC operate by default over port 5900, consider blocking this port on your firewall to prevent anyone outside your network from controlling your PC. Or, conversely, if you need to access VNC from the internet, you can use port-forwarding to allow the internet access to it. However, that may be a security risk.
  • Also, be careful due to unencrypted information flowing between connected computers (free edition of RealVnc doesn't include encryption).

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Sources and Citations

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