When it comes to handling the crucial task of system administration, the network administrator needs to be in touch with the client’s machine all the time. This ensures speedy resolution of any technical issue in the client’s system without affecting the business.
This feat can be accomplished by using a VNC (Virtual Network Computing) viewer. VNC viewer is a software program that can monitor the client’s machine remotely and assist them with the timely resolution of any software-related problem. Today we are going to unfold the concept of VNC viewer along with its implementation and functioning. Also, once you read this article, you will have a better knowledge of which VNC viewer to use in your business, and how.
What is VNC Viewer? [Difinition]
Let’s start with the definition of a VNC viewer. First, both VNC and VNC viewer are one term, so don’t get confused if we use them interchangeably. VNC is a cross-platform screen-sharing software program that is used for managing other computers remotely via the Internet. This means you can sit at your office and have control of the mouse, keyboard, and all the different functionalities of a remotely-located computer.
How VNC Functions
The working of VNC is dependent on the client/server model. As a result, to take control of the client’s system, you first need to install a server component on the remote machine. On the other side, a VNC viewer will be installed on your system through which you can access and handle the remotely-located computer. You can even use a tablet or mobile phone to access the client’s system.
When the connection between you and the client’s system is established, you can see the client’s screen on your desktop. You get complete control of the desktop when you get permission from the client’s side. Once you get the permission, you get to control the mouse and the keyboard of the client’s system as well.
Is it Safe to Use VNC?
As you have learned, VNC can allow a person to take control of your computer remotely. So it’s obvious to worry about the safety of your data if you allow anyone to take control of your system. Well, this can be avoided if you configure the VNC appropriately. One thing you need to know is that VNC is secure out of the box.
All the connections of VNC are end-to-end encrypted, and by default, the remote system is protected by a password for home subscription users. But when it comes to professional use, the remote system is protected by login credentials.
How to Make VNC More Secure?
If you still think there could be a threat of data breach, you can make VNC more secure by using the following security checks when making a connection with VNC.
- First, you should buy an enterprise version if you are working with a client or using it for business purposes.
- When creating a user ID and password for your VNC account, make sure you have chosen a complex password.
- A lot of VNCs now come with two-step verification, enabling them to receive OTP when you log in to the VNC from your account.
- Besides, make a group of systems to which you want to give specific permissions, don’t allow every system in the network to remotely access your computer.
- Use 256-bit AES encryption parameter on the VNC server and set it to Always maximum.
- Keep control of session permissions, restrict them according to your usage and make particular users get the ‘view only’ access.
- Make a habit of disconnecting idle sessions in the VNC server by reducing the time of IdleTimeout on the VNC server.
- In case you can be physically present during the time of connection, you should turn on the connection approval.
- Screen blanking should be used if a remote system is using the Windows operating system.
- Lastly, keep a regular check on connection audit logs of your VNC server.
Best VNC Viewers to Use in 2022
For a lot of businesses, it is pretty common to have various software programs working side by side to provide all the necessary workflows. But of all those programs, VNC acts as the bridge between you and the client’s machine on which you are working. So your VNC needs to be the best. Therefore, we have provided you with some of the industry’s leading VNC software that can help you make a secure remote connection with your client’s system and enable you to perform all the required maintenance tasks with ease.
1. AnyDesk
Starting the list with one of the fan favorites and our personal choice for remote connection is AnyDesk. This remote access software gives you a platform where you can access other computers and even the personal computers that are hosting the same program. The great thing about AnyDesk is that it can run on any operating system. So you can make a remote connection to the macOS system from your Windows machine and operate with ease. You can also create a virtual keyboard and mouse for the remote system and change the screen resolution.
Furthermore, even when the remote computer is restarted, you can keep the AnyDesk working without starting the login process all over again. With this VNC, one can even perform remote printing, which can do the printing of local files on both remote and on-site systems. Lastly, one can save the connection shortcuts on the remote desktop and use them when needed.
2. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is one of the oldest VNC, which is still in business and is growing with each day. You can use this software even on your smartphone and get remote access to the computer, mobile, and even servers. The software comes with the support of 30 different languages, so it doesn’t matter if you can understand English or not. TeamViewer is more than just a VNC; with this, you can do lots of stuff that might not be possible with other VNCs. Some of the things you can perform are collaborative writing, chat, messaging, invitation, management, and more. Even if the user is offline, they will receive the message due to its offline messaging support.
A user gets end-to-end encryption, so it is an excellent product for both home and enterprise usage. Likewise, if you are frequently using many remote devices, you can even bookmark all your connections and manage all of them at once by making their group. Also, from the group, you can check the status of the machine from the side panel that can be accessed with a single click.
3. UltraVNC
If you are looking for a method to have remote access to your home computer all the time then you need to install UltraVNC. Though it is a good software for remote access, it is not the right VNC software for businesses as they can’t avail of remote technical support if the remote connection fails. But if you are looking to use it for monitoring your own system, then it is an excellent product as it provides you with some advanced settings such as cursor tracking, view-only mode, and a custom encoding option.
Also, you can skip using the program and access the server using a browser if you are working on a system that doesn’t allow you to install software programs in it. In short, UltraVNC is suitable for home usage, but not for business usage.
4. TigerVNC
TigerVNC was created by RedHat to improve the functioning of their TightVNC. The TigerVNC’s development was kickstarted by taking a snapshot of the TightVNC code. The development caused the TigerVNC to expand its horizon of usage, and now it can also be downloaded to Linux and Mac systems. The home version of this software is entirely free to use, and even if we look at the enterprise offering, it is still relatively lightweight and easy to install on a computer. With the use of TigerVNC, one can make advanced authentication and encryption.
Also, if you are stuck somewhere or don’t know how to use the tool present in the software, you can take the help of TigerVNC’s sizable online community forum, which is quite active or avail the tech support services of RedHat.
5. Chrome Remote Desktop
The Chrome Remote Desktop has become one of the most commonly used remote access applications. It is fast to set up, and when it comes to using the interface, even a student can perform all the tasks with ease. Chrome Remote Desktop is enough for you if you are looking to make a remote connection to your own devices or helping out a friend or family to fix their computer.
However, if you are thinking about using this tool for business, then it’s not the right choice as it has limited features. It doesn’t come with the inbuilt chatbox, and to use this tool, you need to have a Chrome browser. Also, there is no drag-and-drop option for sending the files from your system to the remote desktop, which sometimes is a basic necessity when you are working with a client. There is no automatic reconnect option, so the person on the remote computer needs to start the connection again manually. Thus, we prefer this VNC software for home usage only.
6. Remmina
Remmina is a VNC software specifically designed for Linux operating systems. It does have a particular niche as the people who are going to use this program will be working as system administrators on Linux-based servers. The software can be helpful for heavy users that are using multiple screens to monitor the remote systems. Even an individual can use it on his/her tablet and enjoy its full functionality.
It supports the following protocols RDP, VNC, XDMCP, and other industry-leading protocols. One can use this tool to make a quick connection with the server by adding it to their list of favorites. The UI has a floating toolbar in a full-screen mode. Thus, it allows users to switch between different models as per their requirements.
7. NoMachine
NoMachine is an enterprise-level secure remote access and desktop virtualization tool which runs on macOS, Linux, and even on Windows. The software is built around a self-designed and developed NX suite. Its high-quality compression and resource management allow it to run any graphical application with ease on many operating systems. Another great benefit of NoMachine is that it is free for everyone and has SSH encryption on by default.
Conclusion
So these were some of the best VNC viewers that one can use in 2021. In the end, it all depends on how much accessibility you want on the remote system, and based on that, you can select the VNC that fits all your requirements. As a business owner who is dealing in the IT industry, you need to have VNC to connect with your client’s system and provide them with the solutions or assistance on services that they have purchased from you.
There is no doubt that finding free VNC software is easy on the Internet, but with the tag of free software comes tons of security concerns. So in the case of VNC software, we would recommend you to spend some money and get the best software that keeps your connection secure and gives you all the tools that you need for your business.