CNET Editors' review
This excellent program lets you assume control of another computer across a local network or the Internet. A particularly good choice for mobile users, VNC includes a Java client that enables you to access a remote computer via any browser without installing any software.
At present, there are ready-made versions for Windows, Unix, Linux, and Solaris. In our testing, VNC performed without considerable slowdown over a LAN connection and did not consume much memory. (To operate over a slow connection, you may need to reduce colors, remove the desktop wallpaper, or have only one active window.)
The interface has no means of handling numerous connections, though you may save them as usual shortcuts. The program can be made to run as a service process, allowing you to connect to a machine that has nobody logged onto it. The installation files are small enough that you can save them on a floppy. This free program is suitable both for home and business use, especially since it is open source, fully documented, and uses a platform-independent protocol that enables you to remotely operate on a variety of platforms.
Publisher's Description
From RealVNC:
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a remote display system that allows you to view and work on one desktop using a different computer and platform from anywhere on the Internet. For example, you can use VNC on your PC to display a Unix environment running on a large server in another room. It allows you to control the mouse and keyboard input to the remote computer as well as view its display. VNC also works as a Java-client applet in a browser.
Editor's note: This download link leads to an external information-gathering page, which is optional. The actual download link is at the bottom of that page.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 131 votes
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Current version:
4.5 starsout of 114 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Fast and simple to use."
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
Is very easy to connect computers running different systems across the network
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"Good and free!"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
Easy to install and use.
Cons
If have file sharing option would be nice.
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"hard to get to work, and no longer free"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
used to be free and used to work. a has-been.
Cons
no longer free, no phone support, works for a while then quits. long-winded and overly technical email help makes this software hard to use for the beginners in networking.
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"It is Free and ease to use"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
It is Free, and give us source code, I think it better
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"Great fun, even if you don't have a use for it"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
I use it just to initiate an internet connection on my dedicated hybrid satellite/dial-up substitute-for-broadband server from other network machines (as the satellite software doesn't allow for automated connection), but that is a woefully trivial use for it. You can do almost anything on a computer that you can do sitting at the keyboard, but do it remotely over a network connection from another machine. I found it very easy to set up, too, but I AM a genius after all.
Cons
I can't watch the satellite TV installed on my other machine over the network link (the remote screen is blank), but that is about the only thing I have found it can't do. Some people use it over the internet? Oo-er...
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"It's Free"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
This program is pretty sweet because you can have all the computers on the network on and control them remotely.
Cons
there are not remote dispatcher and i need use additionaly
remote office manager
aledensoft
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"Great for simple control"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
I use this for running my computers on my LAN, since I don't have enough keyboards, mice and monitors to go around. I control 6 computers with one. I can control any one computer within a couple seconds of deciding I need to access it.
Cons
Some delay. Don't expect to watch video or see snazzy animations. Not a big issue for me, as I was just after the utility of it. Understanding their verbage on the setup was somewhat confusing to somebody who has little experience with this sort of thing.
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"so far, so good"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
I have 2 PCs and (now) 1 monitor. The Win98 is old and I didn't want to buy a monitor or kvm or a switcher (and cables), so this is a FREE solution. (Swapping the monitor cable from 1 pc to the other was getting to be a pain, too.)
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"Neat Program"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
I can get access to any of the computers on my network via IP and can run and shut down game servers and mail servers from just sitting in one place! Great little porgram. and the can be all passworded
Cons
No drag and droping files. Pooo!
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"VNC is great"
Version: Virtual Network Computing 3.3.7
Pros
Easy to setup and use
Cons
Do NOT get caught using VNC remotely using no encryption or tunneling. Don't even THINK about it. Use a SSL or IPSec VPN then connect to your remote VNC box.
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