Help/FAQ

Installing VNC server

VNC is a great program for remote support. It is similar to remote desktop but allows both the local user and the remote user to interact and view the same screen. And what's more its a free and multi-platform solution, all packaged in small download, less then 1Mb.

We use VNC Free Edition for Windows which can be downloaded from www.realvnc.com

1. Download the Application and start the install
Go to www.realvnc.com and download the VNC Free Edition for Windows
Double mouse click on the icon to start the install

Note: the current version at this time is 4.1.1

2. Welcome Screen, press [Next >]

3. Accept the licence agreement
Read the licence agreement (optional)
Highlight the option [I accept the agreement]
Press [Next >]

4. Select destination
Select the destination folder where you would like to install
We recommend leaving it alone and using the default option
Press [Next >]

5. Select components
Put a tick in [VNC Server] and remove the tick from [VNC Viewer]
Press [Next >]

6. Select start menu folder
Select the start menu folder where you would like the shortcuts to go
Once again, we recommend leaving it alone and using the default option
Press [Next >]

7. Select additional tasks
Both boxes should be ticked as per the screen shot below
Press [Next >]

8. Ready to install, press [Install]




9. Server Properties
You will now be prompted with the VNC server properties, [Authentication] tab
Press the configure button to set a password

10. Set the password
Time to set a password, make sure you choose a good password as VNC will allow any remote user to have full access to your machine.

Warning: The free version on VNC only uses the first 8 characters of your password.

Note: We recommend that you set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection to your computer or the server and connect to VNC over the VPN for increased security.

11. Server Properties [Desktop] tab
Put a tick in the following boxes
- Remove wallpaper
- Remove background pattern
- Disable user interface effects
Doing this will speed up your VNC sessions as you won't be transmitting unnecessary data

12. Server Properties [Connections] tab
The last settings you need to configure are the Connections
By default VNC should use port 5900, if there are multiple computers at the same IP address that have VNC server installed, each one will need to be on a different port.
Usually these will be in the range 5900 thru 5910

Press [OK] when finished

13. Information, press [Next >]

14. Finish, press [Finish]

15. Testing
To test your VNC installation is accessible to the outside world use the website www.gotomyvnc.com this site will test if there is a VNC server at the ports 5900 upwards, but does not try to login.

If you have no success, there could be a number of reasons.

• ADSL modem needs to have a pinhole on port 5900 pointing to your machine (or whatever port you specified in the connections dialog)
• Windows XP has a built in firewall, you will need to open port 5900 to allow a connection.

To connect from a remote site, you will generally need a static IP address on the server. Some ISP charge lots of money for a static IP, so another option is to use a Dynamic DNS provider such as www.no-ip.com

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