What is Virtual Network Computing?

Virtual network computing is a remote display system that allows you to view a computer’s desktop display from different locations. You can view the display not only on the computer it is running from, but also via Internet access and from a variety of different machines in different locations. Virtual network computing is a small and simple to use system that can be integrated into your own computer without the need for any installation. The Win32 viewer is around 150 kilobytes (kb) in size and can be accessed directly from a floppy disk; it is that simple.

Virtual network computing is a truly independent system. You can leave your desk and go to another computer, which can either be in the next room in your office or even in your home, and then reconnect to your original computer and finish your work. Virtual network computing is also shareable, which means that several people can view the desktop on their machines. It is excellent for systems testers who need to keep an eye on programs and operations as they are running on different platforms.

The protocol for virtual network computing is a very simple remote access to graphic user interface. The protocol allows the server to update from a remote framebuffer to the framebuffer on your display screen. Because the framebuffer is already in most computer display screens, many different types of computer are able to use this technology. Virtual network computing can work on Windows, Macintosh and X/Unix. It may also be applicable to certain Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) or any other device with some form of communications link.

The protocol used in virtual network computing has been designed so that it is very simple to use. There are virtually no requirements from the user. You can run a wide range of hardware with very little implementation.

To start with, the server from whom the information is being accessed will request authentication from the client, usually in the form of a password access code. The server and client then exchange information such as screen size, encoding schemes and pixel format. The client will then ask for an update for the whole screen and the session will begin. The session can be closed at anytime by the client without any adverse effects to the server.

Virtual network computing is free to use. You can download it over the Internet and redistribute it to different users. It is an easy way to access and work on information while away from the original computer desktop.