TightVNC
Michael Serale
What is TightVNC?
• Open source remote desktop solution
• Uses Virtual Network Computing’s (VNC) RFB
protocol (remote framebuffer)
• Consists of Client and Server application
– Client uses port 5900
– Server listens on port 5800
– Ports are user configurable
X11vnc
• VNC Server program
• Command-line driven
• Installed in Ubuntu with the following
command:
– apt-get install x11vnc vnc-java
• Optionally can configure configuration files
but can use command line to run sessions
X11vnc Sample Command Line
Options
• To set x11vnc to allow access each time, include the
-nopw -accept popup:0 options
• To set x11vnc to only listen for the next connection,
include the -once option
• To set x11vnc to continually listen for connections,
include the -forever option
• To set a password, include the -usepw option
• To put x11vnc in view-only mode, include the
-viewonly option
• To set x11vnc to only allow local connections, include
the -localhost option
X11vnc Auto Start
• Start on Boot script located in
/etc/init/x11vnc.conf
start on login-session-start
script
x11vnc -xkb -noxrecord -noxfixes -noxdamage -display :0 -auth
/var/run/lightdm/root/:0 -forever -bg -o /var/log/x11vnc.log
-rfbauth /etc/x11vnc.pass
end script
Install TightVNC
• Cross Platform
• Simple Installation – also runs standalone
• All you need is to know the destination server
address and have access
Pros
• Why use VNC software?
– Allows users to have remote access to many
operating systems with GUI
– Open Source for personal and enterprise
– Easy to use
– Performs well for how light weight it is
Cons
• Not very secure
– Password is encrypted but nothing else.
– Not recommended for use over the internet
– Encryption key usage is in the works for future
versions
• Can be buggy
• Server side command line configuration can
have a learning curve – no GUI
Demonstration