===== Sharing a Computer Desktop over the Internet =====

//We want to assist you in the most secure way.//

==== Security first ====

As we want to minimize the risk of compromising sensitive data and passwords we use [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software|Free Software]] based on Open Standards. This is why we use [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Network_Computing|Virtual Network Computing (VNC)]] as graphical desktop sharing system.

==== Why we do not use TeamViewer ====
[[https://www.teamviewer.com|TeamViewer]] is a popular and easy to use desktop sharing program, but is //proprietary// software, for which we [[https://duckduckgo.com/?q=teamviewer+security+breach|cannot be sure]] that remote access to your or our desktop is secure.

==== How secure is VNC? ====

Although VNC passwords are sent DES-encrypted over the net, the rest of the traffic is sent as is, unencrypted.  So using VNC over the Internet //can// be a security risk.

//As long as VNC has no built-in encryption, we recommend installing an SSH server, and using SSH tunneling for all VNC connections.//

----
===== How to share your desktop =====

//When you want us to access your desktop . . .//

==== 1. Install VNC server ====

Install a VNC server on your desktop computer.

=== Windows ===

http://tigervnc.org
                 
=== Mac OS X ===

VNC Server is built-in software. Configure via System Preferences -> Sharing -> Screen Sharing
    
=== GNU/Linux ===

''X11VNC Server'' ((Do not use default VNC server ''vino'' in Ubuntu to share your existing desktop with other users, since this will give "Unknown authType 18" on all VNC Viewers, except [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinagre|Vinagre]]. Uninstall ''vino'' before installing ''X11VNC Server''.))
<file bash>
sudo apt-get install x11vnc
</file>

  * Select "Accept Connections" 
  * Select "Ask for Confirmation"
  * Set a hard-to-guess Password.
  * Optionally select "All Clients ViewOnly"
    
==== 2. Create Port Forward ====

Create a port forward in your router to the VNC Server port 5900.

==== 3. URL and Password ====

Hand us the public internet URL of your VNC Server and the password for the remote session.

----
===== How to access our demo desktop =====

//When you want to access one of our demo desktops . . .//

==== 1. Install VNC viewer ====

Install a VNC viewer on your desktop computer.

=== Windows ===

http://tigervnc.org
                 
=== Mac OS X ===

Use this URL in Safari Web Browser:
<file>
vnc://our-server-address
</file>

Or use VNC viewer from [[http://tigervnc.org|http://tigervnc.org]].
    
=== Debian / Ubuntu ===

''sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-vnc''
    
==== 2. URL and Password ====

We will hand you the public internet URL of our VNC Server and the password for the remote session.