Table of Contents

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 Free Software based on Open Standards. This is why we use Virtual Network Computing (VNC) as graphical desktop sharing system.

Why we do not use TeamViewer

TeamViewer is a popular and easy to use desktop sharing program, but is proprietary software, for which we 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 1)

sudo apt-get install x11vnc

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:

vnc://our-server-address

Or use VNC viewer from 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.

1)
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 Vinagre. Uninstall vino before installing X11VNC Server.