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
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
- 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
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.