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{{Short description|Software company}}
{{Infobox software
{{Infobox software
| name = RealVNC
| name = RealVNC
| logo = File:RealVNC logo.svg
| logo = File:Blue-RealVNC.svg
| screenshot =
| screenshot =
| caption = The RealVNC viewer in action (pictured with resolution scaling)
| caption = The RealVNC viewer in action (pictured with resolution scaling)
| developer = RealVNC
| developer = RealVNC Ltd.
| platform = {{Plainlist|
| platform = {{Plainlist|
* [[x86-64]]
* [[x86-64]]
* [[Apple M1|M1]]/[[Apple M2|M2]]/[[Apple M3|M3]] ([[macOS]])
* [[ARM architecture|ARM]] ([[Raspberry Pi]])
* [[ARM architecture|ARM]] ([[Raspberry Pi]])
}}
}}
| genre = [[Remote administration]] [[software]]
| genre = [[Remote administration]] [[software]]
| license = [[GNU General Public License|GPL]] / [[Proprietary software]]
| license = RealVNC: [[Proprietary software]]; VNC Open: [[GNU General Public License|GPL]]<ref>[https://archive.realvnc.com/products/open/ VNC Open - RealVNC]</ref>
| website = {{URL|https://www.realvnc.com/}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.realvnc.com/}}
| latest_release_version = VNC Server - 6.7.2
| latest_release_version = VNC Server - 7.11.1
VNC Viewer - 6.20.817
VNC Viewer - 7.11.1
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2020|06|01}}
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2024|05|09}}
| operating_system = {{Plainlist|
| operating_system = {{Plainlist|
* [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
* [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
* [[Linux]]
* [[Linux]]
* [[macOS]]
* [[macOS]]
* [[Google Android|Android]]
* [[AIX]] (legacy VNC 5.x only)
* [[iOS]]
* [[HP-UX]] (legacy VNC 5.x only)
* [[Solaris (operating system)|Solaris]] (legacy VNC 5.x only)
}}
}}
| programming_language = [[C++ (programming language)|C++]]
| programming_language = [[C++ (programming language)|C++]] / [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
}}
}}


'''RealVNC''' is a company that provides [[remote desktop software|remote access]] software. The software consists of a server (VNC Server) and client (VNC Viewer) application for the [[Virtual Network Computing]] (VNC) protocol to control another computer's screen remotely.
'''RealVNC''' is a company that provides [[remote desktop software|remote access]] software. Their [[VNC]] Connect software consists of a server (VNC Server) and client (VNC Viewer) application, which exchange data over the [[RFB protocol]] to allow the Viewer to control the Server's screen remotely. The application is used, for example, by IT support engineers to provide helpdesk services to remote users.


==History==
==History==
[[Andy Harter]] (CEO of RealVNC Limited) and other members of the original VNC team at [[AT&T]] founded RealVNC Limited in 2002. The automotive division of RealVNC spun out as a separate company ([https://www.vncautomotive.com/ VNC Automotive]) in 2018.<ref name="VNC Automotive launches as an independent company">{{cite web |url=https://www.realvnc.com/en/news/vnc-automotive-launches-as-an-independent-company/ |title=VNC Automotive launches as an independent company |website=www.realvnc.com|language=en|date=2018-07-24|access-date=2019-05-06}}</ref>
[[Andy Harter]] and other members of the original VNC team at [[AT&T]] founded RealVNC Limited in 2002. The automotive division of RealVNC spun out as a separate company ([https://www.vncautomotive.com/ VNC Automotive]) in 2018.<ref name="VNC Automotive launches as an independent company">{{cite web |url=https://www.realvnc.com/en/news/vnc-automotive-launches-as-an-independent-company/ |title=VNC Automotive launches as an independent company |website=www.realvnc.com|language=en|date=2018-07-24|access-date=2019-05-06}}</ref>


==Platforms, editions, versions==
==Platforms, editions, versions==
For a desktop-to-desktop connection RealVNC runs on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], on [[Mac OS X]], and on many [[Unix-like]] operating systems. A list of supported platforms can be found on the website.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/docs/supported-platforms.html|title=Docs {{!}} Supported platforms for VNC Connect {{!}} VNC® Connect|website=www.realvnc.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22}}</ref> A RealVNC client also runs on the [[Java platform]] and on the [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] [[iPhone]], [[iPod Touch|iPod touch]] and [[iPad]] and [[Google]] [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices. A Windows-only client, VNC Viewer Plus is available, designed to interface to the embedded server on [[Intel Active Management Technology|Intel AMT]] chipsets found on [[Intel vPro]] motherboards.
For a desktop-to-desktop connection RealVNC runs on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[macOS]], and many [[Unix-like]] operating systems. A list of supported platforms can be found on the [https://help.realvnc.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002252798-Supported-Platforms-for-VNC-Connect website].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/docs/supported-platforms.html|title=Docs {{!}} Supported platforms for VNC Connect {{!}} VNC Connect|website=www.realvnc.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22}}</ref> A RealVNC client also runs on the [[Java platform]] and on the [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] [[iPhone]], [[iPod Touch|iPod touch]] and [[iPad]] and [[Google]] [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices.

A Windows-only client, VNC Viewer Plus was launched in 2010, designed to interface to the embedded server on [[Intel Active Management Technology|Intel AMT]] chipsets found on [[Intel vPro]] motherboards. RealVNC removed VNC Viewer Plus from sale on 28th February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2021 |title=Product End of Life (EoL) notice |url=https://help.realvnc.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017492037-Product-End-of-Life-EoL-notice- |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=RealVNC}}</ref>


For remote access to view one computer desktop on another, RealVNC requires one of three subscriptions:
For remote access to view one computer desktop on another, RealVNC requires one of three subscriptions:
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As of release 4.3 (released August 2007), separate versions of both the Personal and Enterprise editions exist for 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Release 4.6 included features such as HTTP proxy support, chat, an address book, remote printing, unicode support, and connection notification.
As of release 4.3 (released August 2007), separate versions of both the Personal and Enterprise editions exist for 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Release 4.6 included features such as HTTP proxy support, chat, an address book, remote printing, unicode support, and connection notification.


Users must [[product activation|activate]] each of the server versions ("Home", "Professional", "Enterprise").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/docs/faq/license-apps.html|title=Docs {{!}} How is VNC Connect licensed? {{!}} VNC® Connect|website=www.realvnc.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22}}</ref>
Users must [[product activation|activate]] each of the server versions ("Home", "Professional", "Enterprise").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/docs/faq/license-apps.html|title=Docs {{!}} How is VNC Connect licensed? {{!}} VNC Connect|website=www.realvnc.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22}}</ref>


With the release of VNC 5.0 late December 2013, RealVNC software editions used a single binary which superseded VNC Enterprise Edition and VNC Personal Edition.<ref>{{cite web
With the release of VNC 5.0 late December 2013, RealVNC software editions used a single binary which superseded VNC Enterprise Edition and VNC Personal Edition.<ref>{{cite web
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As an alternative, one can tunnel VNC through [[Secure shell|SSH]], avoiding the opening of additional ports and automatically traversing the NAT router. SSH also provides encryption of the connection between the VNC server and viewer.
As an alternative, one can tunnel VNC through [[Secure shell|SSH]], avoiding the opening of additional ports and automatically traversing the NAT router. SSH also provides encryption of the connection between the VNC server and viewer.


After proposing remote access interface for Weston in October 2013,<ref name="RealVNC remote">{{cite web |url=http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/wayland-devel/2013-October/011536.html |title=[RFC weston] remote access interface module |publisher=[[freedesktop.org]] |date=2013-10-18}}</ref> RealVNC published a [[Wayland (display server protocol)|Wayland]] developer preview in July 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realvnc.com/products/vnc/wayland/ |title=VNC® Wayland Developer Preview |date=2014-07-08 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205900/http://www.realvnc.com/products/vnc/wayland/ |archivedate=2014-07-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/wayland-devel/2014-July/015949.html |title=RealVNC Wayland developer preview email |publisher=[[freedesktop.org]] |date=2014-07-09}}</ref>
After proposing remote access interface for Weston in October 2013,<ref name="RealVNC remote">{{cite web |url=http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/wayland-devel/2013-October/011536.html |title=[RFC weston] remote access interface module |publisher=[[freedesktop.org]] |date=2013-10-18}}</ref> RealVNC published a [[Wayland (display server protocol)|Wayland]] developer preview in July 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realvnc.com/products/vnc/wayland/ |title=VNC Wayland Developer Preview |date=2014-07-08 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205900/http://www.realvnc.com/products/vnc/wayland/ |archivedate=2014-07-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/wayland-devel/2014-July/015949.html |title=RealVNC Wayland developer preview email |publisher=[[freedesktop.org]] |date=2014-07-09}}</ref>


==Limitations==
==Limitations==
The VNC protocol is pixel based. Although this leads to great flexibility (e.g., any type of desktop can be displayed), it is often less efficient than solutions that have a better understanding of the underlying graphic layout, like [[X11]]. Those protocols send graphic primitives or high-level commands in a simpler form (e.g., open window), whereas RFB just sends the raw pixel data.
The [[Virtual Network Computing|VNC protocol]] is pixel-based. Although this leads to great flexibility (e.g., any type of desktop can be displayed), it is often less efficient than solutions that have a better understanding of the underlying graphic layout, like [[X11]]. Those protocols send graphic primitives or high-level commands in a simpler form (e.g., open window), whereas RFB just sends the raw pixel data.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Companies based in Cambridge]]
[[Category:Companies based in Cambridge]]
[[Category:Cross-platform software]]
[[Category:Cross-platform software]]
[[Category:Formerly free software]]
[[Category:Formerly open-source or free software]]
[[Category:Internet Protocol based network software]]
[[Category:Internet Protocol based network software]]
[[Category:MacOS remote administration software]]
[[Category:MacOS remote administration software]]
[[Category:Remote administration software for Linux]]
[[Category:Remote administration software for Linux]]
[[Category:Remote administration software]]
[[Category:Remote desktop software for Linux]]
[[Category:Remote desktop software for Linux]]
[[Category:Software programmed in Java (programming language)]]
[[Category:Java (programming language) software]]
[[Category:Virtual Network Computing]]
[[Category:Virtual Network Computing]]
[[Category:Windows remote administration software]]
[[Category:Windows remote administration software]]

Latest revision as of 23:45, 11 September 2024

RealVNC
Developer(s)RealVNC Ltd.
Stable release
VNC Server - 7.11.1

VNC Viewer - 7.11.1

/ May 9, 2024; 7 months ago (2024-05-09)
Written inC++ / Java
Operating system
Platform
TypeRemote administration software
LicenseRealVNC: Proprietary software; VNC Open: GPL[1]
Websitewww.realvnc.com

RealVNC is a company that provides remote access software. Their VNC Connect software consists of a server (VNC Server) and client (VNC Viewer) application, which exchange data over the RFB protocol to allow the Viewer to control the Server's screen remotely. The application is used, for example, by IT support engineers to provide helpdesk services to remote users.

History

[edit]

Andy Harter and other members of the original VNC team at AT&T founded RealVNC Limited in 2002. The automotive division of RealVNC spun out as a separate company (VNC Automotive) in 2018.[2]

Platforms, editions, versions

[edit]

For a desktop-to-desktop connection RealVNC runs on Windows, macOS, and many Unix-like operating systems. A list of supported platforms can be found on the website.[3] A RealVNC client also runs on the Java platform and on the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and Google Android devices.

A Windows-only client, VNC Viewer Plus was launched in 2010, designed to interface to the embedded server on Intel AMT chipsets found on Intel vPro motherboards. RealVNC removed VNC Viewer Plus from sale on 28th February 2021.[4]

For remote access to view one computer desktop on another, RealVNC requires one of three subscriptions:

  1. Home – free registration and activation required
  2. Professional – commercial version geared towards home or small-business users, with authentication and encryption, remote printing, chat and file transfer
  3. Enterprise – commercial version geared towards enterprises, with enhanced authentication and encryption, remote printing, chat, file transfer, and command-line deployment

As of release 4.3 (released August 2007), separate versions of both the Personal and Enterprise editions exist for 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Release 4.6 included features such as HTTP proxy support, chat, an address book, remote printing, unicode support, and connection notification.

Users must activate each of the server versions ("Home", "Professional", "Enterprise").[5]

With the release of VNC 5.0 late December 2013, RealVNC software editions used a single binary which superseded VNC Enterprise Edition and VNC Personal Edition.[6]

In November 2016, RealVNC released the updated version of their software, now called VNC Connect (version 6.0). The new version introduces a cloud connection option using a subscription-based pricing model. Users can choose between three subscription levels; Home (free for non-commercial use), Professional and Enterprise. Home and Professional subscriptions are cloud connections only. The Enterprise subscription supports hybrid connections that include the traditional direct (peer to peer) connections and/or cloud connections.[7]

Client (VNC Viewer)

[edit]

RealVNC clients using vncviewer can run in full-screen mode; they use the F8 function-key as the default key for bringing up an options menu (which includes the option to, among other things, switch off full screen mode or to forward a Control-Alt-Delete key-sequence).

Server (VNC Server)

[edit]

The server component of RealVNC allows a computer to be remotely controlled by another computer.

Connectivity

[edit]

RealVNC uses the RFB protocol. RFB 6.0 defaults to TCP/UDP port 5900. When making a connection over the Internet, the user must open this port in the local firewall as well as configure port forwarding to forward TCP Port 5900 (or the customized port respectively) to the local machine address if behind a NAT Router.

As an alternative, one can tunnel VNC through SSH, avoiding the opening of additional ports and automatically traversing the NAT router. SSH also provides encryption of the connection between the VNC server and viewer.

After proposing remote access interface for Weston in October 2013,[8] RealVNC published a Wayland developer preview in July 2014.[9][10]

Limitations

[edit]

The VNC protocol is pixel-based. Although this leads to great flexibility (e.g., any type of desktop can be displayed), it is often less efficient than solutions that have a better understanding of the underlying graphic layout, like X11. Those protocols send graphic primitives or high-level commands in a simpler form (e.g., open window), whereas RFB just sends the raw pixel data.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ VNC Open - RealVNC
  2. ^ "VNC Automotive launches as an independent company". www.realvnc.com. 2018-07-24. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  3. ^ "Docs | Supported platforms for VNC Connect | VNC Connect". www.realvnc.com. Retrieved 2018-11-22.
  4. ^ "Product End of Life (EoL) notice". RealVNC. 3 February 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Docs | How is VNC Connect licensed? | VNC Connect". www.realvnc.com. Retrieved 2018-11-22.
  6. ^ "What happened to VNC Enterprise Edition and VNC Personal Edition?". RealVNC Limited. Retrieved 2014-04-07. Following the release of VNC 5.0 VNC is now a single binary which supersedes VNC Enterprise Edition and VNC Personal Edition.
  7. ^ "RealVNC rebrands as VNC Connect 6.0, switches to subscription-based model". BetaNews. 2016-11-02. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  8. ^ "[RFC weston] remote access interface module". freedesktop.org. 2013-10-18.
  9. ^ "VNC Wayland Developer Preview". 2014-07-08. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14.
  10. ^ "RealVNC Wayland developer preview email". freedesktop.org. 2014-07-09.
[edit]
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