TeamViewer is the Quick and Secure Alternative to VNC

In contrast to traditional VNC connections, TeamViewer substantially enhances your capabilities with remote support, remote access and your home office. Free for private use.

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2.5+ Billion

Connected Devices

40+ Million

Sessions Daily

> 500,000

Satisfied Customers

> 200 Million

Active Users

VNC Functions and Areas of Application

support team man and woman working on a VNC alternative

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) was developed in the 1980s as a technique for controlling computers remotely. VNC’s main function is to remotely control a computer (server) from a local computer (client) while displaying the VNC server’s screen content on the local monitor. A VNC session can function on any type of operating system that is installed on the server or client computer. VNC also supports sessions with iOS and Android devices.

An essential element of the VNC viewer is the remote framebuffer (RFB) protocol. Its purpose is to transmit the VNC server’s screen content as well as the local client’s input. The source code was released more than 20 years ago as a free software under the GNU General Public License.

In order to connect to VNC, suitable software is needed for both the server and the client computer. Another requirement is the availability of additional ports. A connection cannot be made if these requirements haven’t been met. There may be additional constraints due to the comparatively large amounts of data that accumulate during VNC sessions. Occasionally, these delays prevent operations from running smoothly.

Learn more about the free TeamViewer private-use version.

A VNC Alternative that Doesn’t Need Available Ports

TeamViewer Host - mobile

Unlike with a VNC viewer, you can set up remote sessions with TeamViewer without any upstream port availability. In remote support, for example, this enables you much greater flexibility when clients or employees work from various locations and port availability hasn’t been arranged. For support employees who work with VNC, it often isn’t possible in such cases to establish a connection to the VNC server. When this happens, only limited assistance is possible, resulting in downtime and increased costs.

TeamViewer, by contrast, provides a quick and reliable remote connection regardless of the port assignment or platform. If necessary, you can use the QuickSupport tool for exceptionally fast and straightforward assistance, or set up TeamViewer Host for in-depth support, which even includes the maintenance of unattended PCs and servers. The TeamViewer interface is also user-friendly for those who aren’t IT experts. The integration of chat, VoIP and video calls also enables smooth communication, which makes support particularly efficient.

TeamViewer Combines Performance and Security

man talking on the phone while working on laptop

Here is an overview of TeamViewer benefits:

  • Top performance and connection quality, even with low bandwidth
  • Uncomplicated connection set-up without additional port availability
  • Comprehensive security thanks to end-to-end encryption with AES (256-bit)
  • Available for Windows, macOS and Linux – just like VNC
  • Administrative functions for the grouping of devices, script execution and the application of user-defined information.
  • Ideal for mobile working due to data access and transfer functionality for unattended devices

Provide support to mobile end devices with TeamViewer*

Learn more about TeamViewer’s benefits as a VPN alternative.

VNC Functions

VNC Functions and Areas of Application

support team man and woman working on a VNC alternative

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) was developed in the 1980s as a technique for controlling computers remotely. VNC’s main function is to remotely control a computer (server) from a local computer (client) while displaying the VNC server’s screen content on the local monitor. A VNC session can function on any type of operating system that is installed on the server or client computer. VNC also supports sessions with iOS and Android devices.

An essential element of the VNC viewer is the remote framebuffer (RFB) protocol. Its purpose is to transmit the VNC server’s screen content as well as the local client’s input. The source code was released more than 20 years ago as a free software under the GNU General Public License.

In order to connect to VNC, suitable software is needed for both the server and the client computer. Another requirement is the availability of additional ports. A connection cannot be made if these requirements haven’t been met. There may be additional constraints due to the comparatively large amounts of data that accumulate during VNC sessions. Occasionally, these delays prevent operations from running smoothly.

Learn more about the free TeamViewer private-use version.

VNC Alternative

A VNC Alternative that Doesn’t Need Available Ports

TeamViewer Host - mobile

Unlike with a VNC viewer, you can set up remote sessions with TeamViewer without any upstream port availability. In remote support, for example, this enables you much greater flexibility when clients or employees work from various locations and port availability hasn’t been arranged. For support employees who work with VNC, it often isn’t possible in such cases to establish a connection to the VNC server. When this happens, only limited assistance is possible, resulting in downtime and increased costs.

TeamViewer, by contrast, provides a quick and reliable remote connection regardless of the port assignment or platform. If necessary, you can use the QuickSupport tool for exceptionally fast and straightforward assistance, or set up TeamViewer Host for in-depth support, which even includes the maintenance of unattended PCs and servers. The TeamViewer interface is also user-friendly for those who aren’t IT experts. The integration of chat, VoIP and video calls also enables smooth communication, which makes support particularly efficient.

Performance and Security

TeamViewer Combines Performance and Security

man talking on the phone while working on laptop

Here is an overview of TeamViewer benefits:

  • Top performance and connection quality, even with low bandwidth
  • Uncomplicated connection set-up without additional port availability
  • Comprehensive security thanks to end-to-end encryption with AES (256-bit)
  • Available for Windows, macOS and Linux – just like VNC
  • Administrative functions for the grouping of devices, script execution and the application of user-defined information.
  • Ideal for mobile working due to data access and transfer functionality for unattended devices

Provide support to mobile end devices with TeamViewer*

Learn more about TeamViewer’s benefits as a VPN alternative.

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TeamViewer is More than a Tool for Remote Connections

Man working from home on laptop using TeamViewer Servicecamp

In contrast to classic VNC software for clients and servers, TeamViewer offers a series of additional administrative functions for remote support: you can establish effective security management by the assigning authorisations and licenses in the management console. This lets you set up and assign guidelines for editing and password entry rights, for example.

For administering complex support tasks you also have the option of using TeamViewer servicecamp. This makes it possible to integrate a ticket system with all the relevant functions for administering requests. You can group requests, prioritise and set up queues.

TeamViewer as an All-in-One Solution for Mobile Working

Smiling girl holding smart phone showing TeamViewer remote control for Mobile Working

Through extensive remote functions, universal compatibility and high connection speed, TeamViewer creates the ideal conditions for trouble-free mobile working. TeamViewer goes far beyond the functions of VNC by also providing full access to your office computer. This way, you can not only get access to your data, but also operate programs and print remotely.

TeamViewer is also a versatile collaboration tool. For example, you can create online meetings with colleagues in no time at all. During these you can also share screen content.

Sensitive data remains protected with TeamViewer, regardless of the location. AES-based end-to-end session encryptions and RSA public/private key exchange are the most effective protection against unauthorised access.

Simple set-up with TeamViewer

You can set up TeamViewer remote connections through ports that have already been made available. Unlike when setting up VNC, no additional ports must be made available.

Comprehensive platform connections

As an all-in-one solution, TeamViewer is suitable for remote support and remote access on PCs, servers and mobile devices.

Initiate reboots and installations

Remote connections through TeamViewer make it possible to initiate reboots and program installations on unattended computers.

How does VNC technology work?

VNC uses a specialized network protocol, RFB (Remote Framebuffer), in order to transmit screen pixel data from one computer to another computer over a network. VNC clients share user input, e.g. keystrokes, mouse movements, and clicks, with the server. The VNC servers capture the local display framebuffer contents and share them back with the client where they are then translated into local input.

Is VNC secure?

VNC uses encryption during the initial connection and login since passwords are not sent in plain-text. The problem arises once connected as the VNC is then unencrypted and could fall prey to hackers. In contrast, TeamViewer uses AES-based end-to-end session encryptions as well as RSA public/private key exchange to prevent unauthorised access and keep your data safe at all times.

What is the difference between VNC and TeamViewer?

Aside from the differences in technical setup and security between TeamViewer and VNC software, TeamViewer also features additional online collaboration and remote support functions. In short, while VNC is a remote control solution, TeamViewer is an all-in-one solution. With TeamViewer, you can conduct online meetings, manage a ticket support system with TeamViewer servicecamp, and plenty more.

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