Women in front of two screens with remote support

TeamViewer is the quick and secure alternative to VNC

With full remote access and remote control capabilities, TeamViewer Remote delivers a more functional, user-friendly, and secure alternative to traditional VNC connections.

TeamViewer Remote

What is VNC?

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is an open-source desktop-sharing system developed in the 1980s. It is designed to give you basic remote control capabilities by connecting you remotely from one computer to another computer’s graphical desktop.

There are various commercially-developed variants of VNC available that vary significantly in the level of functionality. At heart, however, VNC is designed as a light-touch, graphical desktop-sharing system to provide basic remote control capabilities.

How does VNC technology work?

A VNC system works on a client/server model. The VNC client (also known as a VNC viewer) is installed on the computer you want to control. The VNC server is a software component installed on the device you want to control. 

RFB (Remote Frame Buffer) is the software protocol that underpins VNC. It works by grabbing and sending screen graphics from the server to the client. It also transmits input from the client to the server.

What is the difference between VNC and TeamViewer Remote?

TeamViewer Remote is an all-in-one solution for all your remote access, remote control, and remote working needs.

TeamViewer Remote comes with features that are usually not available in a basic VNC solution. Examples include the ability to remotely wake devices from sleep or soft-off mode (Wake-on-LAN), file transfer, remote printing, as well as the ability to remotely control assets such as unattended industrial devices.

VNC can control keyboard, video, and mouse movement only. It cannot generally maintain audio controls and connected devices. By contrast, TeamViewer Remote can give you full remote access to devices, including access to files, applications, and peripheral devices. It is also a much more versatile collaboration tool and allows screen-sharing capabilities when remote controlling devices.

Unlike many traditional VNC software offerings, TeamViewer Remote offers a range of administrative features for stronger remote support management. This includes the ability to assign authorisations and licenses in the management console. 

VNC systems can vary widely in their connectivity and interoperability capabilities. Depending on the variant used, it is not always possible to connect to devices on different networks or using different operating systems. 

Thanks to TeamViewer Remote, you are not confined by these restrictions. It offers a secure, fully cross-compatible solution giving you remote access and control over any device, from any device, either on the same network or across the internet.

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What are TeamViewer Remote key features?

Unlike many VNC solutions, TeamViewer Remote comes with industry-leading security features as standard, with BitSight Security Ratings ranking the solution in the top 1% of the industry. 

Key security features include end-to-end encryption for all TeamViewer Remote connections, preventing unauthorised access or interception of your sessions and data transfers, and safeguarding against malicious attacks.

TeamViewer Remote is hardwired to deliver high transmission speeds and image quality for a high-quality user experience – even in environments with low internet bandwidth. Our file compression capabilities ensure secure and rapid transfer, even for large files.

Use TeamViewer Remote to remotely access any computer, regardless of the operating system, just like VNC. It delivers effective support for a wide range of use cases – IT support and maintenance, customer services, remote training, as well as remote and hybrid working – from a single solution. 

TeamViewer Remote is ideal for mobile working due to data access and transfer functionality for unattended devices.

VNC functions and areas of application

Software

VNC usage requires the installation of VNC server and VNC viewer components on the devices you want to control and the computers you want to control from, respectively. There is not always complete interoperability between different VNC provider versions. This means you should check carefully that the devices and users you want to connect with are using cross-compatible systems.

Performance

VNC is designed as a relatively simple and efficient way to transfer graphical desktop information. However, the user experience can suffer if network latency is high, or when you need to translate very high-resolution VNC server device screens to low-resolution client devices.

Security and maintenance

VNC software can usually be easily installed and uses few computing resources when not in active mode. Especially when used over the public internet, however, basic VNC solutions require you to use additional encryption and authentication measures to keep your connections secure.

Who can use the VNC alternative?

Professional proving remote support

IT support service

TeamViewer Remote is a complete remote control and access solution that equips IT support teams to deliver fast, secure, and cost-effective assistance and maintenance. Through it, technicians can establish an instant connection with target devices. They can interact seamlessly with the device, install updates, access system files, reconfigure and deliver a quick fix where possible, and escalate problems up the chain where necessary.

Woman working from home

Customer service

TeamViewer Remote’s full cross-compatibility means you can bypass the practical difficulties associated with traditional VNC solutions. Android or iOS, mobile, tablet, desktop, or laptop: a single solution with quick installation allows you to connect instantly with customers, whatever device they are using. Resolve customer queries quickly and effectively using whatever method works best for them.

Concentrated bearded young man working remotely on a project at modern laptop using wireless internet connection

Training

Going far beyond and above basic VNC features, TeamViewer Remote offers a range of features, including screen sharing, that allow training providers to enhance training initiatives with a range of dynamic remote control features. Enrich your online, in-person or hybrid workplace-based session with screen sharing, and screen record the remote control session to keep it on file for future reference and training.

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Customer success

  

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Traditional VNC solutions use encryption for an initial connection, but not for subsequent data transfers. In contrast, TeamViewer Remote 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.

There are various free VNC iterations available. However, they tend to lack the type of remote control and access capabilities you need for truly effective remote work and support. Remember, as well as providing a range of subscriptions matched to different business usage needs, TeamViewer is also free for personal use.