TightVNC Over the Internet
One important setting you’ll want to change is the ports TightVNC uses. The default port used for VNC is 5900 – you can increase your security by changing it to another port. People scanning for open VNC servers will try t o connect at port 5900, ut generally won’t notice VNC servers running on other random ports, such as 34153.
You may also want to change the Web Access port for the same reason — or disable web access entirely.
Forward Ports & Set Up Dynamic DNS
Your computer is now running a VNC server, so you’ll be able to connect to it from other computers on your local network. If you want to connect to it from the Internet, you’ll have to do a few more things.
First, you’ll need to forward the VNC server’s port on your router. This process is different on every router, but you’ll have to use your router’s web interface to forward ports.
- Read More: How To Forward Ports on Your Router
You may also want to set up a dynamic DNS hostname for your home network. Internet service providers often change the IP address assigned to home networks, which means that you may be unable to connect to your home computer if your home IP address changes.
- Connect to Your Computer
With a VNC server running on the remote computer, you can use a VNC client on another computer to connect. TightVNC includes a VNC client – you can install TightVNC on another computer and deselect the server option in the install process to only install the viewer. Once it’s installed, you’ll find the TightVNC Viewer in your Start menu.
Enter the address of your home computer to connect. You can use several different types of addresses:
- Use the computer’s local IP address if you’re on the same local network as the computer.
- Use your home network’s IP address if you’re accessing the computer over the Internet.
- Use your dynamic DNS hostname if you set up dynamic DNS and are accessing your computer over the Internet.
For more information about determining the local or remote IP addresses your computer is using, read: How to Find Your Computer’s Private & Public IP Addresses
If you’re using a different port for your VNC server (as you probably should be), append the port number after two colons.
After connecting, you’ll see the remote computer’s desktop in a window on your screen.
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