VNC vs Remote Desktop: Difference and Comparison

The screens are the new future for this generation. The new vision is based on the screens for the world present in different modes and types.

Some are still operated on previous methods or procedures, but some have new motives, experiences, and technologies. Following are the differences between VNC and Remote Desktops.

Both of them are used to enable access to another computer.

Key Takeaways

  1. Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is platform-independent, allowing remote access between different operating systems, while Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is mainly designed for Windows environments.
  2. VNC operates on a client-server model, whereas RDP uses a centralized server to manage and distribute resources.
  3. Remote Desktop offers better security and performance features than VNC, making it more suitable for enterprise-level applications.

VNC vs Remote Desktop

VNC is a cross-platform software that allows users to access and control a computer remotely using an internet connection. Remote Desktop enables users to access a remote computer as if they were physically present, allowing them to run applications, access files, and manage it as if it were their own.

VNC vs Remote Desktop

VNC, or Virtual Network Computing, is a sharing system that allows users to work on another computer. Transmission of keyboards and mice to the remote machine by the local machine is done for this process.

It requires a proper setup before using it. It connects two computers directly and is supported by multiple platforms.

Remote desktops are software or operating system which provides a different service that can help other people in a way that no one can think of.

It allows users to access a machine or system in another location far from the other machine. It provides the service of seeing the other system and can also be able to interact with the other system.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonVNCRemote Desktop
SupportsMultiple platformsOnly for specific operating systems
ConnectsDirectly to computerConnects to share server
SpeedComparatively less fastFaster
SecureLessMore
Setting upComparatively difficultEasier
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What is VNC?

VNC, or Virtual Network Computing, is a sharing system that allows users to work on another computer. Transmission of keyboards and mice to the remote machine by the local machine is done for this process.

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It requires a proper setup before using it. It connects two computers directly and is supported by multiple platforms.

VNC being more advantageous connects with the other computer directly without not too much mess. It is easily accessible for any user to connect. VNC provides the service for seeing the other screen. 

VNC is a cross-platform application supported by multiple platforms. It has the extra benefit of accessing more platforms and systems.

VNC is relatively less fast as it uses more bandwidth than the pixels transmitted, but it has other advantages over that, such as more systems and easy connections.

VNC, as not all of its versions, implements Secure Shell (SSH) and gives full access to connect remote devices to the users.

Set up of VNC relatively takes more effort and time to be done. It is a bit more difficult than others.

What is Remote Desktop?

Remote desktops are software or operating system which provides a different service that can help other people in a way in which no one can think of.

It allows users to access a machine or system in another location far from the other machine. It provides the service of seeing the other system and can also be able to interact with the other system.

Remote Desktop can only connect to the shared server. This means that both users cannot view the same screen on a remote desktop.

There are only a few operating systems that support remote desktops. Remote Desktop is that it is faster when it comes to virtualization, as all resources on the server can be shared by using it.

Remote Desktop has the upper hand as it is more secure, as it supports Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS), and along with each update, it also improves its security.

Therefore, all newer versions of it are securer. Setting up of Remote Desktop is quite easier as there is no difficult procedure that needs to be followed, which makes it easier to install and start work.

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remote desktop

Main Differences Between VNC and Remote Desktop

  1. The major difference between both VNC and Remote Desktop is that both of them are connected to different computers in different manners. While VNC being more advantageous, connects with the other computer directly, Remote Desktop can only connect to the shared server. This means that both users cannot view the same screen on a remote desktop whereas. In VNC, both users can see the same screen.
  2. Both of them are supported by similar and different operating systems, but the difference is in how many platforms support them. VNC is a cross-platform application supported by multiple platforms, whereas only a few operating systems support remote desktops. Therefore VNC is more flexible than Remote Desktop.
  3. Both of them have their respective advantage, but one of the best things about Remote Desktop is that it is faster when it comes to virtualization, as all resources on the server can be shared by using it, whereas VNC is relatively less fast as it uses more bandwidth than the pixels transmitted.
  4. In terms of security also, Remote Desktop has the upper hand as it is more secure, as it supports Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS), and along with each update, it also improves its security. Therefore, all newer versions of it are more securer than VNC as not all of its version implements Secure Shell (SSH) and give full access to connecting remote devices to the users.
  5. Lastly, they differ in terms of setting up. Setting up of Remote Desktop is quite easier as there is no difficult procedure that needs to be followed, whereas setting up a VNC might be comparatively more difficult.
References
  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4602895/
  2. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:530960
  3. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5582993/
  4. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5289469/
  5. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/8/
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Sandeep Bhandari
Sandeep Bhandari

Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.

13 Comments

  1. I found the explanations about how VNC and Remote Desktop work to be clear and easy to follow. It’s a complex topic, but this article made it accessible.

  2. The article did a great job in highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of both VNC and Remote Desktop. Very well researched and presented.

    • Absolutely, the writer provided an in-depth analysis that makes it easier to compare and understand the two systems.

  3. I appreciate the effort put into analyzing VNC and Remote Desktop. However, I still believe that VNC is more flexible in terms of platform support.

  4. The article effectively breaks down the differences between VNC and Remote Desktop in a comprehensive manner. Very well done.

  5. I appreciate the focus on practical implications, such as setting up VNC and Remote Desktop. This article doesn’t just compare features, but also considers real-world usage.

  6. The comparison table was very helpful. I found it particularly useful in understanding the technical details of these systems.

  7. I respectfully disagree with the assertion that Remote Desktop is more secure. VNC can be just as secure if proper configurations are implemented.

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