VNC User Guide - RealVNC

Chapter 6: Setting Up VNC Server
UNIX/Linux
Under UNIX/Linux, a host computer user can log on and start VNC Server in User Mode. In this mode, VNC
Server runs attached to the console X Server session, which means that:
• A VNC Server icon and VNC Server dialog are displayed in order to help the host computer user
configure VNC Server after it has started, if necessary.
• Connected users can access applications currently running on the host computer.
• VNC Server stops, and all connections are terminated, when the host computer user starting VNC
Server logs off.
• By default, in order to connect to:
— VNC Server (Enterprise) or VNC Server (Personal), users must know the user name and password of
the host computer user starting VNC Server.
— VNC Server (Free), users must know the VNC password.
Once connected, users have the same privileges (that is, access rights) as this host computer user. For
more information on privileges, see Authenticating connections to VNC Server on page 98.
Depending on the terms of your license, a host computer user can also, or alternatively, log on and start
VNC Server in Virtual Mode. In this mode, VNC Server runs attached to a new virtual desktop, detached
from the monitor and independent of the console. This means that:
• No VNC Server icon or VNC Server dialog can be displayed in order to help the host computer user
configure VNC Server after it has started. To see how to work with VNC Server in this mode, read
Working with VNC Server in Virtual Mode on page 77.
• Connected users cannot access applications currently running on the console of the host computer.
Instead, an isolated workspace is provided. Note this powerful feature can help prevent conflicts; each
user can be directed to connect to their own instance of VNC Server in Virtual Mode, and control a
(virtual) desktop independently.
• VNC Server does not stop when the host computer user logs off. Users stay connected, and new users
can connect. VNC Server must be explicitly stopped.
• By default, in order to connect to:
— VNC Server (Enterprise) or VNC Server (Personal), users must know the user name and password of
the host computer user starting VNC Server.
— VNC Server (Free), users must know the VNC password.
Once connected, users have the same privileges (that is, access rights) as this host computer user. For
more information on privileges, see Authenticating connections to VNC Server on page 98.
Under UNIX/Linux, more than one host computer user can log on at a time. Each currently logged on host
computer user can start VNC Server in either mode, and all instances, for all users, run concurrently. Note
that all instances must listen on different ports; see Configuring ports on page 88 for more information.
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