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Word Description
API An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of functions used by computer programs to request services from the operating system, software libraries or any other services running on the computer.
bandwidth The rate at which data is transmitted across a network connection. Bandwidth is usually measured in "bits per second" and broadband connections range from 512 kilobits per second up to 20 megabits per second and beyond. The bandwidth required by VNC varies greatly depending on the nature of the activity on the VNC Server. Generally a 1 megabit (or 1024 kilobit) per second connection will provide a good level of responsiveness and control.
encrypt The verb form of encryption. Encryption is a method which allows information to be hidden so that it cannot be read without special knowledge or tools. Once this is done the information is encrypted.
encryption Encryption is a method which allows information to be hidden so that it cannot be read without special knowledge or tools. Once this is done the information is encrypted.
endpoint A device at the end of a network connection. Normally a computer, but possibly a phone, a printer, or any other network connected device.
event log Most operating systems provide a centralised service for collecting messages from applications. Windows calls this the Application Event Log. The event log stores errors and informational messages from the VNC Server software. It also stores auditing information covering VNC connections.
firewall A firewall is a piece of hardware or software that protects a network against unauthorised access. The firewall is there to look at the traffic passing through it. Based on a set of rules, traffic can be allowed, or it can be blocked. You may need to create a rule for your firewall to allow VNC traffic.
GDI The Graphics Device Interface (GDI) is a Microsoft Windows application programming interface (API) and the core operating system component responsible for representing graphical objects and transmitting them to output devices such as monitors.
host A computer connected to the network.
IP address An IP address is a number given to each computer on the internet. It is like a postal address or telephone number, but for the computer. Internet protocol (IP) defines how communication from one address to another work. Some computers have the same IP address all the time. These IP addresses are called "static IP addresses". Some computers change their IP from time to time. These IP addresses are called "dynamic IP addresses". Certain IP address ranges are considered to be "private" or "internal" addresses. These addresses start either "10.x.x.x" or "192.168.x.x" and a router or modem is required to allow the internal network access to the internet.
Mirror Driver The VNC Mirror Driver is a virtual graphics adapter that efficiently captures changes to the VNC Server display. This improves the efficiency of the VNC Server and makes the VNC session more responsive. The VNC Mirror Driver is only present on Windows operating systems.
NAT Network Address Translation. This is a feature of most home routers. It allows multiple machines to access the internet through one internet connection and therefore one IP address.
port forwarding Port forwarding, also referred to as port mapping, is a method of forwarding a network port from one network node to another. This technique can allow an external user to reach a port on a private IP address (inside a LAN) from the outside using a NAT-enabled router. Port forwarding allows remote computers (e.g. public machines on the Internet) to connect to a specific computer within a private LAN. For VNC, if your PC is behind a NAT router (which is very common) you will need to forward port 5900 (by default) to the IP address of your VNC Server machine.
registry The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains information and settings for hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, and per-user settings. VNC applications store their settings in the registry.
router Routers are the pieces of equipment responsible for making sure traffic between computers gets where it needs to go. In small networks such as homes, small businesses and small schools, the router also performs NAT (network address translation) which makes all outgoing connections appear to come from one address. Typically incoming connections are only allowed if they are replies to connections made by a computer inside the NAT. It is for this reason that port forwarding is required to conenct to a VNc Server that is behind a NAT router. Without port forwarding, the router will not know which machine on the private network is the intended destination.
VNC Server The VNC Server application runs on the machine you wish to remotely view or control. It sends the contents of the display to the VNC Viewer, and processes keyboard and mouse events received from the VNC Viewer.
VNC Viewer The VNC Viewer application is used to connect to a VNC Server. It displays the VNC Server desktop, and transmits local inputs to the VNC Server.
X Server The X Server is the system that underpins the creation of graphical user interfaces on Linux/Unix machines. VNC includes an X Server component that VNC virtual desktops run on.
Xvnc The VNC Server process on Linux/Unix machines. Xvnc is typically launched by the "vncserver" command, but can also be launched by inetd and other methods.