Getting TightVNC to work on a network

This page will explain how to get TightVNC to work on a network in Puppy 2.12. These instructions should also work for earlier versions of Puppy.

Definition

TightVNC is a client / server remote control application that allows you to control one computer from another. Actually several client machines can participate in controlling one server at the same time. VNC is an acronym for Virtual Network Computing, the Tight part refers to the method that is used to encode (that is, compress) the data for transmission across the network. For a full technical explaination of the programs please visit http://www.tightvnc.com∞ TightVNC is available for Linux, Windows, Unix and any machine that can run a browser that runs Java applets.

Installing

Puppy comes with the TightVNC client, therefore if you wish to use the machine running Puppy to control the other machine no installation is necessary on the Puppy machine. You will need to get the server part installed and running on the machine to be controlled. If that machine is a Puppy Linux machine as well then the easiest way by far to install the server is to use Puppy's DotPup installer to download an install the server. Just search for TightVNC and select the program with "server" in it's name. Press the install button and you are on your way.

If the machine to be controlled is running Windows or some other Operating System, please visist http://www.tightvnc.com∞ to download and install the required server program. To install on Windows for instance, double click the downloaded setup file, if you are given the choice of installing VNC as a service be sure that you set a password that is not easily guessed. Installing VNC as a service is good idea if you may have to reboot the machine remotely as the service will start automatically and you will be able to log on without actual physical access to the machine. Note that you MUST set a new password on any new install of the TightVNC server. It is always a good idea to reboot after installing any new program, even in Puppy, so that all init scripts and configuration files will be read properly. In addition if something went wrong it is better to find out now than be surprised later.

Usage

If the server is Puppy powered:

You need to start the server by selecting it from the Network submenu. You will be led through a series of dialog boxes. Especially note the IP and the display number, you will need it later. IMPORTANT: If you installed the Linux Firewall that comes with Puppy and you did not use the Custom install option, rerun the install NOW and choose Custom, select Other Ports, then when the dialog appears that allows you to enter the port numbers enter the following without the quotes "5800-5805/tcp 5900-5905/tcp" and complete the wizard. Reboot after doing this and restart the TightVNC server by selecting it from the menu. It is possible to automatically start the server on every boot by adding the appropriate command in /etc/rc.d/rc.local if you wish, but for now just use the DotPup's rather nice script to start the server.

If the client is Puppy powered:

Try this first. Open a terminal and type the following without the quotes "tightvnc -compresslevel 9 HOST:1"
where HOST = the IP of the computer running the server and assuming that the display number is 1. You can of course find other options by typing "tightvnc --help" but these should get you started. You will be queried for the password and after entering it correctly the TightVNC window will open and you will be able to operate the remote computer as though you were sitting in front of its console. I have found that this method is more successful than starting the client from the menu when dealing with a Puppy powered server.

If the server is Windows powered:

In Puppy use the Network submenu to start the TightVNC client, enter either the servers IP or it's Windows Network name in the "Server" dialog box, press enter. When prompted enter the password that you set in TightVNC on the Windows box. MAKE sure that any firewall on the server allows the 5900-5905 port traffic. In most Windows installs you will have a TightVNC server icon in the system tray (near the clock) and can easily view the IP of the computer by hovering the mouse over that icon.