TightVNC 2.8.85 / 1.3.10

Overview

TightVNC is an extraordinarily effective utility that provides remote control over computers connected to the internet or the same network. As the “tight” component of the application’s name suggests, it is the perfect solution for connections with a less than ideal data transfer speed, or for computers with limited hardware resources. Thanks to the innovative compression system of the JPG files, the TightVNC requires fairly few resources to function properly.

However, that should not lead users to believe that TightVNC has limited control features or capabilities. In fact, TightVNC is a versatile and powerful remote control utility with a plethora of functions and applications. Moreover, the viewing mode of the screen, controlled remotely from your current station, is highly adjustable and even provides local zooming. All in all, when the task at hand is saving money on travel expenses, explaining a certain technical procedure to one of your less knowledgeable friends or family members, keeping track of the changes that occur on your home computer via the laptop when you are on vacation or transferring data, TightVNC is the utility to get.

Installation

TightVNC requires only a limited network connection and the complete installation of the program occupies less than 2 MB in total. The complete TightVNC package includes the Server, Viewer and Documentation. On a side note, if you have never used a VNC client before, it is advisable not to uncheck the Documentation box. Furthermore, during the installation you will be prompted to make the association between the .VNC file format and the TightVNC application and to allow registering it as a system service. If TightVNC is an alternative VNC client and you are mainly using another application for opening the .VNC files, uncheck the first box.  

Interface

Whilst you could not say that the TightVNC interface lacks functionality or organization, opening the TightVNC Server application for the first time is not an unforgettable experience either. Overall, everything is where it is supposed to be, with the main Server tab allowing you to select the permissions and set a password (an action which should be performed as soon as possible, especially if the “Accept Socket Connection” box is checked), the Hooks, the Display, Query and Administration. The options associated with each of these self-explanatory VNC categories are listed in checkboxes in the above section. In case you are not entirely certain how checking or un-checking an option would influence the functionality of the TightVNC software, the documentation folder in the startup menu will explain everything in detail.

Pros

Amongst the best features of the TightVNC is the facility to transfer files over slower connections at an optimal speed. Furthermore, if the desktop from which you are operating TightVNC has a Windows operating system, the data can be transferred across other platforms as well. The same goes for systems that incorporate the UNIX OS. In addition, the Java-based viewing noticeably enhances the access to the browser.

However, it is also worth noting that TightVNC has a number of access and security options for the peripherals of the remote-controlled computers. If you also take into account the compression of the JPEG files and the fact that it permits high resolution on 24-bit, it is safe to say that there are few freeware programs that can rival it. Secure, efficiently programmed, versatile and able to provide a strong connection to remote computers against all odds, the TightVNC is definitely a software tool that will make history. In addition, TightVNC comes with a GNU license.

Cons

It is true that TightVNC does not provide support for audio, then again there are no other freeware remote control programs that do, and the need for this feature often arises. At the same time, the current version does not work well with controlling some models of printers. 

Alternatives

Similar software to TightVNC that are worth noting comprises of TeamViewer, LogMeIn Ignition, Remote Desktop Connection, UltraVNC and Real VNC Free, but none of them was specifically designed to address slower connections.    

Conclusion

TightVNC is an excellent utility, not only because it has the ability to use less traffic and use lower speed connections, but also due to the inventory of functions it brings to play and the embedded security.