If the Properties window pops up, disable «Accept socket connections» and click OK (just for security reasons).Went to Start » All Programs » TightVNC and ran Launch TightVNC Server.On the laptop (the VNC server, controlled computer): You should get a message like «main: Listening on port 5500».On the desktop workstation (the VNC client, controlling computer): Steps performed to establish the connection IP address: 192.0.2.20 (this is a fake, RFC 5735 documentation address).In real life this would be the PC receiving remote tech support from me. Role: Controlled computer (VNC server).VNC package: TightVNC 1.3.10, installed from the OpenDisc software collection.Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP SP3.The laptop had the following characteristics: IP address: 192.0.2.10 (this is a fake, RFC 5735 documentation address).In real life here is where I would sit and control other computers. Role: Controlling computer (VNC client).Operating System: Ubuntu Lucid Lynx (10.04).The desktop workstation had the following characteristics: The test setup consisted on my desktop workstation running Ubuntu and my laptop running Windows, both on the same Ethernet broadcast domain. Also, as with the current state of IPv4, full of the evil but necessary NAT, you will not have to worry about router NAT / port forwarding configuration in the remote router. This will put the network worries near to the tech support guy, where it should be for this particular scenario.

This lets the guy with better network understanding to be the listener and the poor soul to be the initiator. It is usually easier to initiate connections than to receive.

What’s the benefit? Not having to worry about the network status and addresses of the remote PC. The control is in the same direction, but the connection is reversed. Unlike regular VNC connections, in which you connect to the controllable PC, in a Reverse VNC connection the controllable PC will connect to you. This is a quick note, documenting a quick successful test on Reverse VNC connections.

Vnc server portable