A VNC server is included in every edition of Mac OS X, including Mac OS X 10.6 –aka Snow Leopard. You can start the server through a hidden check box in the Sharing preferences.
A VNC server lets you control your Mac from another computer using the VNCprotocol. With recent editions of Mac OS X, Apple has moved to a more sophisticated method of screen sharing. However, a traditional VNC server is still included but is turned off by default.
Starting the Mac OS X VNC Server
- Launch the System Preferences.
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Launch the System Preferences
- Select the Sharingpreferences.
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Select the Sharing preferences icon
- Enable Screen Sharing within the Servicelist.
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Enable the Screen Sharing service
- Click Computer Settings…to show the VNC password setting.
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Enable VNC and choose a password
- Enable VNC viewers may control screen with password:.
- Enter a strong password.
- Click OK to save your settings.
Your Mac is now running a traditional VNC server. You can now connect to your Mac using a VNC client running on another Mac, Windows, or Linux computer.
NOTE: the default vnc listening port is 5900