Should I Use VNC Or X Protocol To Control A Linux Application From ...

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Learn more about Teams Should I use VNC or X protocol to control a Linux application from Windows? Ask Question Asked 12 years, 10 months ago Modified 1 year, 9 months ago Viewed 11k times 7

I need to use an RubyMine IDE running on a Linux machine from a Windows desktop. I want to make that remote Linux application window to behave as close as possible to a normal local Windows application. As far as I understand, my two options are:

1. Use VNC to bring the whole Linux desktop to my Windows machine.

2. Use X server on Windows as a server for a X client running on Linux.

My questions:

1. For a full-screen (1920x1080) application use, over <1ms ping gigabit network, will any of the above solutions feel like a local application? E.g. no perceptible lag, normal mouse behavior, snappy window repaints, etc.

2. Which of the above is more "integrated" into Windows desktop? E.g. will my mouse wheel work, can I use cut&paste between Windows and Linux app?

3. Any other serious reason why I should prefer one over the other?

• vnc
• remote-access
• x-windows

Share Improve this question Follow asked Feb 28, 2012 at 21:52 haimghaimg 23k1717 gold badges8282 silver badges117117 bronze badges Add a comment |

4 Answers 4

Sorted by: Reset to default Highest score (default) Date modified (newest first) Date created (oldest first) 3

Based on the request for making it work as is you were runing as an App in windows, it sounds like X is the best choice. VNC is a nice simple remote protocol, but it always seems to choke on some condition that makes it less than ideal for serious use. Another comment, is that many anti-virus packages like to complain about some components in VNC, typically reporting the view capture software as trojans. They'r not, but if you are in a strict enterprise environmennt, X is more tolerated than VNC.

Share Improve this answer Follow answered Feb 29, 2012 at 2:32 jdhjdh 7,1101818 silver badges2222 bronze badges 1

• not many people run anti-virus on Unices, and if X is an alternative, I guess the host is running Unix... – Janus Troelsen Commented Nov 5, 2012 at 20:52

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From my experience and what I learned, X11 requires many more back and forth packets through internet, while each is small. VNC is the opposite: less packets but larger size.

Given this people really need to choose which protocol to use based on the latency/bandwidth of their connection. I'd say in general VNC appears more responsive, and in your case (<1ms ping gigabit network), both would work well!

Share Improve this answer Follow edited Feb 20, 2016 at 1:35 answered Feb 19, 2016 at 0:41 Samuel LiSamuel Li 15133 bronze badges Add a comment | 1

I will go definitely over VNC. There are lots of options for Windows, you could try the free version of RealVNC.

I would say that VNC has been into Windows for a longer time with a longed user base and its a more tried and tested solution. You won't notice almost any lag, I use it to work on a remote desktop in Internet and while some lag is noticeable it's something completely doable (with a 1Mb ADSL).

Share Improve this answer Follow answered Feb 28, 2012 at 22:06 Ignacio Soler GarciaIgnacio Soler Garcia 2,08555 gold badges2121 silver badges2828 bronze badges 2

• Well since I personally have used X server on Windows in Windows 95 days (before VNC was invented), I would argue about "...been into Windows for a longer time". VNC is a new kid on a block here, X is 1980s technology. – haimg Commented Feb 28, 2012 at 22:21
• Well, you're right. I should have said only that has a much bigger user base and there are lots of options to choose from. You're really right, X was before. VNC is 1999 technology. – Ignacio Soler Garcia Commented Feb 28, 2012 at 22:31

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I have had great results using the NoMachine NX client on the Windows PC coupled with the NX Free Edition server on the Linux machine. NoMachine has commercial versions of the server but the free edition has proven to be more than enough for my needs and the client is always free.

In terms of lag and usability, I've found that it is much faster and more responsive than other alternatives like VNC, even over slower internet connections. The connection is also secured over SSH - if not by default, it can be enabled. This is a major advantage in my opinion since it is easy to enable and use.

Share Improve this answer Follow edited Apr 6, 2023 at 10:55 Toni Homedes i Saun 12566 bronze badges answered Feb 28, 2012 at 23:03 waywardonewaywardone 6122 bronze badges 1

• Both links say: The page you are looking for no longer exists or you have entered an incorrect URL – Tom Hale Commented Jan 14, 2017 at 11:07

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