TigerVNC — Open-Source VNC That Still Gets the Job Done
What it is
TigerVNC is basically a cleaned-up, faster fork of TightVNC. Many of the old VNC tools have been left behind, but this one is still maintained and tuned for better speed. It’s not flashy, but it works, and for Linux admins it’s often the default choice. Windows builds exist too, though most people use it in Linux-heavy shops. Its strength: it sticks to the VNC standard while being faster than the older forks.
How it works
TigerVNC runs with a simple model: a server on the machine you want to reach, and a viewer on your local system. Data is pushed over the RFB protocol, but TigerVNC adds smarter compression and rendering. That means less lag when moving windows or scrolling. It supports TLS, and on Linux it can tie directly into system authentication, which saves hassle. It’s not trying to compete with NoMachine or Citrix — it’s more about having a free, standards-based remote desktop that just works.
Technical profile
Area | Details |
Purpose | VNC server and client |
Platforms | Linux, Windows; macOS viewer available |
Protocol | RFB (VNC) with optimizations |
Features | Fast rendering, TLS, multi-monitor, Unix auth |
Auth | Username/password, PAM on Linux |
Security | TLS encryption, SSH tunneling |
License | GPL, free |
Deployment | Linux packages, Windows binaries |
Why admins keep it around
Still maintained, unlike a lot of the old VNC projects. Free, open source, no licenses to chase. Good enough performance for normal desktop use. Easy to grab from Linux repos. Keeps compatibility with the basic VNC tools.
Usage scenarios
– Labs or classrooms giving remote access to Linux desktops.
– Admins who need a quick GUI session into a Linux server.
– Cross-platform setups where free and simple VNC is required.
– Teams that don’t want to deal with commercial licenses.
Security notes
Plain VNC is weak. TigerVNC adds TLS, but most admins tunnel it through SSH anyway. Integration with PAM helps centralize account handling. The safe bet: don’t expose it directly to the internet — put it behind VPN or a secure gateway.
Limitations
Windows server side isn’t as strong as Linux. No extras like chat or file transfer. Not as fast as newer proprietary protocols under high latency. Features may differ slightly by distribution.
Comparison snapshot
Tool | Strengths | Best fit |
TigerVNC | Maintained, free, fast enough | Linux-heavy setups |
TightVNC | Very lightweight, but dated | Small/simple use cases |
RealVNC | Polished, vendor support | Enterprises wanting commercial backing |
NoMachine | Multimedia and speed | Graphics-heavy workloads |
RustDesk | Modern, self-hosted | SMBs avoiding SaaS tools |
Minimal checklist
– Install TigerVNC server on Linux.
– Configure user accounts with PAM or local users.
– Enable TLS or just tunnel over SSH.
– Test with the TigerVNC viewer.
– Patch and update regularly.