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.

Windows and MAC. Microsoft Windows VNC Viewer - TightVNC Viewer Mac OS X VNC Viewer - Chicken of the VNC Linux. If you are connecting from a linux computer, the vncviewer program should be pre-installed. 2.3 Connect the VNC viewer to the VNC server. Now you will connect to the remote VNC desktop you setup in step 1.

This article refers to Mac OS X 10.6, aka Snow Leopard. More recent versions are available on our VNC on Mac OS X page.

A VNC server lets you control your Mac from another computer using the VNC protocol. 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

1. Launch the System Preferences.
2. Select the Sharingpreferences.
3. Enable Screen Sharing within the Servicelist.
4. Click Computer Settings…to show the VNC password setting.
5. Enable VNC viewers may control screen with password:.
6. Enter a strong password.
7. 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.