What is the Difference Between Remote Desktop and VNC?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Network Computing (VNC) are both popular remote desktop tools that allow users to access and control a computer remotely. However, they have some key differences:

1. Virtual Session vs. Physical Display: RDP creates a virtual desktop session, allowing users to share the resources of the same computer between them. On the other hand, VNC captures the physical display, meaning you see exactly what the remote user sees.
2. Platform Compatibility: VNC is platform-independent and supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and other devices. RDP, being proprietary, is primarily designed for Windows and is not as compatible with other platforms.
3. Performance: RDP is generally faster and more efficient than VNC. Instruction sets in RDP are smaller, more network-efficient, and use less bandwidth than the pixels transmitted over VNC.
4. Screen Sharing vs. Control: VNC is a screen-sharing tool that also lets the remote computer take control during the session, making it more suited for support use cases involving troubleshooting or remote working. RDP, on the other hand, is not a screen-sharing platform and is more focused on providing access to remote desktops.
5. Security: RDP is considered more secure against outside attacks than VNC due to its encrypted sessions.

In summary, RDP is generally faster, more secure, and better suited for Windows-based environments, while VNC is more platform-independent and better suited for support use cases involving troubleshooting or remote working. The choice between RDP and VNC depends on your specific requirements and the platforms you need to support.

Comparative Table: Remote Desktop vs VNC

Here is a table comparing the differences between Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Network Computing (VNC):

In summary, RDP is more suitable for remote resource sharing, while VNC is designed for remote screen sharing. RDP provides faster and more efficient connections, whereas VNC supports more platforms and is an excellent option for educational demonstrations and IT support.