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How to Configure VNC for Windows XP

Instructions for setting up vnc to connect to a CAE linux workstation

VNC is a software tool that facilitates connecting to a Linux workstation. These instructions will allow CAE account holders to connect to a CAE Linux workstation from a Windows XP computer.

VNC Setup Instructions

• Step 1. Download and Install VNC
  • Download and install the VNC software from http://www.tightvnc.com/download.html.
  • If you are at a lab machine, you will need to install Tight VNC by adding it to your start menu:
    • (Start > CAE Applications > Add Applications to the Start Menu)
• Step 2. Download and Install SecureCRT
  • You need the program SecureCRT, available through the CAE Applications launcher or through download at http://shelf.doit.wisc.edu/SecureCRT/. Once you have downloaded the program, follow the instructions on the web page to install.
• Step 3. Configure SecureCRT
  • Start the SecureCRT program. It should look something like this:
  • Click the New Session button, the one circled in the above picture.
  • Enter the following information:
    • Name: Whatever you want to call this connection, VNC1 for example
    • Protocol: ssh2 Hostname: best-tux.cae.wisc.edu
    • Port: 22
    • Username: Your CAE username
  • Click on SSH2 on the left side of the screen and check the box for Use Compression.
  • Now go to Port Forwarding on the left side and click the Add button in the center.
    
  • Now enter the following settings:
    • Name: Whatever you want, for example forward1
    • Manually select local IP address on which to allow connections
      • Unchecked Port 5900 Destination host is different from the SSH server
      • Unchecked Port 5900 Application Blank
  • Now Press OK twice and you are done configuring SecureCRT.
• Step 4. Connect through SecureCRT
  • Press Connect and you will connect to the machine you chose above.
    • When it gives you a security related warning, select Accept and Save.
    • Enter your username and password and you should be connected to the machine.
• Step 5. Open the VNC Connection
  • Open TightVNC by going to Start > CAE Applications > Internet > TightVNC.
• The link will be elsewhere in your start menu if you're connecting from home. In the screen that pops up, enter localhost, all one word, all lower case.
• Step 6. Press OK and you should be remotely accessing a Lab Machine!

VNC Screen Size/Port Chart

To connect to an alternate screen size/color depth, simply add the display number after the hostname when you connect. Some clients require the port number (like the java VNC viewer) instead of the display number. If you cannot connect to alternate screen sizes/color depths, please check your viewer's documentation to find out how to specify ports or displays. (Example: vncviewer best-tux.cae.wisc.edu:73 to connect to a 1280x1024 with 24 bit color.)