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If you're having problems with VNC, then don't panic!

VNC is known to have problems with certain machines and operating systems. Check the system requirements to see if we know whether it's likely to work or not.

If you simply can't connect to the VNC session at all, it's possible that there's a firewall blocking traffic. VNC uses ports in the range 5800-6000.

If performance isn't up to scratch, try using the standalone viewer rather than the Java applet.

Be aware that response is likely to be sluggish at best, so be patient and methodical. Keep the number of applications to a minimum, and don't constantly move windows. There are two mouse cursors - one is the real cursor on your screen, the other is where VNC thinks the cursor in the X session is. Make sure they've both settled on the same point before clicking on anything. If you click and nothing happens, wait a while - frantically clicking multiple times is likely to make matters far worse.

We have noticed occasions where the java applet hasn't sent keyboard input through to the X session, but trapped it to one of the buttons instead. If netscape shows one of the VNC buttons highlit, try clicking on options, selecting one of the options (you don't have to change anything, selecting the existing choice will do, and dismiss the options window).

Remember that you have to click in a window to type into it.