VNC server on ChromeOS

Mr Technician · October 13, 2019

With the support for some linux apps on chrome os, I am curious if anyone has attempted to install a vnc server such as remmina. My current use case is helping my grandparents with their chromebook, which is the only computer they have ever owned and is thus a challenge for them. The idea was that any member of my immediate family could remote into their chromebook through chrome rdp and assist them with any issues. However, they often mess up something with their chrome window and are unable to get to the shortcut that leads to the chrome rdp site (for those who are unaware, they must relay a code to me over the phone so I can connect). What I would much rather do is install a vnc server so that I can connect under any circumstances, provided their internet hasn't gone down. Would a vnc server installed in the linux container on chrome os allow this, and does such support for vnc servers exist in the first place?

AbsoluteFool · October 14, 2019

On 10/13/2019 at 4:09 AM, ThatFlashCat said:

With the support for some linux apps on chrome os, I am curious if anyone has attempted to install a vnc server such as remmina. My current use case is helping my grandparents with their chromebook, which is the only computer they have ever owned and is thus a challenge for them. The idea was that any member of my immediate family could remote into their chromebook through chrome rdp and assist them with any issues. However, they often mess up something with their chrome window and are unable to get to the shortcut that leads to the chrome rdp site (for those who are unaware, they must relay a code to me over the phone so I can connect). What I would much rather do is install a vnc server so that I can connect under any circumstances, provided their internet hasn't gone down. Would a vnc server installed in the linux container on chrome os allow this, and does such support for vnc servers exist in the first place?

You need a static IP to use VNC servers. TeamViewer and other tools have TURN/STUN servers that allows you to avoid the firewall and all port forwarding. Not sure about the alternatives here, but that's what i assume you are after.

Mr Technician · October 15, 2019

19 hours ago, AbsoluteFool said:

You need a static IP to use VNC servers. TeamViewer and other tools have TURN/STUN servers that allows you to avoid the firewall and all port forwarding. Not sure about the alternatives here, but that's what i assume you are after.

Yeah I'd prefer not to port forward but I am prepared to if I have to. From what I can tell, though, teamviewer only has an app to view other teamviewer sessions, not host one myself.