Xvnc

Xvnc is a server-side VNC implementation for the X Window System. VNC, which stands for Virtual Network Computing, is a graphical desktop sharing system that allows a user to remotely control another computer. Xvnc creates a virtual X server that can be run independently of a physical display. This virtual X server can then be shared with VNC clients, enabling remote access and control of applications running within that X session.

Unlike other VNC servers that typically mirror an existing physical display, Xvnc creates an entirely new, virtual display. This means that applications launched within an Xvnc session exist only in that virtual environment and are not tied to any specific physical monitor. This isolation makes Xvnc particularly useful for running applications in a persistent, headless environment, such as on a server without a connected monitor, or for creating multiple independent desktop sessions on a single machine.

When a VNC client connects to an Xvnc server, it receives a pixel-by-pixel stream of the virtual display. The client can then send keyboard and mouse input back to the server, which is translated into actions within the virtual X session. This allows users to interact with the remote desktop as if they were sitting directly in front of it. Xvnc is commonly used for remote administration, software development, and collaborative work.