Linux is a great operating system and I use it as a LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) server. To help beginners understand how to use the Debian linux distro I have written tutorials explaining how to use and manage a lamp server. To add a new dimension to the tutorial process I have also created videos that compliment the written tutorials. Sometimes you can't get your head around the written word and a visual example makes it a lot easier to learn and understand. The method I use in making these video tutorials is by using VNC - Virtual Network Computing. This article will explain how to install a VNC server on your linux computer and then remote to the linux computer from a Windows PC on a local network.
Before you start this tutorial you will need a linux computer. If you don't have one already, it is quite easy to build. Do you have an old PC lying around that still works but is too slow for windows. Go to the tutorial explaining how to build a linux computer using the simple to use Debian linux distro.
What is VNC
VNC is means Virtual Network Computing. Using VNC, you can connect to a computer over a network and see the remote computers screen. You can operate the remote computer as if it was sitting in front of you. It is a virtual computer in a digital virtual world.
As an example, you may have had a problem with your computer at work and contacted the IT helpdesk to resolve the issue. Sometimes they will ask you if they can remote to your computer to see what is wrong. You agree because you have a lot of work to do and the computer is holding you up in meeting your deadlines. Next thing you know, your mouse is moving around by itself and it is opening software and other administration applications. VNC is a handy tool if your friend is having problems with their computer and you can't go to their house because they live a long way. You can use VNC to remote to their computer on the internet (external network) and either fix the problem or explain how to use various functions or software on their computer from the comfort of your own home.
Difference Between VNC Server and VNC Client
It can be confusing at first understanding the difference between a VNC Server and VNC Client.
The VNC Server is used on the computer you want to remote to so you can see what the problem is. The VNC client which is on your computer recieves the images served to you from the remote computer. As an analogy a waiter(client) in a restaurant calls out to the cook(server) an order for a meal. The cook serves up the meal(images) on a plate as the waiter inspects the meal to make sure everything is in order. The waiter calls out "Oops you forgot the peas". The cook appologizes and puts peas on the plate. I know it's probably a lame example but I thought I would be creative.
Installing VNC On Linux
The best way to understand how VNC works is by doing a practical experiment by installing a vnc server on your linux computer and installing a vnc client on your Windows PC.
Installing a VNC server on your Debian Linux computer is really easy.
Login to your linux computer
Go to the Top Left tool bar and select --> System --> Administration --> Synaptic Package Manager
The Synaptic Package Manager window will appear
click the Search icon
Type in the search box vnc
Hit Enter or click the search button
Once the search is complete, scroll down the list of packages(software) and look for vnc4server and click the box on the left of the file name.
A pop up box will ask if you want to mark this package to be installed
The apply button will light up. Click the Apply button. 
A popup box may appear saying that vnc4server has dependancies. Accept the dependencies packages. If you don't allow the dependencies to be installed vnc4server wont work.
Linux will now install and configure vnc4server.
Install VNC Client On Windows PC
The next step is to install the VNC Client on your Windows PC. There are 2 VNC applications you can choose from. TightVNC and RealVNC.
I prefer TightVNC myself because it has more options and it is easy to use. So I will explain how to install TightVNC on your Windows PC
Download TightVNC to your computer in a folder you will remember. Nothing worse than downloading a file and not knowing where it is.
Double Click the TightVNC.exe file you downloaded and install it accepting the defaults.
Running VNC On Windows To Linux
This is where the fun begins. Go to your Linux computer and select from the top left tool bar --> Applications --> Accesories --> Root Terminal
You will promted to enter your Root password. Enter your root password and hit Enter
The Root Terminal will appear. This is where you type in command line instructions.
Turn On Linux VNC Server
We are going to turn on the vnc4server. To do this type in the Root Terminal vnc4server :1
Hit Enter
You will get a message telling you that vnc4 is running
New '[server name]:1 (root)' desktop is [server name]:1
Starting applications specified in /root/.vnc/xstartup
Log file is /root/.vnc/[server name]:1.log
Run VNC Client On Windows PC
Now go to your Windows PC and start up TightVNC --> Start --> All Programs --> TightVNC --> TightVNC Viewer
The TightVNC Viewer window will appear.
Type in the VNC server box the IP Address for your linux computer followed by :1
For example if you linux computer IP address is 192.168.0.7 type 192.168.0.7:1
Press the TightVNC Options button. This will connect you to your linux computer.
TightVNC will ask you for your root password to connect to your linux computer. 
Type your Linux root password in the password box and hit Enter
VNC Doesn't Work Just a Grey Screen
A remote termial window will appear with a grey screen.
Now this is where a lot or people panic and complain that the VNC doesn't work. Well with a little magic we can make it appear. You will notice that the root terminal is displayed in the remote terminal window. Type in the root terminal gnome-session
Now be patient... Just a little longer... Wow!!! you can see your linux computers desktop. You have now remoted to your linux computer and you can run it from your windows PC.
Turn Off Linux VNC Server
When you have finished remoting to your linxu computer it is a good idea to turn off the VNC Server. To do this go to your linux computer
Open your root terminal and type vnc4server -kill :1
This will turn off the VNC Server on your linux computer and you will notice that the VNC Client on your windows computer has disconnected automatically.
References:
TightVNC: http://www.tightvnc.com/
RealVNC: http://www.realvnc.com/
VNC - Virtual Network Computing Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Network_Computing
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions add a comment to this article.
