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Remote Desktop

Remote desktop protocols enable graphical access to servers and virtual machines. This guide covers VNC, RDP, and SPICE with a focus on macOS clients connecting to Linux/KVM servers and Windows VMs.

Protocol Comparison

Feature VNC RDP SPICE
macOS Client Quality Good Good Poor
Built-in Encryption No TLS Optional
Audio Support No Yes Yes
USB Redirect No Limited Full
Clipboard Sync Basic Full Full
WAN Performance OK Good Poor
Best For Linux VMs Windows VMs Local KVM only

Quick Recommendations

Linux VMs/Servers

Use VNC for Linux systems:

  • Works universally across all Linux distributions
  • Native support in KVM/QEMU
  • Built into macOS Screen Sharing for quick access
  • Use RealVNC Viewer or Jump Desktop for better experience

Windows VMs

Use RDP for Windows systems:

  • Native Windows feature (no server install needed)
  • Best compression and performance over networks
  • Full audio, clipboard, and multi-monitor support
  • Microsoft Remote Desktop on macOS is excellent

Local KVM with USB Passthrough

Consider SPICE only when:

  • USB device redirection is required
  • Running VMs locally (same network)
  • Willing to deal with limited macOS client options

Security First

Never Expose to Internet

VNC and RDP should never be directly exposed to the internet. Both protocols have been targets of widespread attacks.

Secure Access Methods:

  1. Tailscale (Recommended) - Zero-config VPN, works from anywhere
  2. SSH Tunneling - Classic approach, requires SSH access
  3. VPN - Traditional VPN if already configured

See Integration with Tailscale for the recommended approach.

Default Ports

Protocol Port Notes
VNC 5900+ Display :0 = 5900, :1 = 5901, etc.
RDP 3389 TCP and UDP
SPICE 5900 Configurable per VM

Documentation Structure

  • Fundamentals

    Protocol deep-dive and technical details

    Protocols

  • VNC

    Server setup and macOS clients for Linux VMs

    VNC Guide

  • RDP

    Windows VM access and macOS clients

    RDP Guide

  • SPICE

    Advanced KVM features and macOS limitations

    SPICE Guide

  • Integration

    Tailscale and GPU passthrough scenarios

    Integration

  • Reference

    Quick reference and cheat sheet

    Quick Reference