RealVNC + Vine Server > TightVNC + Max OSX Default VNC

For some time now, I've been using an old Mac Mini as my home server. This setup has a few advantages:

• Time Machine: two 3 TB external drives, one backed up to the other
• iTunes Home Sharing: iTunes serves the media collection to two AppleTV's and two sets of AirPort Express-connected speakers (and one printer) all controlled by the Apple Remote App on various iOS devices
• Unix foundation: offsite backups via rsync+ssh+cron
• MAMP: painless development platform
• DVI/HDMI output: server can play hulu/netflix/etc to the connected HD TV

To access the server remotely, I had previously been using the built-in Mac OS X "Screen Sharing" feature (a no-frills VNC server) and TightVNC client. At best, it was a slow, laggy, unstable connection. This setup was functional, but a pain to use.

After some experimentation, I discovered that Vine Server combined RealVNC client is a much better combination in every way. Connection time is instantaneous, lag is drastically reduced to almost native-app speeds, and connection stability is rock-solid. I don't have any hard data to back up my claims, but try it for yourself. The difference is night and day.

You're welcome, internet.