Freedom251 › Remote desktop software
Krfb
What Krfb is
Krfb is KDE’s Linux server application for sharing a desktop through the Remote Frame Buffer protocol, commonly called VNC. A remote person using a VNC client can view the current desktop, or control its keyboard and mouse when the host permits control. Remote access normally requires the desktop-sharing password, which starts with an automatically generated value that the host can change. Without unattended access, an incoming connection creates a notification for the host to accept or refuse. Unattended access skips that confirmation when the remote user supplies its password; that password is empty by default. Krfb uses RFB challenge-response authentication rather than sending the password in clear text. Hosts can select a port or use a suitable default and announce the service locally with Service Location Protocol. The handbook says RFB works best on high-bandwidth links such as a local area network. Krfb no longer has invitations, so connection details must be transferred separately. It is free under GPL-2.0+ and available for Linux.
Who it suits
Krfb suits Linux users who need VNC-based viewing or control of a desktop session. It fits local or other high-bandwidth networks where a host can manage connection approval and passwords.
What it does well
- Supports viewing or keyboard-and-mouse control
- Offers host approval or unattended access
- Uses RFB challenge-response password authentication
- Can announce services with Service Location Protocol
- Free GPL-2.0+ Linux application
What to know first
- Unattended-access password is empty by default
- RFB may perform less well over slower links
- No invitation feature; details must be transferred separately
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Krfb | Linux desktop sharing server · GPL-2.0+ | Free |
As apps.kde.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Krfb is a straightforward Linux VNC server with configurable control, approval, and network settings. Its security and access behavior should be reviewed carefully, especially when unattended access is enabled.
Facts from Krfb's own pages
- Access control
- The host can allow a connecting client to view the desktop only or control the keyboard and mouse. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Access mode
- both · apps.kde.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Authentication
- Remote users must provide the desktop sharing password; the password field is prefilled with an automatically generated password that can be changed. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Connection approval
- Unless unattended access is used, an incoming connection displays a notification where the host can accept or refuse it. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Help and support
- The product page links to the Krfb Handbook and KDE Community Forum for help. · apps.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Invitation limitation
- The handbook says Krfb no longer has an invitation feature, so login details must be transferred separately. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The product page lists version 26.08.2, released 2026-10-08. · apps.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The product page lists Krfb under the GPL-2.0+ license. · apps.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Linux availability
- The product page lists Linux installation through AppStream application stores such as Discover or through a distribution package manager. · apps.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Network performance
- The handbook says RFB works best over high-bandwidth links such as a local area network and may perform less well over other links. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Network settings
- The host can choose a port or use a suitable default port and can announce the service on the local network using Service Location Protocol. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Password security
- Krfb uses the RFB challenge-response password system, which does not send the password in clear text across the network. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Protocol
- Krfb is KDE’s server for the Remote Frame Buffer protocol, commonly called VNC. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Krfb is a server application that lets a user on another machine view or control the current desktop session using a VNC client. · apps.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux · apps.kde.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Unattended access
- Unattended access grants access without explicit confirmation when the remote user supplies its password, which is empty by default. · docs.kde.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where Krfb stands on Freedom251
- Remote desktop software#84 of 135