Veyon: School Classroom Manager – modern alternative to iTALC
From 2004 to 2017, when an educational institution, public or private, with staff passionate about the implementation of educational spaces full of free and open source software tools, set up a computer lab or a classroom with computers installed with various operating systems (Windows and Linux), an ideal and current solution was el iTALC software. Which was created as a free and open e-learning software solution that allowed teachers to take control and provide demonstrations to students in a networked computer classroom. And after 2017, what alternatives became available? Well, this same development transformed into another so-called «Veyon», therefore, it is the official and genuine alternative to be used by former users of the iTALC softwareAnd for that reason, today we dedicate this informative publication to him.
And in case you have never heard, read, seen or used the iTALC software, it is good to make it clear and as a good informative and historical complement that, It was available for both Linux and Windows, and was even able to run in a heterogeneous computing environment.That is, it was able to allow a teacher to manage desktop or other types of computers within a network running Windows or Linux while using a laptop running Linux.
But, before we start talking (writing and describing) about The modern classroom management software "Veyon", which is also the official alternative to the old iTALC software (Intelligent Teaching and Learning with Computers), we recommend that you explore and read a useful previous related post with the same, at the end of the same:
Veyon: School Classroom Manager – modern alternative to iTALC
What is Veyon? – The modern alternative to iTALC software
According to Official website of this software development called «Veyon», it is described as follows:
Veyon is free and open-source software for monitoring and controlling computers across multiple platforms. Veyon helps you deliver classes in digital learning environments, conduct virtual training, or provide remote support. It also offers a streamlined user interface for ease of use and quick access to all important features. It includes numerous built-in features and can be easily enhanced with powerful commercial add-ons.
While, with respect to its operation, its official documentation It tells us that it is made up of the following components:
Alternative
Although, in essence, The "Veyon" software basically consists of a master component and a service component. that manage the interaction between the teacher's and students' computers (also known as master computer and client computer), the truth is that, for a better understanding of how they work, it is better to break down and describe them in detail. the various software components that interact with each other in different ways:
1. Veyon Master
This is the (graphical, desktop) application that allows you to monitor and control other computers and use other Veyon features. Under normal use, the program is started by the end user and accesses other computers through the Veyon Service.
2. Veyon Service
This is the service application (non-graphical, terminal) that monitors user sessions on a computer and launches Veyon Server instances within those sessions. The service and its server threads are required to run on all computers, including the teacher's. If Veyon Server instances are started manually, the Veyon Service is not required.
3. Veyon Server
This is the server application that provides access to a computer, as well as control and application functions. Under normal operating conditions, this program is started automatically by the Veyon Service with elevated privileges, so users cannot close it.
4. Veyon Worker
This is the auxiliary program launched by the server to provide specific functions in an isolated environment or in the context of the logged-in user. These functions include the system tray icon, the demo server on the teacher's computer, and the demo client on student computers.
5. Veyon Configurator
This is the configuration tool that allows you to configure and customize all components of a local Veyon installation using a graphical user interface. The program is launched by the administrator with elevated privileges whenever necessary.
6. Veyon CLI
This is the command-line tool (CLI) that, in addition to the Veyon Configurator, allows you to make various configuration settings, automate tasks, and use some Veyon features without graphical interaction. The program runs interactively from the command line or through scripts, usually with administrator privileges.
Key features
According to his official section (repository) on GitHub, this software offers the following functionalities, advantages and benefits:
- A Summary View: Which easily allows monitoring of all computers in one or more locations or classrooms.
- Remote access capability: Which facilitates the visualization and control of the computers to be monitored and provides support to their users.
- Demo Features: Allows the transmission of the teacher's screen in real time (full screen/window) to the student's computer.
- Screen lock capability: To direct the Student's attention to the Teacher by blocking the computer.
- Internal communication mechanism: Allows students to send text messages from screen to screen.
- Managing the start and end of classes: To remotely log users in and out, either individually or simultaneously.
- Ability to take screenshots: To be able to take visual snapshots of what is happening at a given time on another monitored computer.
- Easy handling of programs and websites: In order to facilitate the execution of locally installed programs and the opening of website URLs remotely.
- Ability to distribute teaching materials: In order to facilitate the distribution and opening of documents, images and videos quickly and effectively.
- Efficient and effective administration of managed equipment: In order to be able to turn on, turn off and restart any of the computers remotely.
Veyon can also use information already stored in your LDAP or Active Directory server. To do this, you only need to configure the LDAP module once, and the computer and location information in Veyon will always be automatically updated. For non-AD network environments, you can choose between the Network Discovery plugin or the integrated directory (statically configured computers and locations). Integration with your network and built-in LDAP/AD support
Download and installation
Currently, it is available for download as latest stable version, the so-called version 4.9.7, of August 13, 2025. However, as of today, only the previous version, called version 4.9.6.1, of June 12, 2025, has available installers for Debian (11/12) and Ubuntu (20.04/22.04/24.04) base distros. After downloading and installing the installation packages in the usual and preferred way, you can configure the application after its execution via the Applications Menu, following the steps described in its user guide, setup section.
Other known free and open alternatives
Summary
In short, we are confident that The modern classroom management software "Veyon", which is also the official alternative to the old iTALC software, will be very useful to many Computer science teachers and technology lab tutors around the world, to efficiently and effectively deliver classes and workshops within their educational institutions. Furthermore, without the well-known IT risks and high licensing costs associated with using similar proprietary and commercial programs, and in the correct and legal manner. And if you're already using this software, we invite you to share your experience with us, to enrich the information we've published here today.
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