# Andy Harter

> British computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q4760778](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4760778)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Harter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andy-harter

## Summary
Andy Harter is a British computer scientist known for his contributions to virtualization and distributed systems. He is a Fellow of multiple engineering and computing societies, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, and has been recognized with awards such as the Faraday Medal and the Turing Talk. His notable work includes developing Virtual Network Computing (VNC), a foundational technology for remote desktop access.

## Biography
- Born: 1961-04-05 in Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: University of Cambridge (Corpus Christi College, Fitzwilliam College)
- Known for: Pioneering work on Virtual Network Computing (VNC) and contributions to distributed systems
- Employer(s): University of Cambridge, Royal Academy of Engineering
- Field(s): Computer science, engineering

## Contributions
Andy Harter is best known for his development of Virtual Network Computing (VNC), a remote desktop protocol that revolutionized remote access to computers. VNC, first released in 1998, allowed users to control a remote machine as if it were local, significantly improving productivity and accessibility in computing. Harter's work laid the groundwork for modern remote desktop solutions, influencing industries from IT support to education. He has also made contributions to distributed systems and has been involved in various engineering and academic roles, including serving as High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire. His research has been recognized with multiple fellowships and awards, solidifying his impact on the field of computer science.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Andy Harter known for?
A: Andy Harter is known for developing Virtual Network Computing (VNC), a remote desktop protocol that became a foundational technology for remote access to computers.

### Q: What awards has Andy Harter received?
A: Andy Harter has received the Faraday Medal, the Turing Talk, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Computer Society, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

### Q: Where did Andy Harter study?
A: Andy Harter studied at the University of Cambridge, attending Corpus Christi College and Fitzwilliam College.

### Q: Who was Andy Harter's doctoral advisor?
A: Andy Harter's doctoral advisor was Andy Hopper, another British computer scientist.

### Q: What is Andy Harter's current position?
A: Andy Harter has held various academic and engineering positions, including serving as High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire from 2018 to 2019.

## Why They Matter
Andy Harter's work on Virtual Network Computing (VNC) has had a profound impact on the computing industry, enabling seamless remote access to computers and shaping modern remote desktop solutions. His contributions have improved productivity, accessibility, and efficiency in various sectors, including IT support, education, and enterprise computing. Harter's innovations have influenced the development of remote work, digital collaboration, and cloud computing technologies. His recognition as a Fellow of multiple prestigious organizations and his receipt of awards such as the Faraday Medal and the Turing Talk further underscore his significance in the field of computer science.

## Notable For
- Developed Virtual Network Computing (VNC), a foundational remote desktop protocol
- Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, British Computer Society, and Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Recipient of the Faraday Medal (2016) and the Turing Talk (2018)
- Served as High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire (2018–2019)
- Doctoral advisor: Andy Hopper

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Andy Harter was born on April 5, 1961, in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. He pursued his education at the University of Cambridge, attending Corpus Christi College and Fitzwilliam College. His academic background in computer science laid the foundation for his later contributions to the field.

### Career and Research
Harter's career is marked by his pioneering work on Virtual Network Computing (VNC), which he developed in collaboration with others. VNC, first released in 1998, became a groundbreaking technology for remote desktop access, allowing users to control a remote machine as if it were local. This innovation significantly improved productivity and accessibility in computing, influencing industries from IT support to education.

### Academic and Professional Roles
Throughout his career, Harter has held various academic and professional roles, including serving as High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire from 2018 to 2019. His research has been recognized with multiple fellowships and awards, including the Faraday Medal and the Turing Talk. He has also been involved in the development of distributed systems and has contributed to the advancement of engineering and computing technologies.

### Recognition and Awards
Andy Harter's contributions to computer science have earned him numerous accolades, including fellowship in the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Computer Society, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. His work has been widely recognized for its impact on the field, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in computer science and engineering.

## References

1. The London Gazette 62229
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File