VNC -- Can it be good and free at the same time?

[suredata]

Dear remote computing gurus,   I know AT&T Cambridge Lab developed VNC (Virtual Network Computing), a freeware for cross-platform mobile computing.  I want to be able to access remote computers via the Internet, and VNC sounds like a good tool for that.  Is it difficult to set up or to use?  Is it robust?  How does it stack up against PCAnywhere?   Any explantion or advice will be appreciated.   Stan Loo