How to Setup a VNC Server on Ubuntu

Introduction

Welcome to our tutorial on how to setup a VNC server on Ubuntu. VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a graphical desktop-sharing system that allows you to remotely control a computer over the network. This tutorial is perfect for those who want to access their Ubuntu server remotely or want to provide remote support to other users. Here, we’ll guide you through the process of installing and configuring a VNC server on Ubuntu.

Before we proceed, make sure you have administrative access to your Ubuntu server and a stable internet connection. Let’s get started with the installation process.

How to Setup a VNC Server on Ubuntu

Step 1: Update Ubuntu System

The first step is to update Ubuntu and install all available updates. Open the terminal and run the following command:

Command:	sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This will update your system and install all available updates. It may take some time depending on your system and internet connection speed.

Step 2: Install Desktop Environment

The next step is to install a desktop environment on your Ubuntu server. We’ll be installing the Xfce desktop environment as it is lightweight and works great with VNC. Run the following command to install Xfce:

Command:	sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies -y

This will install Xfce desktop environment and all necessary components. Once the installation completes, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Install VNC Server

Now, it’s time to install the VNC server on your Ubuntu server. We’ll be using the TigerVNC server for this tutorial. Run the following command to install TigerVNC:

Command:	sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server -y

Once the installation is complete, proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Configure VNC Server

Now, we need to configure the VNC server to create a new VNC session. Run the following command to create a new VNC session:

Command:	vncserver

You’ll be asked to set a password for VNC. Enter a strong password and confirm it. Once done, the VNC session will be created, and you’ll be provided with a VNC server address (something like 127.0.0.1:1). Note it down as we’ll need it in the next step.

Step 5: Secure VNC Server Connection

By default, VNC server uses an unencrypted connection, which poses a security risk. In this step, we’ll secure the VNC server connection by using SSH tunneling.

First, install OpenSSH server on your Ubuntu server by running the following command:

Command:	sudo apt install openssh-server -y

Once installed, open a new terminal and establish an SSH connection to your Ubuntu server using the following command:

Command:	ssh username@server-ip

Replace username with your username and server-ip with your server’s IP address. Enter your password when prompted and press Enter.

Once connected, run the following command to establish an SSH tunnel:

Command:	ssh -L 5901:127.0.0.1:5901 -N -f username@server-ip

Replace username and server-ip with your username and server’s IP address. Once done, the SSH tunneling will be established, and you can proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Connect to VNC Server

Now, it’s time to connect to the VNC server from your local machine. Install a VNC client on your local machine (we’ll be using TigerVNC viewer here).

Open the TigerVNC viewer and enter the VNC server address (something like 127.0.0.1:1) that you noted down in Step 4. Enter the VNC password when prompted and press Enter. You’ll be connected to your Ubuntu server’s desktop remotely.

Advantages and Disadvantages of VNC Server

Advantages of VNC Server

Remote Access: VNC server provides remote access to your Ubuntu server’s desktop, allowing you to work from anywhere.

Easy to Use: VNC server is easy to use and doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge.

Lightweight: VNC server is lightweight and doesn’t consume many system resources.

Disadvantages of VNC Server

Security Risks: VNC server uses an unencrypted connection by default, posing a security risk. However, you can secure the connection using SSH tunneling.

Performance Issues: VNC server may experience performance issues, especially on slow or unreliable networks.

Compatibility Issues: VNC server may not be compatible with some operating systems or devices.

FAQs

Q1: Can I install VNC server on Ubuntu Desktop?

A1: Yes, you can install VNC server on Ubuntu Desktop by following the same steps mentioned in this tutorial.

Q2: Can I use a different desktop environment with VNC server?

A2: Yes, you can use a different desktop environment with VNC server. However, we recommend using a lightweight desktop environment like Xfce for better performance.

Q3: Can I connect to VNC server using a web browser?

A3: Yes, there are several VNC web clients available that allow you to connect to a VNC server using a web browser.

Q4: Can I use VNC server for remote gaming?

A4: VNC server is not recommended for remote gaming due to performance issues and high latency.

Q5: Can I change the VNC server resolution?

A5: Yes, you can change the VNC server resolution by editing the configuration file of the VNC server.

Q6: Can I access VNC server from a mobile device?

A6: Yes, you can access VNC server from a mobile device using a VNC client app.

Q7: Can I use VNC server for remote file access?

A7: Yes, you can use VNC server for remote file access by using a file manager on the remote desktop.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up a VNC server on your Ubuntu server. VNC server provides a great way to remotely access your Ubuntu server’s desktop and work from anywhere. However, make sure to secure the connection using SSH tunneling to avoid any security risks.

If you face any issues during the installation or configuration process, feel free to ask us in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We do not take any responsibility for any damage or loss caused by following this tutorial. Install and configure VNC server at your own risk.

Video:How to Setup a VNC Server on Ubuntu