Introduction
Greetings, fellow Ubuntu enthusiasts! Are you looking for a way to remotely access your Ubuntu 20.04 desktop environment? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing VNC server on Ubuntu 20.04. VNC server allows you to access your Ubuntu desktop environment from anywhere in the world, on any device. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Linux user, this guide will provide you with all the tools you need to get started. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of VNC server!
What is VNC Server?
VNC (Virtual Network Computing) server is a software that allows you to remotely access and control your desktop environment. With VNC server, you can access your Ubuntu 20.04 desktop environment from anywhere in the world, on any device with a VNC client installed.
There are multiple VNC server software available, but we will be using TigerVNC in this guide. TigerVNC is a high-performance, platform-neutral implementation of VNC that is open-source and free to use.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure that you have the following:
Prerequisite |
Description |
|---|---|
Ubuntu 20.04 Server |
An Ubuntu 20.04 server with a non-root user with sudo privileges. |
VNC client |
A VNC client installed on the device you want to use to access your Ubuntu desktop environment. |
Step 1: Install TigerVNC Server
The first step in installing VNC server on Ubuntu 20.04 is to install TigerVNC server. To do this, open your terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt-get install tigervnc-standalone-server tigervnc-xorg-extension tigervnc-viewerThis command will install the TigerVNC server software, along with the necessary extensions and viewer.
Step 2: Configure TigerVNC Server
After installing TigerVNC server, the next step is to configure it. To do this, open your terminal and run the following command:
vncserver -localhostThis command will start a VNC server instance, which will be bound to localhost. Now, you need to set a VNC password for this instance. To do this, run the following command:
vncpasswdEnter a password of your choice and confirm it. This password will be used to authenticate to the VNC server instance.
Step 3: Configure VNC Server Startup
To ensure that the VNC server starts automatically whenever your Ubuntu 20.04 server boots up, create a systemd service file for TigerVNC. To do this, run the following command:
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/vncserver@.serviceThen paste the following code:
[Unit]Description=Start TigerVNC server at startupAfter=syslog.target[Service]Type=forkingUser=%iPAMName=loginPIDFile=/home/%i/.vnc/%H%i.pidExecStartPre=-/usr/bin/vncserver -kill :%i > /dev/null 2>&1 || :ExecStart=/usr/bin/vncserver -depth 24 -geometry 1280x800 -localhost :%iExecStop=/usr/bin/vncserver -kill :%i[Install]WantedBy=multi-user.targetSave and close the file. Then, enable the TigerVNC server service by running the following command:
sudo systemctl enable vncserver@1.serviceNow, restart the systemd daemon to apply the changes by running the following command:
sudo systemctl daemon-reloadStep 4: Connect to VNC Server
Now that you have successfully installed and configured VNC server on Ubuntu 20.04, it’s time to connect to it from your device. To do this, open your VNC client and enter the IP address of your Ubuntu 20.04 server, followed by the VNC server port number, which is default 5901. For example, if your server’s IP address is 192.168.1.100, you would enter:
192.168.1.100:5901Enter the password you set earlier when prompted, and voila! You should now be connected to your Ubuntu 20.04 desktop environment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of VNC Server on Ubuntu 20.04
Advantages
Remote Access: With VNC server, you can remotely access your Ubuntu 20.04 desktop environment from anywhere in the world, on any device with a VNC client installed.
Flexible: VNC server is a flexible solution that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from remote desktop support to remote server administration.
Open-Source: TigerVNC, the software we used in this guide, is open-source and free to use, making it an accessible solution for people on a tight budget.
Disadvantages
Security Risks: VNC server is vulnerable to brute force attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks, making it a potential security risk. To mitigate these risks, it’s important to use strong passwords and keep your VNC server software up-to-date.
Bandwidth Requirements: Remote desktop access can be bandwidth-intensive, which can be a problem for users with limited bandwidth or slow internet connections.
Compatibility: VNC server may not be compatible with some operating systems or devices, which can limit its usefulness.
FAQs
1. Can I install VNC server on Ubuntu 18.04?
Yes, you can install VNC server on Ubuntu 18.04 using the same steps outlined in this guide.
2. Is VNC server secure?
VNC server can be secure if used properly. It’s important to use strong passwords and keep your VNC server software up-to-date to mitigate security risks.
3. How do I change the default VNC server port number?
You can change the default VNC server port number by modifying the /etc/services file and changing the vnc-server-1 port number.
4. Can I use VNC server on a mobile device?
Yes, there are VNC client apps available for both iOS and Android devices.
5. How do I uninstall VNC server from my Ubuntu server?
To uninstall VNC server from your Ubuntu server, run the following command:
sudo apt-get purge tigervnc-*6. Can I use VNC server to access multiple desktop environments on my Ubuntu server?
Yes, you can configure multiple VNC server instances on your Ubuntu server, each with its own desktop environment.
7. Can I use VNC server to access other operating systems besides Ubuntu?
Yes, VNC server can be used to remotely access desktop environments on a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and other Linux distributions.
8. Can I use VNC server with a VPN?
Yes, VNC server can be used with a VPN to provide additional security and privacy.
9. Can I use VNC server to access my Ubuntu server from a web browser?
Yes, there are VNC web clients available that allow you to access your Ubuntu server from a web browser.
10. How do I troubleshoot VNC server connection issues?
If you’re having trouble connecting to your VNC server, make sure that your firewall is configured to allow VNC connections, and that your VNC server and client software are up-to-date. You can also try restarting your VNC server and client software, and checking your internet connection.
11. Can I use VNC server to access my Ubuntu server over the internet?
Yes, you can use VNC server to access your Ubuntu server over the internet, but it’s important to take steps to ensure that your connection is secure and protected from potential security risks.
12. Can I use VNC server to access my Ubuntu server from a different network?
Yes, you can use VNC server to access your Ubuntu server from a different network, but you may need to configure your firewall to allow incoming VNC connections.
13. How do I change the resolution of my VNC server?
You can change the resolution of your VNC server by modifying the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file and adding the desired resolution.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured VNC server on your Ubuntu 20.04 server. With VNC server, you can remotely access your Ubuntu desktop environment from anywhere in the world, on any device. While VNC server does come with some potential security risks and bandwidth requirements, it is a flexible and accessible solution that can be used for a wide range of purposes. We hope that this guide has been helpful in getting you started with using VNC server on Ubuntu 20.04. So, go ahead and start exploring the world of remote desktop access!
Closing/Disclaimer
In conclusion, VNC server is a powerful tool that allows you to remotely access and control your desktop environment. While we have provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to install and configure VNC server on Ubuntu 20.04, it’s important to keep in mind that VNC server does come with some potential security risks and bandwidth requirements. It’s important to use strong passwords and keep your VNC server software up-to-date to mitigate these risks. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the compatibility limitations of VNC server. While VNC server can be used to remotely access desktop environments on a wide range of operating systems, it may not be compatible with some operating systems or devices. Use VNC server at your own risk, and always take the necessary precautions to ensure that your connection is secure and protected from potential security risks.