Install VNC Server Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME: A Complete Guide

Get Remote Access to Your Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME Desktop in 6 Simple Steps

Are you looking for a way to connect remotely to an Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME desktop? The answer you’ve been searching for is VNC (Virtual Network Computing) Server!

With VNC Server, you can connect to your Ubuntu machine from anywhere in the world, even if you’re not sitting in front of it. You’ll have full access to your desktop, including all files, applications, and settings.

In this article, we’ll show you how to install and configure VNC Server on your Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME desktop in just six easy steps. We’ll also explain the advantages and disadvantages of using VNC Server, and provide a detailed FAQ section to answer all your questions.

Before We Get Started

We assume that you have a basic knowledge of Ubuntu and the GNOME desktop environment. This guide is intended for advanced users who want to set up remote access to their Ubuntu desktops via VNC Server.

It’s also important to note that VNC is not the most secure way to access a remote desktop. You should only use VNC over an encrypted connection, such as SSH (Secure Shell) or VPN (Virtual Private Network). We’ll explain how to do this later in the article.

How to Install VNC Server on Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME

Step 1: Install Desktop Environment

VNC Server requires a desktop environment to function properly. If you haven’t already installed a desktop environment, you’ll need to do so before you can proceed.

sudo apt update

sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop

Step 2: Install VNC Server

To install VNC Server on your Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME desktop, follow these simple steps:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install tightvncserver

This will install the VNC Server package on your machine.

Step 3: Create a VNC Password

Next, you’ll need to create a password for your VNC Server.

vncserver

This command will prompt you to enter a password. Choose a strong password and remember it, as you’ll need it to connect to your desktop remotely.

Step 4: Configure VNC Server

By default, VNC Server only listens for connections on localhost (127.0.0.1). To allow remote connections, you’ll need to create a new configuration file for VNC Server.

nano ~/.vnc/xstartup

Add the following lines to the file:

File Contents
#!/bin/bash
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
startxfce4 &

Save and close the file.

Step 5: Start VNC Server

Now it’s time to start your VNC Server.

vncserver -geometry 1280x720 -depth 24

The -geometry flag sets the screen size, and the -depth flag sets the color depth. You can adjust these values to your liking.

Step 6: Connect to Your Desktop Remotely

Finally, you’ll need to connect to your desktop remotely using a VNC client. There are many VNC clients available, but we recommend TightVNC or RealVNC.

Open your VNC client and enter your Ubuntu machine’s IP address followed by the VNC port number (default is 5901).

You should now be connected to your Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME desktop!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using VNC Server

Advantages

1. Remote access from anywhere in the world

2. Full access to desktop, files, applications, and settings

3. Easy to set up and configure

Disadvantages

1. Not the most secure way to access a remote desktop

2. Requires a desktop environment to function properly

3. Can be slow, depending on network speed

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change my VNC Server password?

To change your VNC Server password, simply run the following command:

vncpasswd

This will prompt you to enter a new password. Enter a strong password and remember it for future use.

2. What is the default VNC Server port number?

The default VNC Server port number is 5901.

3. Can I use VNC Server over the internet?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. VNC is not the most secure way to access a remote desktop. If you must use VNC over the internet, be sure to use an encrypted connection, such as SSH or VPN.

4. How do I specify a different screen resolution?

To specify a different screen resolution, simply change the value of the -geometry flag when starting VNC Server. For example, to set a screen size of 1920×1080, use the following command:

vncserver -geometry 1920x1080 -depth 24

5. Can I use VNC Server with other desktop environments?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the xstartup file to match your desktop environment. Consult the documentation for your specific desktop environment for more information.

6. How do I stop VNC Server?

To stop VNC Server, simply run the following command:

vncserver -kill :1

Replace :1 with the number of the VNC Server session you want to stop.

7. How do I troubleshoot VNC Server connection problems?

If you’re having trouble connecting to your VNC Server, check the following:

– Make sure your network connection is stable

– Make sure VNC Server is running

– Make sure your VNC client is configured correctly

– Check your firewall settings to ensure that VNC traffic is allowed

8. How do I make my VNC connection more secure?

To make your VNC connection more secure, use an encrypted connection, such as SSH or VPN. You can also use a VNC client that supports encryption, such as TightVNC or RealVNC.

9. Can I use VNC Server with Ubuntu Server?

Yes, but you’ll need to install a desktop environment first. Alternatively, you can use a lightweight desktop environment, such as Xfce, or a headless VNC Server, such as TigerVNC.

10. Can I use VNC Server with Ubuntu 18.04?

Yes, the steps in this article should work for Ubuntu 18.04 as well.

11. How do I uninstall VNC Server?

To uninstall VNC Server, simply run the following command:

sudo apt remove tightvncserver

12. Can I connect to my VNC Server from a mobile device?

Yes, there are many VNC clients available for mobile devices, including TightVNC and RealVNC.

13. How do I change the VNC Server default port number?

To change the default VNC Server port number, add the following line to your xstartup file:

vncconfig -nowin &

Then, set the port number using the following command:

vncserver -geometry 1280x720 -depth 24 -rfbport 5902

Replace 5902 with the port number you want to use.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to install and configure VNC Server on your Ubuntu 20.04 GNOME desktop, you can connect to your desktop remotely from anywhere in the world. Just remember to use an encrypted connection for added security!

Thank you for reading, and we hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.

Closing Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not legal, financial, or professional advice. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in this article for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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