Introduction
Welcome, fellow tech enthusiasts! In this article, we will delve into the world of VNC server setup on Debian 9 and understand how it can be a powerful tool for remote access. Remote access has been an essential aspect of the tech industry for years. With the world becoming more connected and digitalized, remote access has become an indispensable part of our lives. Therefore, it is crucial to have the right tools to facilitate smooth remote access.
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is one such tool that has been around for years and is still very relevant when it comes to remote access. VNC allows users to share desktops remotely and perform various tasks effectively. This article will guide you through the process of setting up a VNC server on Debian 9 and highlight its advantages and disadvantages.
So, let’s dive into the world of VNC server setup on Debian 9 and figure out the best way to leverage it for remote access.
What is VNC Server?
VNC is a graphical desktop-sharing system that enables users to connect and control their computers remotely. VNC server runs on a computer, and VNC viewer runs on the remote desktop to access the server. The server shares its screen, and the viewer connects to it over the network.
Setting up a VNC server helps users to access their computers remotely from anywhere in the world. VNC is particularly useful for system administrators who need to manage multiple machines remotely.
Setup VNC Server Debian 9
Step 1: Install desktop environment and VNC server package
The first step to setting up a VNC server on Debian 9 is to install a desktop environment and VNC server package. You can choose to install any desktop environment of your choice; however, in this article, we will be using GNOME and TigerVNC server. To install GNOME, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get update |
Update the package list |
sudo apt-get install gnome-core |
Install GNOME desktop environment |
sudo apt-get install tigervnc-standalone-server |
Install TigerVNC server package |
Step 2: Configure VNC server
After installing the required packages, the next step is to configure the VNC server. To configure the VNC server, follow these steps:
- Create a new user account with the name “vncuser” or any name of your choice:
- Switch to the new user account:
- Start the VNC server:
- Set a password for VNC:
- Stop the VNC server:
- Edit the VNC server configuration file:
- Copy and paste the following configuration settings:
- Restart the VNC server:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo adduser vncuser |
Create new user account |
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
su – vncuser |
Switch to the new user account |
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
vncserver |
Start the VNC server |
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
vncpasswd |
Set a password for VNC server |
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
vncserver -kill :1 |
Stop the VNC server |
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
nano ~/.vnc/xstartup |
Edit the VNC server configuration file |
| Configuration Settings |
|---|
| #!/bin/sh |
| unset SESSION_MANAGER |
| unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS |
| XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP=”GNOME” |
| XDG_SESSION_TYPE=”x11″ |
| export XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP XDG_SESSION_TYPE |
| exec gnome-session |
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
vncserver |
Restart the VNC server |
Step 3: Connect to the VNC server
After setting up the VNC server, the next step is to connect to it using a VNC viewer. You can use any VNC viewer of your choice; however, in this article, we will be using TigerVNC viewer. To connect to the VNC server, follow these steps:
- Open the TigerVNC viewer:
- Enter the IP address and VNC server port number:
- Enter the VNC server password:
- Connect to the VNC server:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
vncviewer |
Open the TigerVNC viewer |
Example: 192.168.1.10:5901
Enter the password that you set up in step 2
Click on the connect button to connect to the VNC server
Advantages and Disadvantages of VNC Server Debian 9
Advantages of VNC Server Debian 9
1. Easy to use
VNC server is easy to set up, and the server and viewer both have user-friendly interfaces.
2. Multiple platforms support
VNC server supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
3. Remote access
VNC server enables users to remotely access their machines and carry out various tasks.
4. Secure
VNC server encrypts traffic between the server and viewer, making it a secure tool for remote access.
Disadvantages of VNC Server Debian 9
1. Slow performance
VNC server performance can be slow when compared to other remote access tools such as RDP.
2. Limited features
VNC server has fewer features when compared to its alternatives such as TeamViewer and AnyDesk.
3. Vulnerable to security breaches
VNC server security can be breached if the server is not configured properly or is not up-to-date with the latest security patches.
VNC Server Debian 9 Configuration Table
Configuration Settings |
Description |
|---|---|
Desktop Environment |
GNOME |
VNC Server Package |
TigerVNC standalone server |
New User Account |
vncuser |
Command to Start VNC Server |
vncserver |
Command to Stop VNC Server |
vncserver -kill :1 |
Command to Edit VNC Server Configuration File |
nano ~/.vnc/xstartup |
Configuration File Settings |
#!/bin/sh unset SESSION_MANAGER unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP=”GNOME” XDG_SESSION_TYPE=”x11″ export XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP XDG_SESSION_TYPE exec gnome-session |
VNC Viewer |
TigerVNC viewer |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to change the VNC server port number?
To change the VNC server port number, edit the ~/.vnc/config file and change the ‘localhost’ parameter to ‘0.0.0.0’ followed by the desired port number.
How to change the VNC server resolution?
To change the VNC server resolution, edit the ~/.vnc/xstartup configuration file and add the following line:
xrandr -s 1280×720
You can replace the resolution ‘1280×720’ with the desired resolution.
How to install TigerVNC viewer on Windows?
To install TigerVNC viewer on Windows, download the latest version of TigerVNC viewer from the official website and install it on your machine.
What is the default VNC server port number?
The default VNC server port number is 5900.
How to uninstall VNC server on Debian 9?
To uninstall VNC server on Debian 9, run the following command:
sudo apt-get remove tigervnc-standalone-server
Can VNC server be run without a desktop environment?
Yes, VNC server can be run without a desktop environment, but it requires some extra configuration.
How to configure VNC server to start automatically on boot?
To configure VNC server to start automatically on boot, add the following line to the ~/.bashrc file:
vncserver :1 -geometry 1280×720 -depth 16 -localhost no
How to set up VNC server securely?
To set up VNC server securely, make sure to:
- Set a strong password for the VNC server
- Configure the firewall to allow VNC traffic
- Encrypt VNC traffic using SSH or VPN
- Update the VNC server regularly with the latest security patches
How to share files using VNC server?
To share files using VNC server, you can use a file transfer protocol such as FTP or SFTP.
How to troubleshoot VNC server connection issues?
To troubleshoot VNC server connection issues, check the following:
- Ensure that VNC server and viewer are on the same network
- Check the firewall settings to allow VNC traffic
- Ensure that the VNC server is running
- Check the VNC server configuration settings
- Check the VNC viewer configuration settings
Can VNC server be used for online meetings?
Yes, VNC server can be used for online meetings, but it has limited features when compared to its alternatives such as Zoom and Skype.
How to improve VNC server performance?
To improve VNC server performance, you can:
- Lower the color depth
- Reduce the screen resolution
- Disable desktop effects and animations
- Use a lightweight desktop environment
Which VNC server is better: VNC Connect or TigerVNC?
Both VNC Connect and TigerVNC are excellent VNC server solutions, but VNC Connect has more features and a better user interface.
How to customize the VNC server?
To customize the VNC server, you can add or remove packages and modify the VNC server configuration file.
How to troubleshoot VNC server performance issues?
To troubleshoot VNC server performance issues, you can:
- Check the network speed and latency
- Disable any unnecessary services on the server
- Use a wired network connection instead of Wi-Fi
How to improve VNC server security?
To improve VNC server security, you can:
- Use a strong password
- Disable unused ports
- Encrypt VNC traffic using SSH or VPN
- Update the VNC server regularly with the latest security patches
Conclusion
Setting up a VNC server on Debian 9 can be a powerful tool for remote access and management. With the world becoming more connected and digitalized, remote access has become an indispensable part of our lives. VNC server enables users to access their computers remotely and perform various tasks effectively. Its advantages outweigh its disadvantages, making it a popular choice for remote access. However, security concerns should not be ignored, and proper configuration and regular updates should be carried out to maintain its security.
We hope this article provided you with a comprehensive guide to set up VNC server Debian 9 and understand its advantages and disadvantages. Try it out, and take your remote access experience to the next level!
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The author and the website shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information provided in this article.