Setting Up a Linux RDP Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Dear Dev, if you are looking for a cost-effective, secure, and reliable remote desktop solution, then Linux RDP Server is the way to go! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Linux RDP Server and guide you through the process of setting it up. We’ll cover everything from installation to configuration, and answer some frequently asked questions along the way. So, let’s get started!

What is a Linux RDP Server?

A Linux RDP Server is a remote desktop protocol server that allows remote users to connect to a Linux-based system using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The RDP protocol provides a graphical interface for users to interact with the Linux system from a remote location, as if they were sitting right in front of it.

Linux RDP Servers are widely used in businesses, organizations, and educational institutions for remote desktop access. With Linux RDP Server, you can access your Linux system from any device, anywhere in the world!

Advantages of Linux RDP Server

There are several advantages to using a Linux RDP Server:

Installation

Before you can start using Linux RDP Server, you need to install it on your Linux system. The installation process may vary depending on the Linux distribution you are using, but the general steps are as follows:

Step 1: Update the System

Before installing any software, it is important to update the system to ensure that you have the latest packages and security updates. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

This command will update the system and install any available updates.

Step 2: Install xrdp Package

The xrdp package is the core package needed to install Linux RDP Server. You can install it by running the following command:

sudo apt-get install xrdp

This command will install the required packages and dependencies for xrdp.

Step 3: Start the xrdp Service

After installing the xrdp package, you need to start the xrdp service. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo systemctl start xrdp

This command will start the xrdp service and enable it to run at boot time.

Step 4: Configure the Firewall

The Linux firewall may block incoming connections to the xrdp service by default. To allow incoming connections, you need to add a firewall rule. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo ufw allow from any to any port 3389 proto tcp

This command will allow incoming connections to port 3389, which is the default port used by xrdp.

Configuration

After installing Linux RDP Server, you need to configure it to allow remote desktop access. The configuration process may vary depending on your requirements, but the general steps are as follows:

Step 1: Create a New User

To allow remote desktop access, you need to create a new user. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo adduser <username>

Replace <username> with the name of the user you want to create. Follow the prompt to set a password and other details for the new user.

Step 2: Add the New User to the xrdp Group

To allow the new user to use the RDP service, you need to add the user to the xrdp group. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo adduser <username> xrdp

Replace <username> with the name of the user you created in step 1.

Step 3: Configure Remote Desktop Permissions

By default, only the root user can use the RDP service. To allow the new user to use the RDP service, you need to edit the remote desktop permissions file. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo nano /etc/xrdp/startwm.sh

Find the line that reads test -x /etc/X11/Xsession && exec /etc/X11/Xsession and add the following line below it:

startxfce4

This line will start the XFCE desktop environment when a user connects to the Linux system via RDP.

Step 4: Restart the xrdp Service

After making changes to the configuration file, you need to restart the xrdp service by running the following command:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

This command will restart the xrdp service with the new configuration.

FAQ

Q: Can I use Linux RDP Server on any Linux distribution?

A: Yes, Linux RDP Server is compatible with any Linux distribution that supports the xrdp package.

Q: What is the default port used by Linux RDP Server?

A: The default port used by Linux RDP Server is 3389.

Q: Can I use Linux RDP Server to access a Windows system?

A: Yes, Linux RDP Server supports the RDP protocol, which is used for remote desktop access to Windows systems.

Q: Is Linux RDP Server secure?

A: Yes, Linux RDP Server uses encryption to secure the remote desktop connection, which ensures the protection of data during transmission.

Q: Can I customize the desktop environment used by Linux RDP Server?

A: Yes, you can customize the desktop environment used by Linux RDP Server by editing the configuration file.

Conclusion

Linux RDP Server is a powerful remote desktop access solution for Linux systems. With its cost-effectiveness, security, and reliability, it is a popular choice for businesses, organizations, and educational institutions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up and configure Linux RDP Server on your Linux system. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to consult the official Linux RDP Server documentation.