RDP Server Linux: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about RDP server on Linux operating system. Remote Desktop Protocol, commonly referred to as RDP, is a protocol that allows users to remotely access and operate another computer over the internet or local network. We will cover its installation, configuration, and troubleshooting on Linux. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

What is RDP Server?

RDP server is a software that allows users to access other computers remotely using the Remote Desktop Protocol. It enables users to connect to a remote computer and operate it as if they were physically present at the machine. RDP server is widely used for remote access, virtualization, and remote administration. It is an essential tool for businesses that require remote access to their IT infrastructure.

The Benefits of RDP Server

RDP server provides several benefits for businesses and individuals, including:

Benefits	Description
Remote Access	Allows access to a remote computer from anywhere with internet access.
Virtualization	Enables multiple users to access one computer simultaneously.
Remote Administration	Enables remote administration of servers and workstations.

Installing and Configuring RDP Server on Linux

In this section, we will guide you through the steps to install and configure RDP server on Linux.

Step 1: Installing Xrdp

The first step in setting up an RDP server on Linux is to install Xrdp. Xrdp is an open-source implementation of the RDP server for Linux. It is available in most Linux distributions’ repositories.

Installing Xrdp on Ubuntu

To install Xrdp on Ubuntu, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt-get install xrdp

Installing Xrdp on CentOS

To install Xrdp on CentOS, run the following commands in the terminal:

sudo yum install epel-release

sudo yum install xrdp

Step 2: Configuring Xrdp

After installing Xrdp, we need to configure it to enable remote access. Open the file /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini using your preferred text editor:

sudo nano /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini

Locate the following lines in the file:

[Xorg]

name=Xorg

lib=libxup.so

username=ask

password=ask

ip=127.0.0.1

port=-1

Edit the file and change the ip value to 0.0.0.0 to allow remote access:

[Xorg]

name=Xorg

lib=libxup.so

username=ask

password=ask

ip=0.0.0.0

port=-1

Save the changes and exit the editor. Restart the Xrdp service to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Step 3: Configuring Firewall

If you have a firewall enabled on your Linux machine, you need to allow incoming traffic on port 3389, which is used by Xrdp:

Allowing Traffic on Ubuntu

To allow traffic on Ubuntu, run the following command:

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

Allowing Traffic on CentOS

To allow traffic on CentOS, run the following commands:

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=3389/tcp

sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Step 4: Connecting to RDP Server

Now that you have installed and configured Xrdp, you can connect to the RDP server from any remote computer using an RDP client. Windows has a built-in RDP client called Remote Desktop Connection. Linux users can use an open-source RDP client called Remmina.

Connecting from Windows

To connect from Windows, open the Remote Desktop Connection app and enter the IP address of your Linux machine. Click Connect and enter your Linux username and password when prompted.

Connecting from Linux

To connect from Linux, install Remmina using your distribution’s package manager. Open Remmina and click the + button to add a new connection. Choose RDP as the protocol and enter the IP address of your Linux machine. Click Connect and enter your Linux username and password when prompted.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

In this section, we will address some common issues that you may encounter while using RDP server on Linux.

Xrdp Service Is Not Starting

If you are unable to start the Xrdp service, make sure that it is installed and enabled on your machine. Use the following command to check the status of the Xrdp service:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

If the status shows as inactive or failed, try restarting the service:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Remote Desktop Connection Fails

If you are unable to connect to the RDP server from a remote computer, ensure that:

• The RDP server is installed and running on the Linux machine.
• The firewall is not blocking incoming traffic on port 3389.
• The IP address of the Linux machine is correct.
• The username and password entered are correct.

Remote Desktop Session Is Terminated

If your remote desktop session is terminated abruptly, try increasing the session timeout value in the Xrdp configuration file. Open the file /etc/xrdp/sesman.ini using your preferred text editor:

sudo nano /etc/xrdp/sesman.ini

Locate the following line:

max_bpp=32

Below this line, add the following line:

session_timeout=180

Save the changes and exit the editor. Restart the Xrdp service to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Conclusion

RDP server on Linux is an essential tool for businesses and individuals who require remote access to their IT infrastructure. In this article, we covered everything you need to know about installing, configuring, and troubleshooting RDP server on Linux. We hope that you found this article helpful and informative.

FAQ

Q1. What is RDP server on Linux?

RDP server on Linux is a software that allows users to access other computers remotely using the Remote Desktop Protocol. It enables users to connect to a remote computer and operate it as if they were physically present at the machine.

Q2. What are the benefits of RDP server?

RDP server provides several benefits for businesses and individuals, including remote access, virtualization, and remote administration.

Q3. How do I install Xrdp on Linux?

To install Xrdp on Linux, use your distribution’s package manager. For Ubuntu, run the command ‘sudo apt-get install xrdp.’ For CentOS, run ‘sudo yum install epel-release’ followed by ‘sudo yum install xrdp.’

Q4. How do I connect to RDP server from Windows?

To connect to RDP server from Windows, use the Remote Desktop Connection app and enter the IP address of your Linux machine. Click Connect and enter your Linux username and password when prompted.

Q5. How do I troubleshoot common issues with RDP server on Linux?

To troubleshoot common issues with RDP server on Linux, check the status of the Xrdp service, ensure that the firewall is not blocking incoming traffic on port 3389, and verify the IP address, username, and password entered are correct.