Install VNC Server Ubuntu 18.04: A Comprehensive Guide

πŸ€” Introducing VNC Server Ubuntu 18.04

Have you ever wanted to access your Ubuntu desktop remotely? VNC can help you do just that. VNC is a remote desktop software that allows you to connect to a desktop remotely using a VNC client. VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing, and it is a cross-platform application that can be used on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile platforms.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing VNC Server on Ubuntu 18.04. We will cover everything you need to know about the installation process, the advantages and disadvantages of using VNC, and common issues that you may encounter. Let’s dive in!

πŸ› οΈ How to Install VNC Server Ubuntu 18.04

Before we begin, you will need to have Ubuntu 18.04 installed on your machine. Once you have Ubuntu 18.04 up and running, you can follow these steps to install VNC Server:

Step
Description
1
Update your Ubuntu 18.04 system by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
2
Install the GNOME desktop environment with the following command:
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop gnome-panel gnome-settings-daemon metacity nautilus gnome-terminal
3
Install the VNC Server software with the following command:
sudo apt-get install vnc4server
4
Set up a password for VNC Server by running the following command:
vncpasswd
5
Create a VNC configuration file by running the following command:
touch ~/.vnc/xstartup
6
Edit the configuration file with the following command:
nano ~/.vnc/xstartup
Add the following lines to the file:
#!/bin/sh
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
xsetroot -solid grey
export XKL_XMODMAP_DISABLE=1
/etc/X11/Xsession
7
Start the VNC server with the following command:
vncserver :1
The number 1 indicates the display number. You can use a different number if you want to start multiple VNC servers.

That’s it! You have now successfully installed VNC Server on Ubuntu 18.04. You can now use a VNC client to connect to your Ubuntu desktop remotely.

πŸ‘ Advantages and Disadvantages of Using VNC Server Ubuntu 18.04

Advantages

One of the main advantages of using VNC Server on Ubuntu 18.04 is that it allows you to access your desktop remotely. This can be very useful if you need to work on your Ubuntu desktop when you are away from your computer.

VNC also allows multiple users to access the same desktop simultaneously. This can be useful in situations where multiple users need to collaborate on a project.

Another advantage of VNC Server is that it can be used on a variety of platforms. This means that you can use it to connect to your Ubuntu desktop from a Windows or macOS computer, or even from a mobile device.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of using VNC Server is that it can be slower than other remote desktop solutions, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This is because VNC uses a different protocol that is less efficient.

Another disadvantage of VNC is that it is not as secure as other remote desktop solutions. VNC does not encrypt data by default, which can make it vulnerable to attacks.

Finally, VNC can be more difficult to set up than other remote desktop solutions. The installation process can be complex, and there are many configuration options that can be confusing for new users.

πŸ€” Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use VNC Server on Ubuntu 20.04?

Yes, you can use VNC Server on Ubuntu 20.04. The installation process is similar to the process for Ubuntu 18.04.

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2. Can I connect to my Ubuntu desktop from a Windows computer?

Yes, you can use a VNC client on a Windows computer to connect to your Ubuntu desktop.

3. Is VNC Server secure?

VNC Server can be secure if used correctly. However, it is not as secure as other remote desktop solutions, such as RDP. It is important to use encryption and authentication methods to increase security.

4. Can I use VNC Server to connect to multiple Ubuntu desktops?

Yes, you can use VNC Server to connect to multiple Ubuntu desktops. You will need to start a separate VNC server for each desktop.

5. Can I use VNC Server to access my Ubuntu desktop from a mobile device?

Yes, you can use a VNC client on a mobile device to connect to your Ubuntu desktop.

6. How do I uninstall VNC Server?

You can uninstall VNC Server with the following command:
sudo apt-get remove vnc4server

7. How can I improve the performance of VNC Server?

You can improve the performance of VNC Server by using a faster network connection and reducing the color depth and resolution of the remote desktop.

8. How can I change the password for VNC Server?

You can change the password for VNC Server by running the following command:
vncpasswd

9. Can I use VNC Server with SSH?

Yes, you can use VNC Server with SSH to increase security. This involves tunneling VNC traffic through an encrypted SSH tunnel.

10. How can I start VNC Server automatically on boot?

You can start VNC Server automatically on boot by adding the following line to the end of the /etc/rc.local file:
su -c "/usr/bin/vncserver :1 &" <username>

11. Can I use VNC Server for gaming?

VNC Server is not recommended for gaming, as it is not optimized for high-performance graphics and can be slow.

12. How can I troubleshoot common issues with VNC Server?

You can troubleshoot common issues with VNC Server by checking the VNC log files, checking the firewall settings, and checking the VNC Server configuration file.

13. Can I configure VNC Server to use encryption?

Yes, you can configure VNC Server to use encryption by adding the following line to the VNC Server configuration file:
localhost=127.0.0.1
localhost=::1
DISPLAY=:1
disable-external-auth

πŸ“ Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to install VNC Server on Ubuntu 18.04, you can access your Ubuntu desktop remotely from anywhere. While VNC Server may not be as secure or fast as other remote desktop solutions, it is a valuable tool for anyone who needs to work on their Ubuntu desktop remotely.

If you encounter any issues while installing or using VNC Server, be sure to consult the VNC Server documentation or seek help from the Ubuntu community. With a little bit of effort, you can master VNC Server and use it to increase your productivity and flexibility.

❗ Closing Note

This article is intended for informational purposes only. The author and publisher cannot be held liable for any damages caused by using the information in this article. Always exercise caution and consult with a professional before making any changes to your Ubuntu system.

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