How to Install VNC on Ubuntu Server

Introduction

Greetings, readers. In this article, we will show you how to install VNC on Ubuntu server. VNC is a software that allows remote access and control of a computer from another device. With VNC, you can remotely manage your Ubuntu server from your computer or mobile device. This is a useful tool for system administrators, developers, and anyone who needs remote access to their server.

Before we start, please note that this article assumes that you have a basic knowledge of Ubuntu server and command-line interface. We also recommend that you have root access to your server for easier installation and configuration.

Now, let’s begin with the installation process.

Installation

The first step in installing VNC on Ubuntu server is to update the system packages. Open the terminal on your server and run the following command:

Command	Description
sudo apt-get update	Updates the package lists for upgrades and new packages.

This command updates the package lists on your server, which will ensure that you have the latest versions of the software available for installation.

Next, install the VNC server on your Ubuntu server by running the following command:

Command	Description
sudo apt-get install vnc4server	Installs the VNC server on your Ubuntu system.

This command will install the VNC server package on your Ubuntu system. Once the installation is complete, you can proceed to configure the VNC server.

Configuration

The configuration of VNC server involves creating a password and configuring the VNC server settings. Let’s start by creating a VNC password by running the following command:

Command	Description
vncpasswd	Creates a VNC password for the current user.

This command will prompt you to enter a password for VNC. Type a strong password and confirm it. Note that the password will be stored in plain text format, so make sure to use a strong and unique password.

Once you have created the VNC password, you need to configure the VNC server settings. Create a new file called xstartup in your home directory by running the following command:

Command	Description
touch ~/.vnc/xstartup	Creates a new file called xstartup in the .vnc directory.

Open the xstartup file in your preferred text editor and add the following lines:

Line	Description
#!/bin/sh	Specifies the shell script interpreter.
xsetroot -solid grey	Sets the background color.
x-terminal-emulator -geometry 80x24+10+10 -ls -title "$VNCDESKTOP Desktop" &	Launches the terminal emulator.
gnome-session &	Starts the GNOME desktop environment.

Save and close the xstartup file. Now, you can start the VNC server by running the following command:

Command	Description
vncserver :1	Starts the VNC server on display :1.

This command will start the VNC server on display :1. Note that the :1 indicates the display number, which can be changed to any number as long as it’s available.

Once the VNC server is running, you can connect to it from your computer or mobile device using a VNC viewer software. We recommend using RealVNC, TigerVNC, or TightVNC, which are all compatible with Ubuntu.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Now that you have installed and configured VNC on your Ubuntu server, let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using VNC for remote access.

Advantages

There are several advantages of using VNC for remote access to your Ubuntu server:

• Easy to install and configure
• Supports multiple platforms and devices
• Provides a graphical desktop environment
• Allows remote access and control of the server
• Does not require physical access to the server

With VNC, you can easily manage your Ubuntu server from anywhere, using any device with a VNC viewer software installed.

Disadvantages

However, there are also some disadvantages of using VNC for remote access:

• Requires a stable and high-speed internet connection
• May pose a security risk if not configured properly
• May require additional software installation or configuration
• May affect the server’s performance

You should also be aware that VNC is not a secure protocol, and it’s recommended to use SSH tunneling or VPN for secure remote access to your Ubuntu server.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is VNC secure?

No, VNC is not a secure protocol, and it’s recommended to use SSH tunneling or VPN for secure remote access to your Ubuntu server.

2. Can I use VNC to access my Ubuntu desktop?

Yes, you can use VNC to access your Ubuntu desktop from another device.

3. How can I change the VNC password?

You can change the VNC password by running the vncpasswd command in the terminal and entering a new password.

4. Can I use VNC on Windows or macOS?

Yes, you can use VNC on Windows or macOS by installing a VNC viewer software such as RealVNC or TigerVNC.

5. How can I stop the VNC server?

You can stop the VNC server by running the following command in the terminal:

Command	Description
vncserver -kill :1	Stops the VNC server on display :1.

6. Can multiple users connect to the VNC server?

Yes, multiple users can connect to the VNC server, but they will have different display numbers.

7. How can I configure the VNC server to start automatically on boot?

You can configure the VNC server to start automatically on boot by adding the following lines to the /etc/rc.local file:

Line	Description
su -l <user> -c "vncserver :1" >> /var/log/vncserver.log 2>&1	Starts the VNC server on display :1.

Replace <user> with the username of the user who will run the VNC server. Save and close the file, and the VNC server will start automatically on boot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VNC is a useful tool for remote access and control of your Ubuntu server. With the installation and configuration steps we have provided in this article, you can easily set up VNC on your Ubuntu server and manage it remotely from anywhere. However, we also want to remind you that VNC is not a secure protocol, and it’s important to use SSH tunneling or VPN for secure remote access to your server.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!

Closing

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose. We are not responsible for any damages or losses that may arise from the use of this information.

Thank you for reading this article on how to install VNC on Ubuntu server. We hope that you have found it informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Remember to always stay safe and secure when managing your server remotely.

Video:How to Install VNC on Ubuntu Server