How to install VNC server in Ubuntu
In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing the VNC server on an Ubuntu system. VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a popular remote desktop software that allows you to access and control a computer from a different location. By setting up a VNC server on your Ubuntu machine, you can easily share your desktop with others or access your system remotely. Let’s get started with the installation process.
Step 1: Update your system
Before installing the VNC server, it’s essential to ensure that your Ubuntu system is up-to-date. Open the terminal and run the following commands to update your package lists and upgrade the installed packages:
“`
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
“`
Step 2: Install the VNC server package
Now, you can install the VNC server package using the `apt` package manager. Run the following command to install the VNC server:
“`
sudo apt install tightvncserver
“`
The `tightvncserver` package is a lightweight VNC server that is suitable for most use cases.
Step 3: Start the VNC server
After the installation is complete, you need to start the VNC server. The first time you start the server, you will be prompted to set a password. Enter a strong password and confirm it.
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sudo vncserver
“`
You will see an output similar to the following:
“`
New ‘X’ desktop is vnc1:1
Creating default startup script /home/yourusername/.vnc/xstartup
Starting applications specified in /home/yourusername/.vnc/xstartup
Log file is /home/yourusername/.vnc/vnc1:1.log
“`
Step 4: Accessing the VNC server
To access the VNC server, you will need a VNC viewer. There are many VNC viewers available for various operating systems. You can download and install a VNC viewer on your client machine.
Open the VNC viewer and enter the following details:
– Host: `localhost` or `127.0.0.1` (if you are accessing the VNC server from the same machine)
– Port: The default VNC port is `5901`. For example, if your VNC server is running on desktop `1`, the port will be `5901`.
Click on “Connect” and enter the password you set earlier. Once connected, you should see your Ubuntu desktop on the client machine.
Step 5: Configuring the VNC server
If you need to customize the VNC server’s behavior, you can edit the `xstartup` file located in the `.vnc` directory of your home folder. This file contains the commands that will be executed when the VNC server starts.
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sudo nano /home/yourusername/.vnc/xstartup
“`
Make the necessary changes and save the file. This file can be used to set up your desktop environment, start applications, and configure other settings.
Step 6: Securing the VNC server
To enhance the security of your VNC server, you can use encryption. Install the `vncviewer` package with encryption support:
“`
sudo apt install vncviewer
“`
Now, when you connect to the VNC server using the VNC viewer, it will automatically use encryption.
Conclusion
In this article, we have walked you through the process of installing the VNC server on an Ubuntu system. By following these steps, you can easily set up a remote desktop and access your Ubuntu machine from a different location. Remember to keep your VNC server secure by using encryption and configuring your `xstartup` file for optimal performance.
