Ubuntu 20.04 Desktop: Setting Up a VNC Server for Remote Access

In this guide, we will show you how to set up a VNC (Virtual Network Computing) server on an Ubuntu 20.04 desktop, allowing you to remotely access and interact with your desktop environment from anywhere.

A display manager is a program that allows you to select and log in to a desktop environment through a graphical interface. To start, let's install Xfce along with the xfce4-goodies package, which contains a few enhancements for the desktop environment. During installation, you may be prompted to choose a default display manager for Xfce.

Both Xfce and TightVNC are known for being lightweight and fast, which will help ensure that the VNC connection will be smooth and stable even on slower internet connections. Once installed, we can start setting up our VNC server.

To begin, connect to your Ubuntu 20.04 server using SSH (Secure Shell). Update your list of packages by running `sudo apt update`. Next, install the latest Xfce desktop environment and TightVNC package available from the official Ubuntu repository:

`sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies tightvncserver`

By default, an Ubuntu 20.04 server does not come with a graphical desktop environment or a VNC server installed, so we'll start by installing those. Once installed, you can choose from many options for your VNC client, including vinagre, krdc, RealVNC, or TightVNC.

To set up the VNC server, run `sudo tightvncserver :1` to create a new desktop session on port 5901. You will be prompted to set a password for the VNC server. Make sure to remember this password as you'll need it later.

Now that our VNC server is set up, we can connect to it using a VNC client program on our local machine. To do this, open your VNC client software and create a new connection by entering the IP address or hostname of your Ubuntu 20.04 server and the password you set earlier.

Once connected, you'll be able to interact with your Ubuntu 20.04 desktop environment as if you were sitting in front of it. You can manage files, software, and settings remotely using this graphical interface.

This setup makes managing a remote server easier for users who are not yet comfortable with the command line. Virtual Network Computing, or VNC, is a connection system that allows you to use your keyboard and mouse to interact with a graphical desktop environment on a remote server.

In conclusion, setting up a VNC server on an Ubuntu 20.04 desktop allows you to remotely access and manage your desktop environment from anywhere. With TightVNC and Xfce, you'll have a lightweight and fast connection that's perfect for remote work or managing multiple servers.

Ubuntu 20.04 desktop vnc server