Configure VNC Server Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

When working with cloud-based Linux servers, you may occasionally need to access a remote desktop environment. This can be particularly useful for testing purposes or when troubleshooting issues that require visual feedback. In this article, we'll explore how to configure a VNC server on an Ubuntu system.

To test our setup and gain insight into network layer operations, my colleague Neeraj developed a JavaScript code that makes cross-origin HTTP API calls to load balancers in different geographical locations. This allows us to receive responses from load balancers in proximity to the browser's location.

In my case, I was working on cloud latency testing and needed to set up a remote desktop environment. While server and cloud editions of Ubuntu are designed to utilize minimal hardware resources, installing a GUI can lead to increased hardware utilization. To overcome this limitation, we can use VNC (Virtual Network Computing) protocol to access our remote desktop server.

What is VNC?

VNC is a graphical desktop sharing system that enables you to control one computer remotely from another. It transfers keyboard and mouse events over a network connection, displaying the remote host's screen in real-time. This allows you to operate a full desktop environment from anywhere.

Installing GUI on Ubuntu Server or Cloud Edition

Before installing VNC server, we need to install a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on our Ubuntu server or cloud edition. Since these editions do not come with a GUI by default, we'll need to take a few extra steps. Here's how:

1. Update the package list: `sudo apt-get update`

2. Install the required packages: `sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop`

3. Start the desktop environment: `startx` or `lightdm`

Configuring VNC Server

Once you have installed the GUI, we can proceed with setting up the VNC server:

1. Install the TightVNC package: `sudo apt-get install tightvncserver`

2. Create a new configuration file for the VNC server: `sudo nano /etc/tightvncserver/vnc.xstartup`

3. Add the following lines to the file:

```bash

#!/bin/sh

# Start the desktop environment

startx

```

4. Save and exit the editor.

5. Start the VNC server: `sudo /usr/bin/vncserver :1`

Accessing Your Remote Desktop Server

To access your remote desktop server, follow these steps:

1. Open a VNC viewer application (such as TightVNC Viewer) on your local machine.

2. Connect to the VNC server using the following command:

```bash

vncviewer :5901

```

Replace `` with the IP address of your Ubuntu server or cloud instance.

configure vnc server ubuntu

In this article, we've learned how to configure a VNC server on an Ubuntu system and access it remotely. This setup enables you to operate a full desktop environment from anywhere, making it an essential tool for anyone working with cloud-based Linux servers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to set up your own remote desktop server and start exploring the possibilities of VNC technology.

Configure vnc server ubuntu