Similar to RDP for Windows servers, Ubuntu desktop and TightVNCServer will allow you to connect to a remote desktop running on your Linux VPS. This tutorial will guide you through the setup of a basic desktop and VNC server.
Before anything, update your system:
# apt-get update
# apt-get upgrade
Install Ubuntu Desktop:
# apt-get install ubuntu-desktop
Setup gdm:
# apt-get install gdm
# /etc/init.d/gdm start
Install and configure TightVNCServer:
# apt-get install tightvncserver
# vncserver :1 -geometry 1024×768
# vncserver -kill :1
Open the VNC configuration file with vi:
# vi ~/.vnc/xstartup
Press “a” to enter edit mode, then add the following to the bottom of the file:
gnome-session &
Log in to SolusVM and reboot the VPS. Then, access the VPS via SSH again, and start the VNC server:
# vncserver :1 -geometry 1024×768
You should now be able to use a desktop VNC client to access the remote desktop at:
- IP Address: [your server’s main IP]
- Port: 1 (or 5901, 5902 for desktop :2, etc)
- Password: [password you set earlier]
Note that some VNC clients will not have a Port setting; instead, you will need to enter IP Address: xx.xx.xx.xx:1
In case you forget your password, or want to reset it later:
# vncpasswd