Installing TigerVNC Server on Ubuntu
To begin, open a terminal and update your system’s package list to ensure you have access to the latest versions:
sudo apt update
Install the TigerVNC standalone server and common components, which include the server daemon and configuration files:
sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server tigervnc-common
Setting a VNC Password
A secure password is required to authenticate remote connections. Run the following command and follow the on-screen prompts to set a password (the maximum length is 8 characters):
vncpasswd
This creates a hidden directory ~/.vnc containing the encrypted password file (passwd).
Configuring the Desktop Environment
TigerVNC requires a startup script (xstartup) to launch your desired desktop environment (e.g., GNOME, XFCE). If the file doesn’t exist, create it in your home directory:
nano ~/.vnc/xstartup
Add the following configuration tailored to your desktop environment. For GNOME (default on many Ubuntu versions), use:
#!/bin/sh
unset SESSION_MANAGER
unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS
export XKL_XMODMAP_DISABLE=1
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
startgnome &
For XFCE (lighterweight, ideal for older systems), replace the last line with:
startxfce4 &
Save the file and exit the editor. Make the script executable to allow TigerVNC to run it:
chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup
Starting the TigerVNC Server
Launch the VNC server with a specified display number (e.g., :1), which corresponds to TCP port 5900 + display number (5901 for :1). This starts a new session:
vncserver :1
The output will display the server’s IP and port (e.g., New 'X' desktop is your-hostname:1). To stop the server later, use:
vncserver -kill :1
Configuring the Systemd Service for Auto-Start
To ensure the VNC server starts automatically after a reboot, create a systemd service file:
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/vncserver@.service
Paste the following content, replacing your_username with your actual Ubuntu username:
[Unit]
Description=Remote desktop service (VNC)
After=syslog.target network.target
[Service]
Type=forking
User=your_username
Group=your_username
WorkingDirectory=/home/your_username
PIDFile=/home/your_username/.vnc/%H:%i.pid
ExecStartPre=/usr/bin/vncserver -kill :%i > /dev/null 2>&1
ExecStart=/usr/bin/vncserver -depth 24 -geometry 1280x800 :%i
ExecStop=/usr/bin/vncserver -kill :%i
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Save the file and reload systemd to apply changes:
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
Enable the service to start on boot and launch it immediately:
sudo systemctl enable vncserver@1.service
sudo systemctl start vncserver@1.service
Adjusting Firewall Rules
If your Ubuntu system uses UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), allow incoming traffic to the VNC port (5901 for display :1). Replace 5901 with your actual port if different:
sudo ufw allow 5901/tcp
Verify the rule is active:
sudo ufw status
Connecting to the Remote Desktop
On a remote computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux), install a VNC client like TigerVNC Viewer, RealVNC Viewer, or TightVNC Viewer. Open the client and enter the Ubuntu server’s IP address followed by the display number (e.g., 192.168.1.100:1). Click “Connect” and enter the VNC password you set earlier. You should now see the remote Ubuntu desktop.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
xstartup file. Ensure the file includes commands to launch your desktop environment (e.g., startgnome & for GNOME) and has execute permissions (chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup).vncserver -list), the firewall allows the port, and the systemd service is enabled.sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop for GNOME).By following these steps, you can securely and efficiently use TigerVNC to remotely access your Ubuntu desktop from any compatible device.
