How to Set Up VNC Server on Ubuntu 18.04

Setting up a virtual private network (VNC) server on your Ubuntu 18.04 server allows you to access and manage it remotely using a graphical desktop environment. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to set up a secure VNC server using TightVNC.

Step 1: Installing the Desktop Environment and VNC Server

By default, an Ubuntu 18.04 server does not come with a graphical desktop environment or a VNC server installed. To begin, install the Xfce desktop environment and the TightVNC package available in the official Ubuntu repository.

You can choose from various options to connect to your VNC server, including vinagre, krdc, RealVNC, or TightVNC on Linux, Screen Sharing on macOS, or TightVNC, RealVNC, or UltraVNC on Windows. For this guide, we'll use TightVNC, a fast and lightweight remote control package.

Step 2: Setting Up the VNC Server

Once you've installed the necessary packages, set up your VNC server by running the `vncserver` command to create a secure password and initial configuration files.

You'll be prompted to enter and verify a password to access your machine remotely. After completing the installation, install the Xfce desktop environment on your server.

Step 3: Installing Additional Packages

Update your list of packages on your server by installing the latest Xfce desktop environment and TightVNC package available in the official Ubuntu repository.

Using VNC Server with SSH Tunneling

To ensure a smooth and stable connection, use an SSH tunnel to connect to your VNC server. This will encrypt your data and make it more secure.

By setting up a VNC server on your Ubuntu 18.04 server, you'll be able to manage files, software, and settings remotely using a graphical desktop environment. Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a connection system that allows you to interact with a graphical desktop environment on a remote server using your keyboard and mouse.

In this guide, we've walked you through the steps to set up a secure VNC server using TightVNC on an Ubuntu 18.04 server. With these steps, you'll be able to access and manage your remote server with ease.

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