How to Set Up a Secure VNC Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04

Establishing a secure connection to your Ubuntu 20.04 server can be achieved by creating an SSH tunnel, which then allows you to connect to the VNC desktop using that tunnel instead of making a direct connection. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up a VNC server with TightVNC on an Ubuntu 20.04 server and connecting to it securely over an SSH tunnel.

Step 1: Installing the Desktop Environment and VNC Server

To begin, connect to your Ubuntu 20.04 server using SSH and update your package list by running `sudo apt-get update`. Once updated, you can install the Xfce desktop environment along with the xfce4-goodies package, which includes a few enhancements for the desktop environment.

Step 2: Configuring VNC Server

Next, install the TightVNC server using the command `sudo apt-get install tightvncserver`. Then, run `tightvncserver` to launch the default server instance on port 5901. You can view the log file at `/home/sammy/.vnc/your_hostname:1.log`.

Step 3: Setting Up VNC Password

You will be prompted to enter and verify a password to access your machine remotely. Run `vncpasswd` to set a VNC access password and create the initial configuration files.

Step 4: Connecting to the VNC Desktop Securely

To connect to your VNC desktop securely, you need to establish an SSH connection on your local computer that forwards to the localhost connection for VNC. This port is called a display port and is referred to as `:1` by VNC.

Once connected, you can use a VNC client program on your local machine to interact with your server through a graphical desktop environment. The VNC client you use must support connections over SSH tunnels.

Choosing the Right VNC Client

The choice of VNC client depends on your operating system:

* On Linux, you can choose from many options, including vinagre, krdc, RealVNC, or TightVNC.

* On macOS, you can use the built-in Screen Sharing program, or a cross-platform app like RealVNC.

* On Windows, you can use TightVNC, RealVNC, or UltraVNC.

By following these steps, you will have set up a secure VNC server with TightVNC on an Ubuntu 20.04 server and connected to it securely over an SSH tunnel. This makes managing files, software, and settings on a remote server easier for users who are not yet comfortable with the command line. Virtual Network Computing (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.

Vnc ubuntu 20.04 desktop