How to Set Up a Secure VNC Server on Ubuntu 18.04

Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a popular tool that allows you to remotely access and control a graphical desktop environment on a distant machine. In this guide, we will show you how to set up a secure VNC server using TightVNC on an Ubuntu 18.04 system.

Step 1: Install Xfce and xfce4-goodies

The first step is to install the Xfce desktop environment along with the xfce4-goodies package, which provides some enhancements for the desktop environment. You may be prompted to choose a default display manager for Xfce during installation. Both Xfce and TightVNC are known for being lightweight and fast, making them ideal for use on slower internet connections.

Step 2: Install TightVNC

After installing Xfce, update your package list using SSH. Then, install the TightVNC package from the official Ubuntu repository.

Choosing a VNC Server and Desktop Environment

When it comes to choosing a VNC server and desktop environment, you have many options available. Some popular choices include vinagre, krdc, RealVNC, or TightVNC on Linux systems. 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.

Setting Up Your VNC Client

To connect to your Ubuntu 18.04 server using VNC, you will need a local computer with a VNC client installed and an Ubuntu 20.04 server with a non-root administrative user and a firewall configured with UFW.

Connecting Securely Using SSH Tunnels

In this guide, we will set up a secure VNC server using TightVNC on an Ubuntu 18.04 server and connect to it securely through 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 powerful tool that allows you to remotely access and control a graphical desktop environment on a distant machine. By following these steps, you can set up a secure VNC server using TightVNC on an Ubuntu 18.04 system. This will enable you to manage your remote server with ease, even if you are not comfortable with the command line.

Ubuntu 18.04 vnc server