In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up an encrypted remote desktop server on Ubuntu using the x11vnc package. This package will allow you to securely share your desktop over a network connection.
To set up an encrypted remote desktop server on Ubuntu, you can use the x11vnc package. Install x11vnc using the apt-get command, configure it to use encryption with a password, and start the server using the specified parameters. You can then connect to the server using a VNC client. Alternatively, you can use Vino, the default remote desktop server in Ubuntu, and enable or disable encryption using the gsettings command.
Prerequisites
Before we start, make sure you have the following:
- An Ubuntu system.
- A stable internet connection.
- Basic knowledge of Ubuntu terminal commands.
Installing x11vnc
Firstly, we need to install the x11vnc package. Open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt-get install x11vncThis command uses the apt-get package manager to install x11vnc. The sudo command is used to run this command with root privileges.
Configuring x11vnc
Once x11vnc is installed, we need to configure it to use encryption. Run the following command:
x11vnc -storepasswdThis command will prompt you to enter a password that will be used for encryption. The -storepasswd option tells x11vnc to store the password for future use.
Starting the Remote Desktop Server
To start the remote desktop server, run the following command:
x11vnc -display :0 -usepw -forever -shared -rfbport 5900Here’s what each parameter does:
-display :0: This tellsx11vncto connect to the first display server (:0).-usepw: This tellsx11vncto use the password that we stored earlier.-forever: This option ensures thatx11vncdoesn’t exit after the first client disconnects.-shared: This allows multiple clients to connect at the same time.-rfbport 5900: This specifies the port number (5900by default) on which the server will run.
Connecting to the Remote Desktop Server
You can now connect to the remote desktop server using a VNC client, such as Vinagre or Remmina. To do this, you’ll need to specify the IP address of your Ubuntu computer and the port number (5900 by default).
Using Vino for Encryption
If you prefer to use Vino, the default remote desktop server in Ubuntu, you can configure it to use encryption by running the following command:
gsettings set org.gnome.Vino require-encryption trueThis command enables encryption for Vino. However, please note that there have been reported issues with Vino’s encryption, so you may need to disable it and use an SSH tunnel for secure connections. To disable encryption in Vino, run the following command:
gsettings set org.gnome.Vino require-encryption falseFor more information and alternative options for remote desktop servers on Ubuntu, refer to the Ubuntu Community Help page on VNC Servers.
Conclusion
Setting up an encrypted remote desktop server on Ubuntu is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to ensure that your network connection is secure, especially if you’re accessing your Ubuntu computer over the internet. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should now have a secure, encrypted remote desktop server set up on your Ubuntu system.
A remote desktop server allows you to access and control your computer’s desktop remotely from another device over a network connection. It essentially allows you to use your computer as if you were sitting in front of it.
Setting up an encrypted remote desktop server adds an extra layer of security to your remote desktop connection. It ensures that the data transmitted between your computer and the remote device is encrypted, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to intercept and access your information.
Yes, you can use any VNC client to connect to the remote desktop server. Some popular VNC clients include Vinagre and Remmina, but there are many others available. Just make sure that the VNC client you choose is compatible with your operating system.
Yes, you can change the default port number for the remote desktop server. In the command x11vnc -rfbport 5900, the port number is specified as 5900. You can modify this number to any other available port number that you prefer.
Yes, there are other options for setting up an encrypted remote desktop server on Ubuntu. One alternative is using Vino, the default remote desktop server in Ubuntu. However, it’s important to note that there have been reported issues with Vino’s encryption. Another alternative is using an SSH tunnel for secure connections. You can find more information on these alternatives in the Ubuntu Community Help page on VNC Servers.
