Ubuntu [Notorious] VNC - Virtual Network Computing Guide + Linux Setup

What is VNC?

"VNC" stands for "Virtual Network Computing", which allows users to remotely access a server and control it from another location. The VNC server transmits its keyboard, mouse and monitor information to the specified remote computer, giving the end user full control from their VNC client. VNC can be used on the majority of operating systems out there, and eventually developed to be able to control a VNC server on a Ubuntu system from a Windows computer.

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Why use VNC?

To understand why you would use VNC, you have to understand its purpose. Virtial network computing makes it possible to take control of a computer over a network connection. It allows technicials and staff in businesses to be able to troubleshoot / help customers and employees with their computers remotely, meaning they do not have to travel to the physical location of the machine. Some like to call this efficiency. You can also connect and control computers on the move on your smart phone / tablet.

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Setting VNC up on a Linux VPS

Many people don't realise that they can turn their Linux VPS into a GUI environment, meaning you don't have to be forced to use command-line only! For this setup, I am using Ubuntu 16.04. This should work on other versions too, but not tested. If you have any issues, let me know and I will help you further. Follow the below commands and you should be fine.

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Command one: apt-get update

Command two: apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

Command three: sudo apt-get install vnc4server

Firstly, we have updated our servers to make sure all packages and dependencies are up-to-date. Secondly we've installed a desktop environment which enables the graphical interface for the server. Thirdly, we've installed a VNC server, which we will configure next.

Firstly, we will check to make sure the GUI is working. To do this, you will want to download sofware that allows you to remotely log into your VNC server. In this example, I will be using RealVNC. [link here]

Make the VNC connection open:

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Command: vncserver

Open your chosen VNC software. Enter the IP address of your server, and use port 5901. Your port may be different. To verify what ports your VNC server is listening to, use the command below.

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Command: sudo lsof -i -P | grep -i "listen"

Output on my server:

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Xtightvnc  7639    cimex    3u  IPv4 12571840      0t0  TCP *:5901 (LISTEN)

Verifying connectivity:

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Result:

Note: if you're promted for a password, run the command below to set a new one.

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Command: vncpasswd

You can now log into your VNC server remotely, from anywhere... even your smart phone!

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Grey Screen Error Fix

Just making this additional section because TheChief reminded me!

(Feb 24, 2017 07:35 AM)TheChiеf Wrote: Awesome thread with detailed explanation. I just had one small question (answer to which you should probably add to the OP, since its a common problem), how does one fix the grey screen? 🤝

Anyway if you run into this error, then you need to edit your xstartup file which can be found in: .vnc/xstartup. Make sure you're in the home directory and follow the steps below

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Command one: sudo cp .vnc/xstartup .vnc/startup.bak

Command two: sudo nano .vnc/xstartup

Change:

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x-window-manager &

to:

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gnome-session &

If your startup file doesn't have it, then add it. You could always try installing gnome-core and adding the above into your xstartup.

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sudo apt-get install gnome-core

Here is a startup config you may want to use (Without the gnome-session - you can add it if you want, though):

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#!/bin/sh

def

export XKL_XMODMAP_DISABLE=1

unset SESSION_MANAGER

unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS

gnome-panel &

gnome-settings-daemon &

metacity &

nautilus &

gnome-terminal &