Ubuntu Remote Desktop Sharing

The following tutorial covers the process of remotely accessing and controlling a Ubuntu installation from another PC that is using Windows or Ubuntu. This process should also work for other Debian based operating systems (with minimal changes) running either from a local hard disk, CD or portable USB device as long as the system is connected to a network and or has an internet connection established and has Remote Desktop (vino vncviewer) installed.

One major advantage of using Remote Desktop sharing is that once the system is up and running, you do not need a monitor, keyboard or mouse connected to the machine. The box running Ubuntu or a Debian based OS can be controlled directly from another machine that already has these hardware components in place. Another great advantage is that you can remotely access and control or administer your system from another location. Possibly outside of your local network, ie: work, school, friends house etc.

Prerequisites:

  • Ubuntu or a Debian based OS up and running with a solid network connection
  • A Windows or Ubuntu box to be used for remote connection

How to Setup Remote Desktop Sharing in Ubuntu:

  1. From your Ubuntu Panel, navigate to System -> Preferences -> Remote Desktop

    2. Ubuntu Remote Desktop Sharing Setup

  2. In the window that appears"Remote Desktop Preferences", check all available options with the exception of "Ask you for confirmation", set a remote access password, then click Close

    3. Ubuntu Remote Desktop Settings Preferences

  3. Next, move to the machine you will be accessing this box from. If you will be connecting from a Ubuntu client, you can skip the section A and go straight to section B.

A. Setting up a Windows Client to connect with vncviewer:

  1. Download RealVNC and install the program (Free version works if you aren't on Vista)
  2. Launch RealVNC by navigating to Start ->All programs -> RealVNC -> VNC Viewer 4 -> Run Listening VNC Viewer and then click the VNC Taskbar icon icon from your taskbar.

    3. VNC Viewer Connection IP and options

  3. In the Server box add the local IP address of your Linux system and click OK
  4. Next, in the VNC Viewer Authentication window, enter your remote access password and click OK

    5. VNC Authentication Password

If all goes well, you should be remotely connected to your Linux box. Note that you can also connect using the internet broadcasted IP address. To do this, (if your using a router) you need to ensure that port 5900 is open for the local IP of the Linux box.

B. Setting up a Ubuntu Client to connect with vncviewer:

  1. Open a terminal and type vncviewer and hit Enter
  2. Next , in the VNC server box type the IP address of the Linux box you wish to connect to and click OK

    3. VNC Ubuntu Client Connection

If all goes well, you should be remotely connected to your Linux box. Note that you can also connect using the internet broadcasted IP address. To do this, (if your using a router) you need to ensure that port 5900 is open for the local IP of the Linux box.

*Ubuntu is a product of Canonical Ltd

Ubuntu Remote Desktop Sharing published under Using and Configuring Linux 

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