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Asked: 2024-09-27T01:32:36+05:30 In:

How can I connect to my Ubuntu machine remotely using VNC Viewer?

I’ve been trying to figure out how to connect to my Ubuntu machine remotely using VNC Viewer, and I’m kind of stuck. So, here’s the deal: I have a Ubuntu 20.04 setup at home that I want to access from my laptop when I’m at a coffee shop or something. I’ve read a bunch of guides, and honestly, some of them just confuse the heck out of me.

First off, I’m not completely clueless when it comes to tech, but when it gets down to remote desktop stuff, I hit a wall. I know from the tutorials that I need to install a VNC server on my Ubuntu machine, but there are a few different options out there, and I’m not really sure which one is the best to go with. I’ve heard names like TigerVNC, TightVNC, and RealVNC thrown around, but I have no idea which one is the easiest for a somewhat tech-challenged person like me.

Once I pick a VNC server and get it installed—which I hope I can figure out—what’s next? Do I need to tweak any settings for the firewall, or is there something special I need to do to make sure it works properly? Also, I’ve seen references to using SSH with VNC for added security, but that sounds complicated. Is it really necessary, or can I just dive in and connect without too much fuss, at least for starters?

Another thing that keeps popping up is the issue of IP addresses. Should I be worried about my public IP changing, and do I need to set up some kind of dynamic DNS thing? I have no clue how that works, to be honest. Just thinking about all these different steps makes my head spin a bit.

If anyone has navigated this process before, I’d really appreciate any tips or a step-by-step or something. Sharing your own experiences or even just quick advice would be super helpful! Thanks!

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    2 Answers


    1. To connect to your Ubuntu 20.04 machine remotely with VNC Viewer, you’re correct that you’ll need to install a VNC server. Among the various options, TigerVNC is often recommended for its balance of performance and ease of use, making it a great choice for someone who’s not deeply technical. To install TigerVNC, you can use the following command in your terminal: sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server. After installation, you will need to set a password for your VNC sessions by running: vncpasswd. Once that’s done, you’ll want to start the VNC server using the command vncserver. This will create a display session, which you can later connect to from your laptop using VNC Viewer by entering the address: your_ip_address:1 (where “:1” indicates the display number).

      Regarding firewall settings, you’ll need to ensure that the VNC port (default is 5900 + display number, so for display 1 it’s 5901) is open. You can do this with: sudo ufw allow 5901. For extra security, using SSH tunneling with VNC is indeed a good practice, but if you’re just starting out and looking for simplicity, you can connect directly. Just be aware that your public IP can change, especially if you’re on a dynamic IP address from your ISP, so setting up a dynamic DNS service (like No-IP) could help you consistently access your home machine without worrying about the changing IP. Connecting remotely can initially seem daunting, but once you get through these setup steps, it will become second nature!




    2. Remote Access to Ubuntu with VNC

      Connecting to Ubuntu Remotely with VNC

      Getting started with VNC on Ubuntu can feel overwhelming, but it’s totally doable! Here’s a simple guide to help you out:

      1. Choosing a VNC Server

      For beginners, TigerVNC is a popular choice. It’s pretty straightforward to install and use. TightVNC is also an option, but it can be a bit old-school. RealVNC has a nice interface, but it might require a bit more configuration. I’d recommend sticking with TigerVNC for now!

      2. Installing TigerVNC

              sudo apt update
        sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server tigervnc-common

      This installs the VNC server. After installation, you’ll need to set a password for VNC:

              vncpasswd

      3. Configuring the VNC Server

      Once you’ve set the password, you need to create a configuration file for your VNC session:

              mkdir -p ~/.vnc
        echo "gnome-session &" > ~/.vnc/xstartup
        chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup

      This file starts the GNOME desktop when you connect. You might need to adjust this if you use a different desktop environment (like XFCE or KDE).

      4. Open the Necessary Ports

      Your firewall might block VNC connections. You can allow port 5901 (for display :1) with:

              sudo ufw allow 5901

      If you have the firewall enabled. If not, you might want to set it up for security.

      5. Using SSH for Security (Optional)

      While SSH is optional, it’s a good practice to use it. It adds a layer of security. You can create an SSH tunnel like this:

              ssh -L 5901:localhost:5901 your_username@your_public_ip

      This way, you connect your VNC through the tunnel. Just connect to localhost:1 in your VNC client after establishing the SSH connection.

      6. Dynamic IP Issues

      Your public IP can change, which makes things tricky. Investing in a Dynamic DNS service could help. It gives you a domain name that always points to your home IP, even if it changes.

      7. Connecting with VNC Viewer

      Finally, open VNC Viewer on your laptop and enter:

              your_public_ip:1

      If you used SSH tunneling, just connect to:

              localhost:1

      Final Thoughts

      It sounds like a lot, but take it step by step! Start with the VNC server installation, and then work through the rest. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck anywhere. Good luck!


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