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Asked: 2024-09-24T19:52:01+05:30 In:

What is the easiest method to achieve remote graphical interface access to an Ubuntu 16.04 server?

So, I’ve been diving into managing this Ubuntu 16.04 server for a project I’m working on, and I’ve hit a bit of a wall. I’m relatively comfortable with command line operations, but I’ve been trying to figure out the easiest method to get a remote graphical interface set up. It’s just frustrating, you know? I often need to visualize some of the changes I’m making, and just staring at that terminal window for hours on end isn’t doing wonders for my sanity.

I’ve dabbled a bit with different options like VNC, but it felt like overkill for what I need. Plus, I’m always paranoid about security. I’ve heard of X2Go too, and it sounded promising, but honestly, I’m getting tired of going down endless rabbit holes of tutorials that all seem to contradict each other. The last thing I want is to mess with the server’s firewall or settings and accidentally lock myself out, or worse, cause downtime for anyone relying on this server.

Ideally, I’d love to find a method that’s straightforward, maybe even something that doesn’t require a whole lot of heavy setup? I mean, I’ve got a million things on my plate, and just trying to get a GUI working shouldn’t feel like I’m launching a space shuttle, right?

So, if anyone has figured out a truly easy way to achieve remote graphical interface access on Ubuntu 16.04, I’d love to hear about it. Any tips? Video guides? Maybe a simple step-by-step that won’t take me into the deep end of technical jargon? Any help would be hugely appreciated! Thanks!

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    2 Answers



    1. Remote Graphical Interface on Ubuntu 16.04

      For a straightforward way to access a remote graphical interface on your Ubuntu 16.04 server, X2Go is indeed a solid choice. It’s relatively lightweight compared to VNC and offers a more secure connection since it uses SSH tunneling by default. To set it up, first, install the X2Go server by running the following command in your terminal: sudo apt-get install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession. Once the server is installed, you will also need to install the X2Go client on your local machine. Depending on your OS, the installation process will vary, but this can typically be accomplished through the software repository or by downloading the installer from the X2Go website. After this, open the X2Go client, create a new session by specifying your server’s IP address, user credentials, and the desired desktop environment.

      When it comes to configuring the firewall, ensure that port 22 for SSH is open. You can check your current firewall rules with sudo ufw status and adjust accordingly. For a seamless experience, consider using lightweight desktop environments like XFCE or LXDE, as they are less resource-intensive and play nicely with X2Go. To install XFCE, use the command: sudo apt-get install xfce4. This setup should drastically reduce your frustration, allowing you to visualize changes effectively without diving into overly complicated configurations. If you prefer visual instructions, there are several YouTube guides that walk you through the X2Go installation process step-by-step, which can be quite helpful.







    2. Remote GUI on Ubuntu 16.04


      Setting Up a Remote GUI on Ubuntu 16.04

      I totally get where you’re coming from! Managing a server can be a bit overwhelming, and staring at that terminal can drive anyone crazy. Here’s a super simple way to set up remote GUI access without too much hassle.

      Using X2Go

      X2Go is actually a great option! It’s lighter than VNC and more secure since it uses SSH. Here’s how to set it up step-by-step:

      1. Install X2Go Server

      Run these commands on your server:

      sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession

      2. Install X2Go Client on Your Local Machine

      You’ll need the X2Go Client on your local computer. Download it from here. Just pick your OS and follow the installation instructions.

      3. Connect to Your Server

      Open the X2Go client, and click on “Session” to create a new session. Fill in the details:

      • Session Name: Any name you want.
      • Host: Your server’s IP address.
      • Login: Your server’s username.
      • Session Type: Choose “XFCE” or “MATE” if you have them installed.

      4. Start the Session!

      After entering all that info, just click “OK” and then double-click on your new session. It should connect, and you’ll get a nice GUI!

      Firewall Considerations

      By default, X2Go uses port 22 (SSH), so as long as you have SSH open on your firewall, you should be good to go.

      Wrap Up

      This should make it much easier for you to visualize what you’re doing. There are tons of videos out there on YouTube if you want a visual guide. Just search for “X2Go setup on Ubuntu 16.04” and you’ll find some helpful ones! Good luck, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions!


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