How do I install and configure VNC on Ubuntu 22.04?

How do I install and configure VNC on Ubuntu 22.04? This is a frequently asked question. Ubuntu 22.04 intrigues many users. VNC allows you to connect remotely. But how do you install it correctly? How to Install a GUI on Ubuntu Server ? This article is your guide. Dive into this technological universe with us.

Why VNC on Ubuntu 22.04?

Ubuntu’s robustness has won over many professionals and hobbyists alike. But in an increasingly connected world, remote management has become crucial. This is where VNC comes in. It transforms your Ubuntu experience, offering flexibility and control wherever you are. But before we dive in, let’s understand why VNC is so popular.

• Universal access: no matter where you are, your Ubuntu computer is at your fingertips.
• Enhanced security: with the right protocols, VNC guarantees a secure connection.
• Ease of use: You don’t need to be an expert to navigate VNC.
• Cross-platform support: VNC is not limited to Ubuntu. It adapts to a variety of environments.

Requirements

Before diving into the process of installing VNC on Ubuntu 22.04, it’s vital to make sure your system meets certain essential criteria. These prerequisites ensure smooth installation and optimal operation of VNC. Here’s what you need to check:

• Ubuntu version : Make sure you have Ubuntu 22.04 installed. Although VNC is compatible with other versions, this guide is specifically designed for 22.04.
• Disk space: A minimum of 100 MB of free disk space is recommended for installation of VNC and its components.
• Connectivity: A stable Internet connection is crucial. It allows you to download packages needed during installation.
• Administrator privileges: To install and configure VNC, you must have administrator privileges on your Ubuntu machine.
• Updates : Make sure all packages and the operating system are up to date.
• Graphical interface: VNC requires a graphical interface to function properly. If you’re using a server version of Ubuntu without a GUI, install one (such as GNOME or XFCE) before proceeding.

Once you’ve checked and satisfied all these prerequisites, you’re ready to install and configure VNC on Ubuntu 22.04.

Steps for installing VNC on Ubuntu 22.04

Step 1: System update

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Installing the VNC server

There are several VNC servers available in the Ubuntu repository, such as TightVNC, TigerVNC or x11vnc. Each VNC server has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed and security.

In this tutorial, we’ll opt to install TigerVNC. It’s a high-performance VNC server that benefits from regular updates.

To install the package, use the following command:

sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server

Step 3: Installing the graphical user interface (GUI)

If you’re on an Ubuntu server, VNC requires a graphical interface to work properly. So install one (such as GNOME or XFCE) before proceeding.

For GNOME (the environment we have chosen for this tutorial) :

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

See also: How do I install a GUI environment on an Ubuntu server?

Configuring VNC on Ubuntu 22.04

Now that we have the VNC server installed, the next step is to set up the initial user configuration and define the password.

Launch the VNC server to start accessing your remote machine. You can do this using the command :

vncserver

Note: You will be asked to create a specific password for VNC access.

Use the following command to change the user’s password. When executing the following command, do not use sudo :

vncpasswd

The vncserver -localhost no command is used to launch the VNC server so that it accepts connections from anywhere on the network, not just from the local machine.

Here’s what each part of the command means:

• vncserverThis is the main command for launching the VNC server.
• -localhostThis option determines whether the VNC server should be linked only to the localhost address (127.0.0.1). When linked only to localhost, only connections from the local machine (where the VNC server is running) will be allowed.
• noBy using no after -localhost, you tell the VNC server NOT to restrict itself to the localhost address. This means that the VNC server will accept connections from any IP address, and therefore from anywhere on the network.

Display list of current VNC sessions. This lets you view all active VNC instances on your server and retrieve the port number. Here is the command to use:

vncserver -list

Here’s what you’ll get:

Connecting from a VNC Client

Use VNC Viewer to connect to your server. It’s a VNC client suitable for most operating systems.

Download link

To log in :

Launch VNC Viewer

Create a new VNC Viewer connection

Right-click in the center of the VNC Viewer window, then select “New connection”.

Enter the VNC server information (the server’s IP address followed by the port number, and an optional name for the connection). Then click on “OK”.

In the address field, enter “192.168.1.74:5902” (replace “5902” with the port number you obtained with the vncserver -list command).

Click on the session you’ve created to start the connection, then on “Continue”.

Click on Continue…

Note: Here, you must use the VNC password, which is different from the root password.

And now you’re connected!

Conclusion

Setting up VNC on Ubuntu 22.04, while seemingly complex, is actually a straightforward process once you understand the essential steps. With properly configured VNC access, you can access your Ubuntu machine from anywhere, provided you have a stable Internet connection.

FAQs

1. What is VNC?
   • VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a protocol for remote control of a computer.
2. Why use VNC on Ubuntu 22.04?
   • VNC offers a convenient and secure solution for accessing your Ubuntu machine from anywhere, making remote management easy.
3. Do I need to be an expert to use VNC?
   • No, although knowing the basics of Ubuntu is useful, VNC is designed to be intuitive.
4. Are there any alternatives to VNC?
   • Yes, there are other solutions like RDP, TeamViewer or SSH for certain uses. However, VNC is particularly appreciated for its simplicity and flexibility.
5. Is VNC secure?
   • With the right configuration, such as SSH tunnels or encrypted connections, VNC can be very secure.
6. Is my Ubuntu 22.04 compatible with all VNC servers?
   • Most popular VNC servers are compatible with Ubuntu 22.04, but it’s always a good idea to check specific compatibility before installation.
7. Can I use VNC on operating systems other than Ubuntu?
   • Yes, VNC is cross-platform and can be used on a variety of OSes, including Windows, macOS, and other Linux distributions.
8. What about performance?
   • Performance may vary depending on the VNC server used, the quality of the Internet connection and the configuration of the host computer. However, with the right configuration, VNC offers a smooth experience.
9. Do I have to pay to use VNC?
   • There are both free and open source versions of VNC, as well as paid professional versions offering additional features.
10. Are there any resources to help me with VNC problems on Ubuntu 22.04?
    • Absolutely. The Ubuntu community is vast and active. Numerous forums, tutorials and documents are available to help solve problems.