In this tutorial, you will learn how to install remote desktop functionality on an Ubuntu Server environment. By default, Ubuntu Server comes as a command-line console usually accessible directly via terminal or an SSH connection. Setting up a graphical user interface allows you to transform your server into a functional VPS Ubuntu desktop with remote access.
Key Points
- XRDP provides an open-source implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for Linux.
- XFCE4 serves as a lightweight, resource-efficient desktop environment ideal for virtual machines.
- The configuration requires modifying the startwm.sh script to default to the XFCE session.
- Using unmanaged services ensures full administrative access to customize the remote workspace.
Deploying a remote desktop environment is ideal for users who prefer navigating a visual interface rather than executing commands solely via SSH. Using an optimized RAM and DISK infrastructure ensures a smooth graphic experience even on lightweight desktop setups. Follow the steps below to configure your system.
How to install XRDP on an Ubuntu 16 / 18 Server?
To establish a stable connection, you must first update your current package sources. Executing the upgrade command ensures that the system runs on the latest stable releases before adding the desktop interface.
Step 1: Update the System
apt-get update && apt-get -y dist-upgrade
Notice the -y argument in the command. This serves as a preset affirmative answer to the confirmation prompt provided by the software manager.
Step 2: Install XRDP
Next, install the software providing RDP support. XRDP is an excellent tool designed for bringing Linux remote desktops closer to regular users:
apt-get -y install xrdp
Installing a Lightweight Desktop Interface
As mentioned earlier, an ubuntu 16 vps or 18 server does not come pre-equipped with a window manager, meaning XRDP will not function correctly without an interface. Our desktop environment of choice is XFCE4, which features a lightweight, minimalistic, and responsive design.
Step 3: Deploy XFCE4 and Essential Core Apps
apt-get -y install xfce4 xfce4-terminal tango-icon-theme firefox
The extra software packages included here are necessary to provide standard terminal access and an alternative web browser.
Step 4: Update the XRDP Configuration File
Now that the window manager is installed, the default desktop environment session needs to be defined within the main XRDP script:
sed -i.bak '/fi/a #xrdp multiple users configuration \n xfce4-session \n' /etc/xrdp/startwm.sh
Step 5: Restart the Daemon
The final deployment step requires restarting the system service to ensure that the newly modified script is properly initialized by the daemon:
service xrdp restart
Testing Your Free RDP Ubuntu Configuration
Open your local Remote Desktop Connection client, enter the server’s public IP address, and initiate the login sequence. At the very first graphical login window, make sure to select “Use default config” to establish the standard desktop arrangement.
If you discover that your new visual space is lacking in terms of system components or additional utilities, you can effortlessly install supplementary tools using this simple package command:
apt-get -y install xfce4-goodies
Please note that because these are unmanaged services , our technical support ensures that the VPS remains powered on, the network is functional, and the website console operations are responsive. However, configuration tasks within the graphical session—such as keyboard mappings or browser setups—are managed entirely by the server administrator.
