How to Install Remote Desktop on Ubuntu 18.04

A remote desktop is an attribute that allows users to connect to a remote machine from another location, allowing them to access the remote desktop environment as if they were sitting in front of the device.

A remote desktop is essential for system administrators, developers, and users who need to access their desktops remotely for various reasons, such as working from home or accessing a computer in a different office.

Ubuntu is a popular open-source operating system that can be used as a remote desktop host or client. This article will explore the features, advantages, disadvantages, and conclusions of using a remote desktop on Ubuntu.. We will guide you through the steps of installing and configuring Xrdp on Ubuntu 18.04.

So let’s start,

Step 1: Log in to the server with Sudo access

Installing the Xrdp application requires that you have Sudo access to the server.

ssh username@VPSie_server_ip

Step 2: Install XRDP Packages

First, Update Repositories and Packages,

sudo apt-get update

Run the following command to install Xrdp after you have updated the server

sudo apt-get install xrdp

Step 3: Install your preferred desktop environment

Here we are using Xfce,

sudo apt-get install xfce4

sudo apt-get install xfce4-terminal

Using the below command, configure XRDP to use XFCE environment,

sudo sed -i.bak '/fi/a #xrdp multiple users configuration \n xfce-session \n' /etc/xrdp/startwm.sh

Step 4: Allow RDP port in Firewall

Use the below command if UFW is enabled,

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

The following commands should be used if Iptables is running on your server

sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3389 -j ACCEPT
sudo netfilter-persistent save
sudo netfilter-persistent reload

Restart the Xrdp application once all the above changes have taken effect.

sudo /etc/init.d/xrdp restart

Now that the changes have been implemented, By now, you should be able to connect via RDP.

Features of Remote Desktop on Ubuntu

1. Access from Anywhere: Remote desktop allows users to access their desktops from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for remote work or accessing a computer in a different office.
2. Multiple Users: Remote desktop allows numerous users to access the same desktop simultaneously, making it ideal for team collaboration.
3. Secure: Remote desktop sessions can be secured with encryption and authentication, ensuring only authorized users can access the remote desktop environment.
4. File Sharing: Remote desktop allows users to share files between the remote desktop environment and the local machine, making it easy to transfer and collaborate on projects.
5. Compatibility: Remote desktop is compatible with various operating systems and devices, making it accessible from multiple devices.

Advantages of Remote Desktop on Ubuntu

1. Convenience: Remote desktop allows users to access their desktop environment from anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Increased Productivity: Remote desktop allows users to work from anywhere, increasing productivity and allowing them to complete tasks even when away from their physical desktops.
3. Cost-Effective: Remote desktop eliminates the need for physical desktops or workstations, saving costs on hardware and maintenance.
4. Improved Collaboration: Remote desktop allows multiple users to access the same desktop simultaneously, making it ideal for team collaboration and improving communication.
5. Centralized Management: Remote desktop environments can be managed centrally, making it easier for system administrators to manage and maintain remote desktop environments.

Disadvantages of Remote Desktop on Ubuntu

1. Security Risks: Remote desktop can be a security risk if not adequately secured, as it allows users to access the desktop environment remotely, potentially exposing sensitive data to unauthorized users.
2. Performance Issues: Remote desktops may experience performance issues when accessing the desktop environment over a slow internet connection or when multiple users are accessing the same desktop simultaneously.
3. Compatibility Issues: Remote desktops may experience compatibility issues with some software applications, requiring a workaround or alternative solution.
4. Setup and Configuration: Setting up and configuring remote desktop environments requires specialized knowledge and skills.
5. Limited Resources: Remote desktop environments may have limited resources, such as RAM or storage capacity, which may impact performance and limit the number of users accessing the environment simultaneously.

Conclusion Remote Desktop

A remote desktop is a powerful tool that provides users the flexibility and convenience of accessing their desktop environment from anywhere with an internet connection. Ubuntu is a popular operating system widely used as a remote desktop host or client. While remote desktop offers many advantages, such as security risks and performance issues, it has disadvantages.

A remote desktop on Ubuntu can be an excellent solution for users accessing their desktop environment remotely, whether for remote work, collaboration, or a computer in a different office. However, it’s important to properly secure remote desktop sessions and ensure the environment is configured correctly to prevent security risks and performance issues. With proper setup and configuration, a remote desktop on Ubuntu can be a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and collaboration.

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