How to Configure VNC in Ubuntu

With VNC, you can access your computer from anywhere.

Virtual Network Computer (VNC) is a protocol that allows you to remotely access your Ubuntu computer from anywhere in the world. With the latest versions of VNC, you don't even need to use client software--just open up a web browser. The trickiest part of configuring VNC in Ubuntu isn't setting up the software, it's making sure that your router, if you're using one, is set up correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Make sure you have the most recent version of the VNC package installed. Open up a terminal window and type the following command:

   sudo aptitude install x11vnc vnc-java

2. Set up a password to allow others to connect to your VNC server. Type the following command in the terminal window:

   x11vnc -storepasswd

3. Open ports, if needed, on your router. See "Resources" below for helpful tips on how to configure port forwarding on your specific router make and model. The ports that need to be opened are 5800 and 5900. Without this, VNC will not work.

4. Start the VNC server. In the terminal window, type the following command:

   x11vnc -forever -usepw -httpdir /usr/share/vnc-java/ -httpport 5800

5. Connect to the VNC server to test the connection by opening a browser and navigating to the IP address of the Ubuntu computer with the 5800 port number. For example, if the IP address of your Ubuntu system was 78.23.23.123, in the browser window would would navigate to 78.23.23.123:5800.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that opening any ports on your router can leave your internal network vulnerable to hackers.

References

• Ubuntu Unleashed: Setup VNC Server for Ubuntu
• Ubuntu Boards: Setting up VNC

Resources

• Ubuntu: Ubuntu Home Page
• Port Forward: Port Forwarding Guides Listed by Manufacturer and Model
• Tight VNC: Freeware VNC Software