How to Install a VNC Server on Ubuntu 8.10

Ubuntu 8.10 has a remote desktop application installed by default. To use the remote desktop, you must be logged in to a Gnome desktop session. Leaving an unattended computer logged in is a security risk. To bypass this risk, you can install a VNC (Virtual Network Computing) server. The VNC server works like the remote desktop, but without the need for someone to be logged in to the remote computer. The log in process is handled through the VNC server itself.

Things You'll Need

• x11VNC
• TightVNC

Instructions

X11VNC

1. Open a terminal session found under the "Accessories" section of the "Applications" menu.

2. Type the command "sudo apt-get install x11vnc vnc-java" to install the VNC server software.

3. Type the command "x11vnc -storepasswd" to set up the password for the VNC server.

4. Type the command "x11vnc -forever -usepw -httpdir /usr/share/vnc-java/ -httpport 5800" to start the VNC server.

TightVNC

1. Open a terminal window found under the "Accessories" section of the "Applications" menu.

2. Type the command "sudo apt-get install tightvncserver" to install the TightVNC server.

3. Type the command "gedit "~/.vnc/xstartup" to create open a blank document called "xstartup."

4. Type the following script into the blank document to cause the Gnome desktop to start when someone logs into the VNC server:

   #!/bin/sh

   xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
   xsetroot -solid black
   gnome-session &

5. Save and close the file.

6. Type the command "vncserver" to start the VNC server.

7. Enter a password for the VNC session when prompted.

References

• Ubuntu Unleashed: Setup VNC Server for Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon and Hardy Heron in 3 easy steps
• Steven Harman: VNC to a Headless Ubuntu Box

Resources

• X11VNC
• TightVNC