How to Connect to a Dedicated Linux Server by Remote Desktop

Renting a dedicated server is an easy way for your company to maintain an online presence. By putting your server inside your Internet service provider's network, you get a fast Internet connection without the need to build your own data center. To administer a dedicated server, however, you must be able to log into the machine without touching the keyboard or mouse. You can configure a Linux server to accept Remote Desktop connections, commonly used on Windows systems.

Things You'll Need

• SSH client

Instructions

1. Open your SSH client.

   If you don't have an SSH client on your Windows computer, use the free program PuTTY.

2. Log in to your dedicated Linux server.

3. Type the command "apt-get install xrdp".

   This command installs the xrdp Remote Desktop server on Ubuntu Linux.

4. Type your password when prompted.

5. Click the Start menu on your Windows computer.

6. Click on "All Programs" and choose "Accessories."

7. Click on the "Remote Desktop Connection" program.

8. Type the hostname or IP address of the dedicated Linux server into the "Computer" field and press "Enter."

9. Type your username and password to log in to the dedicated Linux server.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are connecting to the dedicated Linux server from another Linux computer, you can use the command "rdesktop" to initiate the graphical login.

• If the dedicated Linux server is behind a firewall, then the firewall must accept traffic on TCP port 3389.

References

• PuTTY Download Page
• xrdp Homepage