Remote Desktop Access on Ubuntu - How To Guide

Remote Desktop Access on Ubuntu

Since the Dapper release, activating remote desktop functionality on Ubuntu has been a straightforward process. Users can grant access to their desktop environment to others utilizing the VNC Viewer application, which is either included with Ubuntu or available as a complimentary download for Windows operating systems.

It's crucial to understand that enabling remote desktop control introduces security considerations. A properly configured firewall is essential, and even with one in place, potential vulnerabilities remain.

Enabling Remote Desktop

Having acknowledged the inherent risks, the process can be initiated. Access the settings menu by navigating to System > Preferences > Remote Desktop within the Gnome top menu.

The following window will appear, presenting the necessary options for configuration.

To activate remote desktop access, the initial two checkboxes must be selected. Particular attention should be paid to the Security section.

Security Considerations

Choosing the "Ask you for confirmation" option necessitates your presence at the computer to authorize each remote connection attempt. This is ideal for situations where you want to explicitly approve access each time.

If you intend to remotely access a computer you own, it is recommended to deselect this checkbox for seamless connections. Always ensure the second checkbox is enabled, and a strong, secure password is established.

This password will be required during the remote login procedure. Protecting this password is vital for maintaining system security.

This method has been successfully tested on Ubuntu Dapper Drake and Ubuntu Edgy Eft.