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TeamViewer is a popular remote desktop software that allows users to access and control their computers from anywhere in the world. It is widely used for providing remote technical support, conducting online meetings, and collaborating with colleagues. While TeamViewer is available for multiple operating systems, this blog post will focus on the installation process on Ubuntu 20.04 using the terminal.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Installing TeamViewer on Ubuntu 20.04
Installing software on Ubuntu can sometimes be challenging for users who are new to Linux. Although GUI-based installation options are available for many applications, some software, like TeamViewer, might require a different approach. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of installing TeamViewer on Ubuntu 20.04 using the terminal, making it easier for both beginners and experienced users to follow along.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the installation process, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth experience.
1. Ubuntu 20.04: Make sure you have a working installation of Ubuntu 20.04 on your system. You can download Ubuntu from the official website and follow the installation instructions.
2. Internet Connection: Ensure that your computer is connected to the internet. TeamViewer requires an active internet connection to function.
3. Terminal: Familiarize yourself with the terminal on Ubuntu. The terminal is a command-line interface that allows you to execute commands and perform various actions on your computer.
With these preparations in place, let’s proceed to the methods of installing TeamViewer on Ubuntu 20.04 using the terminal.
Method 1: Installing TeamViewer via APT Package Manager
APT (Advanced Package Tool) is a package management system used in Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions. It allows users to install, upgrade, and remove software packages from the command line.
Step 1: Open the terminal on your Ubuntu system.
Step 2: Update the package list by running the following command:
"`
sudo apt update
"`
Step 3: Install the dependencies required by TeamViewer by running the following command:
"`
sudo apt install gdebi-core wget
"`
Step 4: Download the TeamViewer package using the wget command:
"`
wget https://download.teamviewer.com/download/linux/teamviewer_amd64.deb
"`
Step 5: Install the TeamViewer package using gdebi:
"`
sudo gdebi teamviewer_amd64.deb
"`
Step 6: During the installation process, you may be prompted to enter your password. Input your password and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once the installation is finished, you can find TeamViewer in the applications menu or by searching for it in the Dash. You can now launch TeamViewer and start using it on your Ubuntu 20.04 system.
| Pros | 1. Convenient installation process. | 2. Utilizes the APT package management system. | 3. Allows for easy updates and removal of TeamViewer. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires knowledge of terminal commands. | 2. Relies on the availability of the package in the official Ubuntu repositories. | 3. May not be the latest version of TeamViewer. |
Method 2: Installing TeamViewer via Snap Package
Snap is another package management system used on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. It provides a way to package applications and their dependencies in a self-contained format, making installation and updates easier.
Step 1: Open the terminal on your Ubuntu system.
Step 2: Update the package list by running the following command:
"`
sudo apt update
"`
Step 3: Install the Snap package manager if it is not already installed:
"`
sudo apt install snapd
"`
Step 4: Install TeamViewer using the Snap package by running the following command:
"`
sudo snap install teamviewer –classic
"`
Step 5: When prompted, enter your password to authorize the installation.
Once the installation is complete, you can launch TeamViewer from the applications menu or by searching for it in the Dash. TeamViewer will be automatically updated in the background when new versions become available.
| Pros | 1. Simple installation process. | 2. Allows for easy updates and removal of TeamViewer. | 3. Provides a self-contained package format. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires the installation of the Snap package manager. | 2. May not be the latest version of TeamViewer. | 3. Snap packages may have larger file sizes compared to traditional packages. |
Method 3: Installing TeamViewer via Manual Download
If you prefer to have more control over the installation process and have access to the latest version of TeamViewer, you can manually download the package from the official website and install it on your Ubuntu 20.04 system.
Step 1: Open the terminal on your Ubuntu system.
Step 2: Update the package list by running the following command:
"`
sudo apt update
"`
Step 3: Install the necessary packages to support the TeamViewer installation:
"`
sudo apt install libqt5qml5 libqt5quick5 libqt5webkit5 qml-module-qtquick-controls
"`
Step 4: Visit the official TeamViewer website (https://www.teamviewer.com/) and navigate to the Downloads section. Choose the "Linux" option and click on "Download TeamViewer."
Step 5: Once the download is complete, open the terminal and navigate to the directory where the downloaded package is located using the cd command. For example, if the package is located in the Downloads folder, run:
"`
cd ~/Downloads
"`
Step 6: Install TeamViewer using the dpkg package manager:
"`
sudo dpkg -i teamviewer_*.deb
"`
Step 7: If any dependencies are missing, you will be notified. Use the following command to install the missing dependencies:
"`
sudo apt –fix-broken install
"`
Once the installation is complete, you can launch TeamViewer from the applications menu or by searching for it in the Dash.
| Pros | 1. Allows access to the latest version of TeamViewer. | 2. Provides more control over the installation process. | 3. Can be installed offline or in environments with limited internet access. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires manual downloading and installation of the package. | 2. Potential for missing dependencies during the installation process. | 3. Manual updates and removal of TeamViewer may be required. |
Method 4: Installing TeamViewer via Ubuntu Software Center
If you prefer a graphical interface for installing applications on Ubuntu, you can use the Ubuntu Software Center to install TeamViewer.
Step 1: Open the Ubuntu Software Center from the applications menu or by searching for it in the Dash.
Step 2: Search for "TeamViewer" in the search bar located at the top-right corner of the Ubuntu Software Center.
Step 3: Click on the TeamViewer entry in the search results.
Step 4: Click the "Install" button to begin the installation process.
Once the installation is complete, you can launch TeamViewer from the applications menu or by searching for it in the Dash.
| Pros | 1. Graphical interface for easy installation. | 2. Provides a familiar installation process similar to other applications. | 3. Allows for easy updates and removal of TeamViewer. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Limited control over the installation process. | 2. May not provide access to the latest version of TeamViewer. | 3. Relies on the availability of the package in the Ubuntu Software Center. |
Why Can’t I Install TeamViewer?
Reason 1: Dependency Issues
A possible reason for being unable to install TeamViewer is missing dependencies or conflicting package versions. To fix this, try running the command "sudo apt –fix-broken install" to resolve any dependency issues.
Reason 2: Permission Issues
If you encounter permission issues during the installation process, make sure you have the necessary permissions by using the sudo command before the installation command. For example, "sudo apt install teamviewer".
Reason 3: Network Connectivity
TeamViewer requires a stable internet connection to download and install the necessary packages. Make sure you have a working internet connection and try again.
If the above steps do not resolve your installation issues, consider seeking assistance from the TeamViewer support team or consulting the official TeamViewer documentation.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your TeamViewer experience on Ubuntu:
1. Add TeamViewer to Autostart: To have TeamViewer automatically start when your Ubuntu system boots up, go to the "Settings" menu in TeamViewer and navigate to the "Options" tab. Check the box labeled "Start TeamViewer with system" to enable autostart.
2. Secure Your TeamViewer Connection: TeamViewer provides various security features such as two-factor authentication, secure connection settings, and setting up trusted devices. Explore these options in the TeamViewer settings to ensure a secure remote desktop connection.
3. Optimize TeamViewer Performance: If you encounter lag or performance issues while using TeamViewer, try adjusting the connection settings in TeamViewer. You can find these settings under the "Advanced" tab in the TeamViewer options.
5 FAQs about Installing TeamViewer on Ubuntu 20.04
Q1: Can I use TeamViewer on other Linux distributions?
A: Yes, TeamViewer is available for multiple Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS. The installation process may vary slightly depending on the distribution, but the overall steps are similar.
Q2: Is TeamViewer available for non-commercial use?
A: Yes, TeamViewer offers a free version for non-commercial use. However, if you plan to use TeamViewer for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a license.
Q3: Can I use TeamViewer without an internet connection?
A: No, TeamViewer requires an active internet connection to establish a connection between devices. Without an internet connection, you will not be able to use TeamViewer.
Q4: Can I install TeamViewer on multiple systems?
A: Yes, TeamViewer can be installed on multiple systems. You can use your TeamViewer account to access and control any remote devices that have TeamViewer installed.
Q5: Is TeamViewer secure?
A: TeamViewer utilizes end-to-end encryption to ensure secure connections between devices. However, it is important to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your TeamViewer application up to date for maximum security.
In Conclusion
Installing TeamViewer on Ubuntu 20.04 using the terminal provides a convenient and efficient way to start using this powerful remote desktop software. Whether you choose to install it via the APT package manager, Snap package, manual download, or Ubuntu Software Center, you can now easily access and control your computer remotely from anywhere in the world. Follow the installation methods outlined in this blog post, and you’ll be up and running with TeamViewer in no time.