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Installing remote access software on your Ubuntu 20.04 system can greatly enhance your productivity and convenience. One popular option for remote desktop access is Tigervnc, which allows you to connect to your Ubuntu machine from another device and control it remotely. In this blog post, we will explore the process of installing Tigervnc on Ubuntu 20.04 and provide detailed instructions for several different methods. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will help you set up Tigervnc successfully and start enjoying the benefits of remote desktop access.
The Challenge of Installing Tigervnc on Ubuntu 20.04
Before we dive into the various methods for installing Tigervnc on Ubuntu 20.04, let’s understand the challenges that might arise during the installation process. These challenges include:
- The complexity of manually setting up dependencies
- Configuring the firewall to allow incoming VNC connections
- Potential compatibility issues with different versions of Ubuntu and Tigervnc
Overcoming these challenges requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of the Ubuntu system. However, with the right guidance, you can install Tigervnc successfully and make your Ubuntu machine accessible remotely.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1: How to Install Tigervnc using the Ubuntu Repository
Installing Tigervnc from the Ubuntu repository is the most straightforward method. It ensures that you get the latest stable version of Tigervnc and simplifies the installation process. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Update the package list by running the command:
"`
sudo apt update
"`
2. Install Tigervnc by running the command:
"`
sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server tigervnc-scraping-server
"`
3. After the installation is complete, start the Tigervnc server by running the command:
"`
vncserver
"`
4. Set a password for remote access by running the command:
"`
vncpassword
"`
Pros:
– Simple and straightforward installation process
– Always installs the latest stable version of Tigervnc
– Easy to update and manage through the package manager
Cons:
– May not have the latest bleeding-edge features of Tigervnc
– Restricted to the versions available in the Ubuntu repository
Method 2: How to Install Tigervnc from Source Code
If you prefer to have more control over the installation process or if you need a specific version of Tigervnc, you can choose to install it from source code. This method involves compiling the code and installing the necessary dependencies manually. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Install the required dependencies by running the command:
"`
sudo apt install build-essential cmake libssl-dev libjpeg-dev libpam0g-dev libtool-bin libx11-dev libxext-dev libxinerama-dev libxcursor-dev libxdamage-dev libxv-dev libxkbfile-dev libasound2-dev libcups2-dev libxml2-dev libxrandr-dev libavutil-dev libavcodec-dev libavformat-dev libswscale-dev libavresample-dev libwebp-dev
"`
2. Download the Tigervnc source code by running the command:
"`
wget https://github.com/TigerVNC/tigervnc/archive/refs/tags/v1.11.0.tar.gz
"`
3. Extract the downloaded tar.gz file by running the command:
"`
tar -xzf v1.11.0.tar.gz
"`
4. Navigate to the extracted directory by running the command:
"`
cd tigervnc-1.11.0
"`
5. Generate the build files by running the command:
"`
cmake .
"`
6. Compile the source code by running the command:
"`
make
"`
7. Install Tigervnc by running the command:
"`
sudo make install
"`
Pros:
– Allows for customization and specific version installations
– Provides access to the latest bleeding-edge features
– Offers a deeper understanding of the Tigervnc installation process
Cons:
– Requires manual dependency handling
– Can be more time-consuming and complex compared to repository installation
– Limited support if issues arise during the installation process
Method 3: How to Install Tigervnc using Docker
If you prefer to isolate the Tigervnc installation from your main Ubuntu system, you can choose to install Tigervnc using Docker. Docker provides a lightweight and portable solution for running applications in containers. Here’s how you can install Tigervnc using Docker:
1. Install Docker on your Ubuntu 20.04 system by following the official documentation for Docker installation.
2. Pull the Tigervnc Docker image by running the command:
"`
docker pull consol/ubuntu-xfce-vnc
"`
3. Start the Tigervnc container by running the command:
"`
docker run -p 5901:5901 -e VNC_RESOLUTION=1280×720 consol/ubuntu-xfce-vnc
"`
4. Connect to the Tigervnc container using a VNC viewer by specifying the IP address of your Ubuntu 20.04 system and port 5901.
Pros:
– Provides isolation and portability through the use of Docker containers
– Offers a consistent and reproducible installation environment
– Can be easily scaled and managed using Docker’s tools and features
Cons:
– Requires prior knowledge of Docker and containerization concepts
– May have potential performance limitations compared to native installations
– Docker networking configuration may require additional setup and troubleshooting
Method 4: How to Install Tigervnc using Snap
Snap is a package manager that simplifies the installation and management of software on Ubuntu systems. It allows you to package applications and their dependencies into a single container, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation. Here’s how you can install Tigervnc using Snap:
1. Install Snap on your Ubuntu 20.04 system by following the official documentation for Snap installation.
2. Install Tigervnc from the Snap store by running the command:
"`
sudo snap install tigervnc
"`
3. Start the Tigervnc server by running the command:
"`
tigervnc-server
"`
4. Set a password for remote access by running the command:
"`
tigervnc-passwd
"`
Pros:
– Provides a simplified installation process through Snap package management
– Ensures compatibility and ease of use with self-contained packages
– Easy to update and manage using Snap’s built-in tools
Cons:
– May not have the latest bleeding-edge features of Tigervnc
– Restricted to the versions available in the Snap store
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Install Tigervnc
If you encounter difficulties installing Tigervnc or if you are looking for alternative remote desktop solutions, here are a few options you can consider:
1. Use TeamViewer: TeamViewer is a popular remote access software that allows you to connect to your Ubuntu machine from anywhere. It offers a user-friendly interface and does not require complex configuration.
2. Set up SSH: If you’re comfortable working with the command line interface, you can use SSH (Secure Shell) to remotely access and control your Ubuntu machine. SSH provides a secure and encrypted connection and is widely supported across platforms.
3. Explore other VNC options: Tigervnc is just one of many VNC options available for remote desktop access. You can explore other VNC software like RealVNC, TightVNC, or UltraVNC to find a solution that best suits your needs.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips to enhance your Tigervnc experience on Ubuntu 20.04:
1. Secure your Tigervnc connection by using SSH tunneling. This adds an extra layer of security by encrypting the VNC connection.
2. Optimize your Tigervnc server settings by adjusting the screen resolution, color depth, and compression level based on your network bandwidth and performance requirements.
3. Update Tigervnc regularly to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Check for updates through your package manager or the relevant installation method.
5 FAQs about Installing Tigervnc on Ubuntu 20.04
Q1: Can I install Tigervnc on Ubuntu 18.04?
A: Yes, Tigervnc can be installed on Ubuntu 18.04 using the same methods mentioned in this article, with necessary adjustments for version compatibility.
Q2: Can I access my Ubuntu machine using Tigervnc from a Windows or macOS computer?
A: Yes, Tigervnc is cross-platform and can be accessed from Windows, macOS, and other Linux distributions using a compatible VNC viewer.
Q3: How can I improve the performance of Tigervnc?
A: To improve the performance of Tigervnc, you can adjust various settings such as screen resolution, color depth, and compression level. Experiment with different configurations to find the best balance between performance and image quality.
Q4: Can I use Tigervnc without a password?
A: It is strongly recommended to set a password for Tigervnc to ensure the security of your remote desktop access. However, you can configure Tigervnc to use alternative authentication methods if desired.
Q5: How can I uninstall Tigervnc from my Ubuntu 20.04 system?
A: To uninstall Tigervnc, use the appropriate command for the installation method you chose. For example, if you installed Tigervnc using Snap, run the command:
"`
sudo snap remove tigervnc
"`
In Conclusion
Installing Tigervnc on Ubuntu 20.04 can provide you with convenient remote desktop access to your Ubuntu machine. By following the methods and tips outlined in this blog post, you can successfully set up Tigervnc and enjoy the benefits of remote access. Remember to consider your specific requirements and choose the installation method that best suits your needs. With Tigervnc, you’ll have the flexibility and convenience of accessing your Ubuntu system from anywhere, enhancing your productivity and workflow.