How to Install and Configure VNC on Ubuntu 20.04 - 22.04

Virtual Network Computing, or VNC, is a connection system that allows you to use your keyboard and mouse to interact with a graphical desktop environment on a remote server. It makes managing files, software, and settings on a remote server easier for users who are not yet comfortable with the command line.

In this guide, you’ll set up a VNC server with #TightVNC on an #ubuntu 20.04 - 22.04 server and connect to it securely through an SSH tunnel. Then, you’ll use a #VNC client program on your local machine to interact with your server through a graphical desktop environment.

Useful Links

Commands Used

apt update
sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies
sudo apt install tightvncserver

vncserver
vncpasswd
vncserver -kill :1

nano ~/.vnc/xstartup
#!/bin/bash
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
startxfce4 &

chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup
vncserver -localhost

ssh -L 59000:localhost:5901 -C -N -l sammy your_server_ip

[XRunesRS]

If you guys are getting "sudo: ufw: command not found" run these lines:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ufw
sudo ufw allow 5901

[etc-and-more]

I'm a little unclear here but I can be pretty dense sometimes...do I open the tunnel on the same machine as the vnc server or on the machine that I am running the viewer? What command do I give the vnc viewer if I am trying to connect from a computer somewhere out on the internet?

[csabhishek]

I think you have to little bit zoom
I can't able to see anything

[vincentmartin]

No narration, didn't bother. Always narrate your videos, especially technical subjects.

[DjLundbladh]

i get so many errors on some files when doing the goodie command. im on a fresh ubuntu server install on a pc.. u know why ?

[HackingInfo]

please show the GNOME way instead of xfce4

[panagiwthspetroulios]

When i connect via VNC all i see is a grey screen and a cursor that is leaving traces behind before them getting erased

Have downloaded environments, manager etc