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Mattscreative edited this page Dec 5, 2025 · 2 revisions

Linux Remote Desktop Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to remote desktop on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including VNC, RDP, SSH X11 forwarding, and remote access setup.

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding Remote Desktop
  2. VNC Setup
  3. RDP Setup
  4. SSH X11 Forwarding
  5. NoMachine
  6. Remote Access Security
  7. Troubleshooting

Understanding Remote Desktop

What is Remote Desktop?

Remote desktop allows accessing desktop from another computer.

What it does:

  • Remote access: Access computer from anywhere
  • Desktop sharing: Share desktop with others
  • Remote control: Control computer remotely
  • Network access: Access over network/internet

Why use remote desktop:

  • Remote work: Work from anywhere
  • Support: Help others remotely
  • Access: Access home computer
  • Convenience: Easy remote access

VNC Setup

Install VNC

Install VNC server:

# Arch/CachyOS - TigerVNC
sudo pacman -S tigervnc

# Or TightVNC
sudo pacman -S tightvnc

# Or x11vnc
sudo pacman -S x11vnc

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server

Fedora:

sudo dnf install tigervnc-server

Configure VNC

Setup VNC:

# Create VNC password
vncpasswd

# Start VNC server
vncserver :1

# Stop
vncserver -kill :1

VNC Client

Connect:

# Install client
sudo pacman -S tigervnc

# Connect
vncviewer server:5901

RDP Setup

Install RDP

Install xrdp:

# Arch/CachyOS
yay -S xrdp

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install xrdp

# Fedora
sudo dnf install xrdp

Enable RDP

Enable service:

# Enable service
sudo systemctl enable xrdp
sudo systemctl start xrdp

# Check status
systemctl status xrdp

Connect to RDP

From Windows:

mstsc
# Enter server IP

From Linux:

# Install client
sudo pacman -S remmina

# Or
sudo pacman -S freerdp

SSH X11 Forwarding

Enable X11 Forwarding

Edit SSH config:

# Edit SSH config
sudo vim /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Enable:

X11Forwarding yes
X11DisplayOffset 10

Restart SSH:

sudo systemctl restart sshd

Use X11 Forwarding

Connect with X11:

# Connect with X11 forwarding
ssh -X user@server

# Or trusted
ssh -Y user@server

# Run GUI application
xclock

NoMachine

Install NoMachine

Install NoMachine:

# Download from nomachine.com
# Or use AUR
yay -S nomachine

Features:

  • Fast: High performance
  • Cross-platform: Works everywhere
  • Easy: Simple setup

Remote Access Security

Firewall Configuration

Allow VNC:

# Allow VNC port
sudo ufw allow 5901/tcp

# Or with firewalld
sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=5901/tcp --permanent
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

SSH Tunneling

Tunnel VNC through SSH:

# Create tunnel
ssh -L 5901:localhost:5901 user@server

# Connect VNC to localhost:5901

Troubleshooting

VNC Not Connecting

Check firewall:

# Check if port open
sudo ufw status

# Check if VNC running
vncserver -list

RDP Not Working

Check service:

# Check status
systemctl status xrdp

# Check logs
journalctl -u xrdp

Summary

This guide covered remote desktop for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions, including VNC, RDP, SSH X11 forwarding, and security.

Next Steps

This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.

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