CachyOS Remote Desktop - ryzendew/Linux-Tips-and-Tricks GitHub Wiki

CachyOS Remote Desktop Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to remote desktop on CachyOS, 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. Remote Access Security
  6. 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

What is VNC?

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is remote desktop protocol.

What it does:

  • Remote desktop: Access desktop remotely
  • Cross-platform: Works on multiple OS
  • Simple: Easy to set up
  • Widely supported: Many clients available

Installing VNC

Install TigerVNC:

sudo pacman -S tigervnc

What this does:

  • Installs TigerVNC server
  • Provides VNC server
  • Makes remote access available

Or install other VNC servers:

sudo pacman -S tightvnc
# or
sudo pacman -S x11vnc

Configuring VNC

Set VNC password:

vncpasswd

What this does:

  • Sets VNC password
  • Required for access
  • Secures VNC connection

Start VNC server:

vncserver :1

What this does:

  • Starts VNC server on display :1
  • Makes desktop accessible
  • Port 5901 (5900 + display number)

Stop VNC server:

vncserver -kill :1

What this does:

  • Stops VNC server
  • Closes remote access
  • Frees resources

VNC Clients

Connect from client:

  • Use VNC client (TigerVNC, RealVNC, etc.)
  • Connect to server-ip:5901
  • Enter password
  • Access desktop

RDP Setup

What is RDP?

RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is Windows remote desktop.

What it does:

  • Windows compatibility: Works with Windows
  • Good performance: Efficient protocol
  • Audio support: Audio forwarding
  • File sharing: File transfer support

Installing RDP

Install xrdp:

yay -S xrdp

What this does:

  • Installs xrdp server
  • Provides RDP server
  • Makes RDP access available

Start xrdp:

sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp.service

What this does:

  • Enables xrdp at boot
  • Starts xrdp server
  • Makes RDP available

Configuring RDP

xrdp config:

sudo nano /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini

What this does:

  • Opens xrdp configuration
  • Configure RDP settings
  • Customize RDP server

Default settings usually work

SSH X11 Forwarding

What is X11 Forwarding?

X11 forwarding runs GUI applications over SSH.

What it does:

  • Secure: Uses SSH encryption
  • GUI apps: Run graphical applications
  • No VNC needed: Direct application access
  • Secure: Encrypted connection

Using X11 Forwarding

Connect with X11 forwarding:

ssh -X user@server

What this does:

  • Connects with X11 forwarding
  • Enables GUI application forwarding
  • Runs GUI apps remotely

Trusted X11 forwarding:

ssh -Y user@server

What this does:

  • Trusted X11 forwarding
  • Less secure but more compatible
  • Use when -X doesn't work

Run GUI application:

firefox

What this does:

  • Runs Firefox
  • Displays on local machine
  • Over SSH connection

Remote Access Security

Security Best Practices

Use strong passwords:

  • Strong VNC/RDP passwords
  • Change default passwords
  • Use unique passwords

Use SSH tunneling:

ssh -L 5901:localhost:5901 user@server

What this does:

  • Tunnels VNC through SSH
  • Encrypts VNC connection
  • More secure

Firewall configuration:

  • Only allow from trusted IPs
  • Use firewall rules
  • Restrict access

VPN:

  • Use VPN for remote access
  • More secure
  • Encrypted connection

Troubleshooting

VNC Not Connecting

Check VNC server:

vncserver -list

What this does:

  • Lists running VNC servers
  • Verifies server is running
  • Helps troubleshoot

Check firewall:

sudo firewall-cmd --list-ports

What this does:

  • Lists open ports
  • VNC needs port 5901 (or other)
  • Allow port if blocked

Allow VNC port:

sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=5901/tcp --permanent
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

What this does:

  • Allows VNC port
  • Makes VNC accessible
  • Fixes firewall issues

RDP Not Working

Check xrdp status:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

What this does:

  • Shows xrdp status
  • Verifies it's running
  • Helps troubleshoot

Check firewall:

sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=rdp --permanent
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

What this does:

  • Allows RDP service
  • Makes RDP accessible
  • Fixes firewall issues

Additional Resources

Summary

This guide covered:

  1. Understanding remote desktop - What it is
  2. VNC setup - Virtual Network Computing
  3. RDP setup - Remote Desktop Protocol
  4. SSH X11 forwarding - Secure GUI access
  5. Security - Remote access security
  6. Troubleshooting - Common remote desktop issues

Key Takeaways:

  • VNC for simple remote desktop
  • RDP for Windows compatibility
  • SSH X11 forwarding for secure GUI access
  • Use strong passwords
  • Configure firewall properly
  • Use VPN for security
  • Test connectivity if issues occur

This guide is based on the CachyOS Wiki and Arch Linux Wiki and expanded with detailed explanations for beginners. For the most up-to-date remote desktop information, always refer to the official documentation.