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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Summary

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

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Next Steps

• SSH Configuration - SSH setup
• Screen Sharing - Screen sharing
• Security Configuration - Security
• ArchWiki VNC: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/TigerVNC

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