Remote Desktop On Linux: Best Practices For Easy Setup, Security & Maintenance

In today’s digital-first world, remote work is common, often requiring employees to connect to their office desktops from other devices. IT professionals also need to access Linux devices remotely to troubleshoot issues and perform updates for clients. Fortunately, there are ways to configure a remote desktop setup so you can manage computers running Linux regardless of your location.

Linux is a popular (and free) operating system that’s customizable, adaptable, and highly secure. However, that flexibility can make setting up a Linux remote desktop challenging. While there is a basic process, it can vary depending on certain factors.

This in-depth guide will help you choose the best tools for setting up a remote desktop on Linux. We’ll also explore common use cases, best practices, benefits, security tips, and more. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to integrate remote desktop Linux solutions into your workflow to efficiently manage and access Linux systems from anywhere.

What is a remote desktop?

Remote desktop technology allows users to access and control a computer or server from a different location via a network or the internet. This enables individuals to operate their systems, run applications, and manage files remotely as if they were physically on the machine.

Remote desktop solutions are essential for remote work, IT support, and managing systems across various locations.

Benefits of using remote desktop Linux

Using a remote desktop on Linux offers several key benefits:

• Efficient IT support: IT teams can diagnose and repair devices remotely, supporting a distributed workforce without needing to be physically located by them.
• Real-time collaboration: Multiple users can connect to the same Linux machine simultaneously to collaborate on projects regardless of their physical locations. 
• Lower equipment and travel costs: Remote access eliminates the need for multiple devices across different locations. It also reduces travel expenses since users can connect to their Linux devices anywhere.
• Flexibility: Remote desktop for Linux supports laptops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing users to work from their preferred devices and locations.

Remote desktop protocols

Several remote desktop protocols are available for Linux, each offering unique features and use cases.

Remote desktop protocol (RDP)

RDP, developed by Microsoft, provides a graphical user interface to connect to another computer over a network. It’s known for its high performance and is widely used for accessing Windows machines, but Linux support is available through tools like xrdp.

RDP is suitable for users who want a seamless experience with strong multimedia and device redirection support.

Virtual network computing (VNC)

VNC is an open-source protocol that enables virtual network computing. It allows users to control another computer remotely by transmitting keyboard and mouse events. It’s also platform-independent and highly configurable, ideal for mixed-OS environments. 

VNC is best for users who require simplicity and flexibility across various operating systems. 

Secure shell (SSH)

SSH is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure command-line access to remote machines. It’s lightweight, secure, and commonly used for remote administration and file transfers. 

SSH is perfect for someone who requires secure, non-graphical access to a Linux server for administrative tasks.

Spice protocol

Spice (Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environments) is designed for virtual environments and offers high-quality remote access to virtual machines. It supports multimedia, USB redirection, and dynamic resizing, making it ideal for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) scenarios.

Spice is well suited for folks needing robust multimedia support in virtualized environments. 

How to set up remote desktop on Linux

Follow these essential steps to get your Linux remote desktop up and running smoothly.

Check the requirements

Setting up a Linux remote desktop is relatively easy. All you need is a Linux device, the device you want to connect to, a remote desktop client, and a stable internet connection. You may want to add some extra features and security, but those are the basics.

Install the required software packages

Different protocols require specific software. For RDP, you might use xrdp; for VNC, use TigerVNC or RealVNC; and for SSH, use OpenSSH. Install the necessary packages using your package manager. 

Configure your network for remote access

Enable port forwarding on your router to direct remote desktop traffic to your Linux machine. In addition, adjust your firewall settings to allow traffic on the necessary ports (e.g., 3389 for RDP and 5900 for VNC). Consider setting up a VPN for secure connections to guarantee encrypted and private communication between your devices.

Ensure your Linux remote desktop is running correctly

If you’re connecting a Linux computer for the first time, you’ll want to ensure it’s running as it should. Once connected to the remote desktop, you can open files and use applications normally. 

If not, you may need to test the connection or do some troubleshooting, such as:

• Confirming both computers are connected to the network
• Checking the IP address of the Linux device
• Verifying the status of the remote desktop software 

If the remote desktop is functioning slowly, the network bandwidth may not be sufficient or reliable enough to handle the data demands of the connection.

How to secure a remote desktop on Linux

Keeping your remote desktop on Linux secure is critical to protecting your system and data. Here’s how to increase the security of your remote access setup:

• Enable encryption for remote sessions: Enable encryption protocols like SSH and TLS to secure your remote desktop sessions. For instance, when using VNC, configure it to tunnel through SSH for encrypted communication. This will keep any data transmitted between the devices confidential.
• Use strong authentication methods: Implement well-known authentication methods, such as public key authentication for SSH or multi-factor authentication (MFA) for other protocols. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification beyond just a password.
• Limit user access and permissions: Restrict your remote desktop connection to only those who need it. Also, user permissions should be configured to grant the minimum level of access required for the role, preventing unauthorized access and reducing potential security risks. 
• Monitor and log remote sessions: Begin logging all remote desktop sessions to track user activity. Then, regularly review those logs to detect suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts.

How to troubleshoot common issues with a remote desktop on Linux

Encountering issues with your remote connections on Linux can be frustrating, but many common problems have straightforward solutions. Keep reading to learn how to troubleshoot and resolve these potential trouble areas. 

Connectivity issues

Connectivity problems can arise from incorrect IP addresses, closed ports, or firewall settings. Troubleshoot by verifying the IP address, ensuring necessary ports are open, and checking your firewall configurations. 

Performance issues

Slow performance can result from network latency or insufficient system resources. You can improve performance by optimizing your network connection, upgrading hardware, or adjusting your remote desktop settings for lower resource usage (e.g., reducing color depth or disabling background images). 

You might also try choosing a different remote desktop protocol. For example, protocols like RDP often perform better than VNC in high-latency environments.

Display and resolution issues

Mismatched display settings can cause resolution problems. To troubleshoot, adjust the remote desktop client’s resolution settings to match the host machine’s display. Use tools like ‘xrandr’ on Linux to configure and test different resolutions.

Keyboard and input issues

Incorrect keyboard layouts or input lag can disrupt remote desktop sessions. To solve this, ensure the keyboard layout on the client matches the host and update your remote desktop software to the latest version. Additionally, correctly configuring the input settings within the remote desktop client can help resolve these issues.

Advanced configurations for remote desktop on Linux

You can explore advanced configurations like those below for a more customized remote desktop experience on Linux.

Multiple monitor support

Extend your remote desktop session across multiple monitors by turning on this feature in your client application’s settings. 

File transfer

You can move files between local and remote systems by enabling file transfer options in your client or using tools like SCP for SSH connections.

Printing

Print documents from the remote computer to your local printer by configuring printer redirection in your remote desktop client.

Scaling and resolution adjustments

Adjust your client application's display scaling and resolution settings to optimize visibility and clarity on your remote desktop.

Use cases for remote desktop on Linux

Remote desktop on Linux provides valuable benefits for different teams and situations, making work and collaboration easier across various settings.

Remote system administration

System administrators can manage and troubleshoot Linux servers from anywhere, accessing the desktop environment remotely to perform maintenance tasks.

Remote work

Remote teams can collaborate and maintain productivity by accessing their Linux desktops outside the office. 

Educational and training environments

Educators and trainers can provide their students with access to shared Linux desktops to complete practical exercises and improve the learning experience.

Collaboration and pair programming

Teams engaged in discussions or pair programming can easily work together on projects and troubleshoot issues in real-time.

Top remote desktop tools for Linux

Several top tools stand out for their features and ease of use when it comes to remote desktop solutions for Linux. Here are some of our favorites.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer offers easy remote access, file transfer, and cross-platform support. It’s user-friendly and provides strong security features like end-to-end encryption. 

However, it can be expensive for long-term use and may have performance issues on slower connections. It’s ideal for both personal and professional use.

AnyDesk

AnyDesk provides high-performance remote access with low latency, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface. It’s lightweight and supports cross-platform use. Its free version has limitations, and some users may experience occasional connection issues. The service is perfect for fast and reliable remote desktop connections.

ScreenConnect

Users love that ScreenConnect offers customizable remote access, strong security, and integrated support features. It works with multiple platforms and provides detailed session logging. 

Conveniently, ScreenConnect integrates with industry standards for compliance and offers seamless remote session management without needing administrative credentials. 

The solution supports immediate elevation requests and works with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams for on-the-go management. It’s well suited for businesses needing advanced remote support capabilities. 

Learn more about remote desktop software

If you’re not on a Windows machine and need remote desktop capabilities, it’s time to seriously consider advanced remote desktop Linux solutions like ScreenConnect. As you can see from the guide above, these solutions offer benefits galore for teams that want to collaborate, technicians who want to support clients, and businesses that want to experience significant productivity gains. 

Don’t wait—learn more about ScreenConnect’s remote desktop software today.