How do I start the VNC server?

Install vino:

sudo apt-get install vino

Configure vino:

vino-preferences

It open this windows :

You start the server with :

/usr/lib/vino/vino-server

Enter this command in your Autostarted Apps if you wish vino to start automatically.

Here is the whole process I do to utilize VNC, simplified

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ONE. SETUP server

install VNC: sudo apt-get install vnc

install openssh-server: sudo apt-get install openssh-server

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TWO. SETUP remote access PC

install PuTTY

install VNC or VNC viewer

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THREE. Connect and Launch:

From remote access PC:

1. Run PuTTY

2. Connect SSH into the servers IP

3. Log into the server with Login ID and Password

4. A Run: sudo x11vnc -display :0 -auth guess

   B Else if that doesn't work, run: sudo x11vnc -display :0 -auth <insert your path to your .Xauthority>

   C Else if that doesn't work, run the commands again but as root.

Then once connection is established...

5. Launch VNC viewer

6. When prompted, enter the servers IP and connect

You now have accessed your server via VNC and should be able to control and interact with that desktop.

Good Luck and Enjoy!!

For a bit more security, I don't leave VNC running the whole time. I SSH into the machine and then start the VNC server using the following command:

x11vnc -safer -localhost -nopw -once -display :0

For ease I have the command in a shell script, so it is just a case of SSH to the server, followed by the command startvnc.sh.

This way once you disconnect VNC is no longer available.

For even more security you can tunnel VNC over the SSH connection.

This link provides details on how to forward the correct ports.