How to Set Up Remote Desktop on Ubuntu in the Cloud

Setting up a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) on an Ubuntu server hosted in the cloud allows you to connect and manage your server using a graphical interface. This guide will walk you through the steps to update your system, install the necessary desktop environment and RDP tools, configure the setup, and connect using an RDP client.

Step 1: Update the System

First, ensure your system is up to date. Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install the Ubuntu Desktop Environment

Installing the ubuntu-desktop package provides the necessary graphical environment. Note that this step may take around 10 minutes.

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

Step 3: Install XRDP

Install the XRDP tool, which allows you to manage remote connections using the RDP protocol.

bashCopy codesudo apt install xrdp

Step 4: Verify RDP Port Listening

Check if the XRDP service is listening on the default RDP port (3389):

netstat -tpln

You should see an output similar to:

tcp6 0 0 :::3389 :::* LISTEN 87763/xrdp

Step 5: Check XRDP Service Status

Verify the XRDP service status to ensure it is running correctly:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

If you encounter permission errors regarding the private key file, proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Fix Permission Issues

If the XRDP service shows errors related to the private key file, follow these steps to fix the permissions:

1. Map the hostname to 127.0.0.1 in /etc/hosts:

    cat /etc/hosts
   

2. Change the hostname (if needed) and fix the file permissions:

    sudo hostnamectl set-hostname <user-uer-name>
    sudo chmod 600 /etc/xrdp/key.pem
    sudo chown xrdp:xrdp /etc/xrdp/key.pem
   

Step 7: Restart XRDP Service

Restart the XRDP service to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Step 8: Verify XRDP Service Status Again

Check the XRDP service status again to ensure there are no errors:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

Step 9: Find Your Public IP

Check your public IP address from the cloud portal or by running:

ifconfig

Step 10: Check Security Group Settings

Before connecting, ensure that the RDP port (3389) is allowed in your instance's security group settings. This step is crucial for permitting RDP connections:

1. Go to your cloud provider's management console.

2. Navigate to the security group associated with your instance.

3. Ensure there is an inbound rule that allows traffic on port 3389 from your IP address or a range of IP addresses.

Step 11: Connect Using RDP Client

Launch your RDP client on your local machine and enter the public IP address of your Ubuntu server. Use the username root and provide the corresponding password.

using these steps, you should be able to set up and connect to an Ubuntu desktop environment hosted in the cloud using an RDP client. This setup allows for easier management and operation of your server with a graphical interface.