Vncserver

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Latest vnc server notes are available at CentOS 7.x tigervnc-server

One time setup of tigervnc-server

It is possible to do graphical remote desktop on a machine using vncserver. Vncserver can be started remotely over SSH so direct physical access to computer is not required for enabling remote desktop. Use command 'vncserver :0' or 'vncserver :1'. It will prompt for server password. Type something safe of about 8 characters and repeat password. Note that this password would be permanently saved for future sessions also. If there is nothing already listening on port 5900 in case of :0 or port 5901 in case of :1 then vncserver will start easily. In case of error try :2, :3, etc.

Now use

  ssh -L 5901:127.0.0.1:5901 <username>@<host>

to connect to server assuming vncserver is listening on 5901 (:1). Then on the remote client use 'vncviewer 127.0.0.1:5901' to connect to desktop of remote server

Setup tigervnc-server as service

Instead of using vncserver just once, to setup it as service to always be available as part of system boot using:

1. Disable selinux
2. Dissble firewall
3. Install tigervnc server

   yum install tigervnc-server -y

4. If required, add local system OS users

   useradd <useraccount>
   passwd <useraccount>

5. Create vnc password for user account

   #Get shell for corresponding user
   su - <useraccount>
   vncpasswd

6. Create & modify vnc configuration file '/etc/sysconfig/vncservers' via root

   VNCSERVERS="2:<useraccount>"
   VNCSERVERARGS[2]="-geometry 1280x1024"

7. To give vnc access to more users, modify /etc/sysconfig/vncservers in following manner

   VNCSERVERS="2:<useraccount> 3:<useraccount> 4:<useraccount>"
   VNCSERVERARGS[2]="-geometry 1280x1024"
   VNCSERVERARGS[3]="-geometry 1280x1024"
   VNCSERVERARGS[4]="-geometry 1280x1024"

8. Start vnc server

   service vncserver start
   chkconfig vncserver on

9. VNC server can access from windows machines using realvnc viewer.

   Download link for realvnc viewer https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/windows/

Refer:

• https://www.unixmen.com/install-vnc/

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