How to set up remote desktop access on your Linux computers

I have several Linux machines on my network, and I often need to access the desktop of one of those remote machines. Instead of trudging through the house, I can use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to gain access to one of those remote desktops.

However, setting up something like Xrdp (one of the Linux implementations of RDP) can be challenging, especially when communicating between different X servers (such as X.org to Wayland). Because of this, I turn to an application that vastly simplifies the setup and connection of remote machines.

Also: 5 best Linux distros for staying anonymous – when a VPN isn’t enough

That application is called NoMachine. With this wonderfully designed GUI app, you can make those connections so easily that you’ll wonder why you hesitated.

I’ll walk you through the installation and usage of NoMachine so you can enjoy remote desktop usage on your LAN.

Are you ready for this?

How to set up remote desktop access to your Linux computers

Installing NoMachine

What you’ll need: I will demonstrate this process connecting two Ubuntu-based distributions (Pop!_OS and Ubuntu). NoMachine is available for RPM and DEB-based distributions. To use NoMachine, you’ll need two different Linux machines and a user with sudo privileges. 

sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/nomachin*.deb

You’ll need to install NoMachine on both systems. With NoMachine, you can connect an Ubuntu-based machine to a Fedora-based machine, so it doesn’t matter which you’re using.

Using NoMachine

1. Start the service on the remote machine

To use NoMachine, it must be running on both the local and remote machines. On the remote machine, you’ll start the app labeled NoMachine Service. Do that and the NoMachine window will open, indicating the service is running. From that same window, you can also configure the service as needed, but it should work fine out of the box.

2. Start the client app

On the local machine (the one you’ll use to connect to the remote desktop), open the NoMachine app from the desktop menu. When you do this, your remote machine will automatically be detected, so all you need to do is double-click on the icon for the remote machine.

3. Connect to the remote machine

After you’ve double-clicked on the remote machine, you’ll have to verify the host identification. To do that, click OK when prompted. You’ll then need to type the username and password for a remote user on the other machine and click OK.

After the connection is made, you’ll have to walk through a welcome wizard by clicking OK until you find yourself in control of the remote desktop.

Also: How to install Ubuntu Server in under 30 minutes

Congratulations, you’ve just set up remote desktop access on your Linux machines.

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