A display manager is a program that allows you to select and log in to a desktop environment through a graphical interface. Now install the Xfce desktop environment, along with the xfce4-goodies package, on your server:ĭuring installation, you may be prompted to choose a default display manager for Xfce. Both Xfce and TightVNC are known for being lightweight and fast, which will help ensure that the VNC connection will be smooth and stable even on slower internet connections.Īfter connecting to your server with SSH, update your list of packages: In this tutorial, you will install packages for the latest Xfce desktop environment and the TightVNC package available from the official Ubuntu repository. You have many options when it comes to which VNC server and desktop environment you choose. Step 1 - Installing the Desktop Environment and VNC Serverīy default, a Debian 11 server does not come with a graphical desktop environment or a VNC server installed, so you’ll begin by installing those. Once you have everything set up, you can proceed to the first step.

On Linux, you can choose from many options, including vinagre, krdc, RealVNC, or TightVNC.

On macOS, you can use the built-in Screen Sharing program, or can use a cross-platform app like RealVNC.

On Windows, you can use TightVNC, RealVNC, or UltraVNC.

A local computer with a VNC client installed that supports VNC connections over SSH tunnels.

One Debian 11 server set up by following the Debian 11 initial server setup guide, including a non- root user with sudo access and a firewall.

Then, you’ll use a VNC client program on your local machine to interact with your server through a graphical desktop environment.

In this guide, you’ll set up a VNC server with TightVNC on a Debian 11 server and connect to it securely through an SSH tunnel. It helps users who are not yet comfortable with the command line with managing files, software, and settings on a remote server. Virtual Network Computing, or VNC, is a connection system that allows you to use your keyboard and mouse to interact with a graphical desktop environment on a remote server.

Debian xfce