Installing the XRDP on Ubuntu 22.04 is essential for those who need to access their desktop remotely. This remote desktop protocol provides users with the ability to establish a connection between their local computer and a remote machine, thereby making it feasible for them to access their desktops from anywhere in the world. In this blog post, we will discuss in detail the steps to install XRDP Ubuntu 22.04.
What is RDP Remote Desktop?
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that enables the remote control of a computer by using a graphical user interface. The RDP technology allows a user to connect to a remote computer and control it as if they were physically present at the machine. This technological breakthrough has transformed the way businesses operate, making it easier for employees to work remotely or connect with colleagues and customers across the globe.
The Remote Desktop allows the user to access their desktop, applications, and files from any device and any location with an internet connection. It is designed to provide access to a computer’s entire desktop environment, including files, documents, software, and programs. This feature makes it possible for users to work from remote locations without the need for physical access to their computer systems or networks.
Prerequisites to Install XRDP Ubuntu 22.04
To install XRDP on Ubuntu 22.04, several prerequisites have to be available:
- A working installation of Ubuntu 20.04
- Internet connectivity to download XRDP packages
- Sudo or root privileges to install packages and modify system settings
- Sufficient disk space to store the XRDP packages and any related dependencies.
There are no specific hardware requirements for installing XRDP, but it is recommended to have at least 1 GB of RAM and a modern processor to ensure smooth performance.
How to install XRDP Ubuntu 22.04?
To begin with, you must understand that there are various methods for installing the XRDP on Ubuntu 22.04. The most common of them is installing through the terminal by executing a few apt-get commands.
To begin, open a terminal and run the command,
“sudo apt update”
to update the package lists. Next, run the command,
“sudo apt upgrade”
to install any updates that may be available for the system. Once the system is up to date, the XRDP package can be installed.
To install XRDP, run the command
“sudo apt install xrdp”
The installation process will prompt for confirmation to download and install dependencies. After the installation is complete, XRDP will automatically start and run as a service.
It is important to note that the XRDP package does not include a desktop environment. Users must install a desktop environment separately to access the remote desktop. For example, GNOME can be installed with the command
“sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop.”
After installing the desktop environment, configure XRDP to use the desktop environment by editing the configuration file
“/etc/XRDP/stratum.sh.”
Open the file with a text editor, and replace the line “DEFAULT_SESSION=startxfce4” with “DEFAULT_SESSION=ubuntu” or the name of the desktop environment that was installed.
To enable XRDP to start automatically when the system boots, run the command
“sudo systemctl enable xrdp.”
Finally, to allow remote connections to the system via XRDP, ensure the firewall is configured to allow incoming connections on the XRDP default port 3389. This can be done by running the command
“sudo ufw allow 3389/TCP.”
Benefits of using RDP Remote Desktop
Security
Security is a significant concern when it comes to remote access, but RDP includes advanced security features to prevent unauthorised access and ensure data privacy. It uses encryption protocols to protect data during transmission and authentication protocols to ensure the user is authorised to access the remote computer. Additionally, strict out-of-the-box security configurations ensure that the connection is secure and safe from potential threats.
Increased Productivity
One of the primary benefits of RDP is its ability to increase productivity. Remote Desktop allows employees to work from home or other remote locations while still having access to their desktops and files as if they were in the office. This feature reduces downtime and increases workflow efficiency, allowing businesses to operate effectively without disruptions.
Cost-effectiveness
Finally, the use of Remote Desktop Protocol can save both time and money. Employees can work from home, saving the time and cost of travelling to the office. Companies can save money on office equipment, rent, and maintenance. In addition, RDP can improve collaboration between remote workers and office-based colleagues, facilitating faster decision-making processes and increasing productivity.
What is the difference between RDP and RDS?
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) are two distinct technologies used to provide remote access to desktop environments. While both RDP and RDS enable remote access to Windows operating systems, they have very different functions.
RDP is a protocol developed by Microsoft that enables a user to remotely access and control a computer over the internet. It allows users to access and interact with a remote desktop as if they were physically present at the computer. RDP is often used by individuals and organizations to connect to a remote computer for remote support or for accessing a computer while away from the office.
On the other hand, RDS is a collection of technologies that allow multiple users to access a shared desktop environment located on a central server. RDS is commonly used for enterprise solutions, where multiple users need access to the same applications and data. RDS enables users to work on a shared virtual desktop environment, where the performance of hardware is maximized and end-users experience fast and reliable application access.
To sum up, RDP is intended for individual remote access while RDS is meant for providing access to a shared desktop environment to multiple users. While these technologies enable remote access, they are designed for different purposes and should be used in the appropriate context.
In conclusion, the installation of XRDP on Ubuntu 22.04 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through the terminal. This procedure provides users with the flexibility to access their desktops remotely and work from anywhere, thereby improving their productivity and efficiency. However, it is imperative to ensure that the XRDP service is running and the firewall settings permit incoming connections. With these precautions in mind, users can seamlessly access their desktops remotely using the XRDP protocol in Ubuntu 22.04.