The common method to manage a Linux server remotely is through CLI interface via SSH, which many people often find it difficult as they are not familar with the Linux commands.

The solution is to install a KDE Or GNOME Desktop on the Linux server and access it through VNC.

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a graphical desktop sharing system which allows you to share a desktop of a remote server as if you are sitting in front of it.

Below are the two required packages needed for VNCserver

vnc-4.1.2-14.el5_6.6
vnc-server-4.1.2-14.el5_6.6

Following are the steps to install and configure VNC on a Linux server.

Step 1: Check whether the vnc-server packages are installed on machine.

[root@server.local ~]#rpm -qa vnc*

If not, please install the vnc packages,

[root@server.local ~]#yum install vnc*

Step 2: Set the vnc server password

[root@server.local ~]#vncpasswd
Password:
Verify:

Step 3: Start the VNC server

[root@server.local ~]# vncserver
xauth: creating new authority file /home/root/.Xauthority

Creating default startup script /home/root/.vnc/xstartup
Starting applications specified in /home/root/.vnc/xstartup
Log file is /home/root/.vnc/server.local.transmarkmail.com:1.log

Step 4: Edit the configuration file

[root@server.local ~]# vi .vnc/xstartup

Uncomment the following two lines (remove the “#” characters):

unset SESSION_MANAGER
exec /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc

Save that file and you’re ready to move on.

Step 5: Now, download and install VNC-Viewer on your computer (client-side).

Open vnc-viewer and enter “server.hostname:1? (server.local.transmarkmail.com:1) and the vnc password you have set above. You will now be connected to the graphical interface of your Linux server.

Step 6: To kill the vnc server session

[root@server.local ~]# vncserver -kill :1
Killing Xvnc process ID 1353