# VNC
VNC (opens new window) is a graphical desktop-sharing system that allow you to connect to graphical interfaces in your lab machines.
# 1. Install TurboVNC
1.1. Log into your lab machine.
1.2. Download the latest TurboVNC
# -- Example for version 3.0.2
wget https://netix.dl.sourceforge.net/project/turbovnc/3.0.2/turbovnc_3.0.2_amd64.deb
Click here (opens new window) to see the latest version and update the text above with a new version number if needed.
1.3. Install
sudo apt install ./turbovnc_3.0.2_amd64.deb
# 2. Install a desktop environment
Make sure you have a desktop environment setup that TigerVNC can connect towards:
sudo apt-get update -y && sudo apt-get autoremove -y
sudo apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends xubuntu-desktop
# 3. Start TurboVNC
Start the session on your server with the command below and note the number of session N (e.g. :1):
/opt/TurboVNC/bin/vncserver -geometry 1280x900 -SecurityTypes None -localhost -disconnect
# 4. Configure your local computer
You will need a SSH tunnel between your local computer and your lab to connect to your VNC session.
Calculate your port
In this example we will use port 5901. In case of multiple users you will need to calculate your port based your session number identified above (N): 5900 + n(:1) => 5901.
4.1 In your local computer, establish a SSH tunnel to your lab:
ssh -L59000:localhost:5901 -C -N lab
4.2 Download and install tigervnc on your local computer.
Windows
Download TigerVNC (opens new window) on sourceforge.net (Click Download).
OS X and MacOS
brew install --cask tigervnc-viewer
Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt install tigervnc-viewer
4.3 Connect your VNC client using the following address (see below).
127.0.0.1:59000
# Useful commands for Turbo VNC
TurboVNC commands are run inside your lab machine.
# List running sessions
If you have one or more existing sessions running and you want to list them, you can use -list parameter:
/opt/TurboVNC/bin/vncserver -list
# Stop session
You can stop your session by using -kill parameter and :n being a number of session (e.g. :1):
/opt/TurboVNC/bin/vncserver -kill :n
# Troubleshooting
.