# Remote desktop access

A visual desktop interface can simplify managing CPU and GPU instances. This guide walks you through setting up remote desktop access using TigerVNC with XFCE on Linux systems like Ubuntu 24.04, enabling you to remotely control your Arkane Cloud virtual machine through a lightweight graphical interface.

**Step 1: Connect via SSH**

```bash
ssh user@INSTANCE_IP_ADDRESS
```

**Step 2: Update Your System** If you haven't already, follow the instructions in "Securing Your Instance."

```bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
```

**Step 3: Install XFCE Desktop Environment**

```bash
sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies
```

**Step 4: Install TigerVNC Server**

```bash
sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server tigervnc-common
```

**Step 5: Configure VNC Password** Launch the VNC server to set your password and generate configuration files:

```bash
vncserver
```

Enter a password when prompted.

**Step 6: Configure VNC for XFCE** Stop the VNC server:

```bash
vncserver -kill :1
```

Create or edit `~/.vnc/xstartup`:

```bash
vi ~/.vnc/xstartup
```

Add the following content:

```bash
#!/bin/sh
unset SESSION_MANAGER
unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS
startxfce4 &
```

Make it executable:

```bash
chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup
```

**Step 7: Restart VNC Server**

```bash
vncserver :1
```

Your VNC server is now running and ready for connections.

**Step 8: Create a Secure SSH Tunnel** On your local machine (the one you'll use to view the desktop), run:

```
ssh -L 5901:localhost:5901 username@REMOTE_IP
```

💡 Tip: Use `screen` or `tmux` to keep the tunnel running in the background.

**Step 9: Connect with a VNC Client** Open any VNC viewer (TigerVNC Viewer, RealVNC, or Remmina) and connect to `localhost:5901`.

**Additional Tips**

* Multiple VNC sessions use different ports (5901, 5902, etc.)
* Other desktop environments (Ubuntu Desktop/Gnome, KDE Plasma) are compatible, but XFCE is recommended for its lightweight design and ease of use with default Arkane Cloud images