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

ssh user@INSTANCE_IP_ADDRESS

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

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 3: Install XFCE Desktop Environment

sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies

Step 4: Install TigerVNC Server

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:

vncserver

Enter a password when prompted.

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

vncserver -kill :1

Create or edit ~/.vnc/xstartup:

vi ~/.vnc/xstartup

Add the following content:

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

Make it executable:

chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup

Step 7: Restart VNC Server

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