How to make VNC Server work with ubuntu-desktop without xfce

Question

I have Ubuntu Server LTS 14.04 and I want to know whether it's possible to install vnc4server and make it work with ubuntu-desktop (and not xubuntu-desktop) without installing xfce4.

I think I have to configure the vnc4server configuration file but I'm a beginner with all this.

Please, don't suggest that I use xrdp or gnome-core. I just want to run a VNC Server using only the original ubuntu-desktop installation. I use VNC Viewer to connect to my servers, but I don't have any problem with suggestions that I use something different than vnc4server if it's going to work with ubuntu-desktop.

score 46 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 17 '14 at 20:57

46

install these packages

# apt-get install gnome-panel gnome-settings-daemon metacity nautilus gnome-terminal

and use this xstartup file

#!/bin/sh

export XKL_XMODMAP_DISABLE=1
unset SESSION_MANAGER
unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS

[ -x /etc/vnc/xstartup ] && exec /etc/vnc/xstartup
[ -r $HOME/.Xresources ] && xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
xsetroot -solid grey
vncconfig -iconic &

gnome-panel &
gnome-settings-daemon &
metacity &
nautilus &
gnome-terminal &

edited Jun 17 '14 at 20:57

fossfreedom

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answered May 31 '14 at 21:38

Blanca Higgins

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I said that I want to run the VNC via the original ubuntu-desktop, does what you suggested run with ubuntu-desktop? – GoLDeN_GhOsT May 31 '14 at 22:48
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those are just gnome packages to help vnc4server load properly or else you wont see your desktop correctly – Blanca Higgins Jun 01 '14 at 04:20
Awesome....been searching for ages and this worked like a charm!! – Abimbola Esuruoso May 14 '15 at 21:57
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Desktop is up (which is great), but Unity launcher & keyboard shortcuts doesn't work ... – Shmil The Cat May 25 '15 at 14:17
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Yup, no unity love following these directions. (sadface) just a plain gnome desktop – RoboKaren Nov 07 '16 at 06:39
Works very bad with a lot of garbage – Dims Oct 03 '18 at 21:27
Found this post coming from [setting up tightVNC](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-install-and-configure-vnc-on-ubuntu-20-04) but wanted to use gnome desktop instead. Much thanks – Chris Smith Jun 02 '21 at 01:32

score 10 · Answer 2 · edited Mar 04 '17 at 08:17

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I had to add gnome-session & prior to gnome-panel & to get any window management to work. Without it, I could only view the default desktop.

edited Mar 04 '17 at 08:17

d a i s y

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answered Jul 12 '15 at 16:46

Mark M.

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How to make VNC Server work with ubuntu-desktop without xfce

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