How to Install and Connect to Linux Server with xRDP?

In the evolving field of information technology, remote access to servers is crucial for administrators and IT professionals. xRDP (Remote Desktop Protocol for Linux) is a reliable and user-friendly tool, standing out for enabling remote desktop connections to Linux servers. This blog post guides you in installing and connecting to a Linux server using xRDP, simplifying the steps to empower you in maximizing remote access on your Linux infrastructure. Whether you’re a seasoned sysadmin or new to Linux server management, implementing xRDP enhances your efficiency, flexibility, and control over the server environment.

Before diving into the details of xRDP installation and configuration, let’s understand why remote access to Linux servers is vital and how xRDP stands out as a compelling solution. Whether troubleshooting, deploying updates, or managing your Linux server from a distance, this guide offers insights for a seamless and secure remote desktop experience.

What is RDP?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) has traditionally been linked with Windows, providing a convenient way for remote system access. However, in the Linux world, achieving smooth remote desktop connectivity has been challenging. Enter xRDP, a game-changing solution designed to bridge this gap, offering Linux users a reliable and efficient means of remote access.

What is xRDP?

xRDP, or X Remote Desktop Protocol, is an open-source implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol, enabling remote desktop functionality on Linux systems. Serving as a server, xRDP allows users to connect to a Linux machine’s desktop from a remote location. Notably, xRDP integrates seamlessly with popular Linux desktop environments like XFCE and MATE, ensuring a consistent and familiar user experience.

Features and Advantages

• Cross-Platform Compatibility:

xRDP seamlessly works across different Linux distributions, offering versatility to users, regardless of their preferred Linux flavor.

• Integration with Linux Desktop Environments:

The xRDP supports integration with popular Linux desktop environments, providing users the flexibility to choose an environment that aligns with their preferences.

• Efficient Resource Utilization:

xRDP is lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t consume excessive system resources. This makes it suitable for both resource-constrained environments and robust server setups.

• Open Source and Customizability:

As an open-source project, xRDP encourages community involvement and allows users to customize it to meet their specific requirements.

• Compatibility with Different Linux Distributions:

xRDP is compatible with various Linux distributions, offering administrators a consistent and reliable method for remote desktop connections, whether on Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, or other distributions.

Prerequisites

• xRDP is compatible with various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, and Fedora. Ensure that your chosen distribution is supported by xRDP.

• To install and configure software on the server, you require administrative (root) access or sudo privileges. Ensure you have the necessary credentials to perform these tasks.

• Linux distributions typically use a package manager for software installation. Get acquainted with the relevant package manager for your distribution (e.g., apt for Debian/Ubuntu, yum for CentOS/RHEL, dnf for Fedora) and ensure it is up-to-date.

• Installing an SSH on your computer is helpful. It allows secure command-line access to the server, which is useful for troubleshooting and making configurations.

• Check and set up your server’s firewall. Open the required ports, like 3389, for xRDP to enable incoming remote desktop connections.

Installing xRDP on the Linux Server

Before installing xRDP, ensure that your system’s package repository is up-to-date.

For Debian/Ubuntu 

sudo apt update

For CentOS/RHEL

sudo yum update

Install xRDP and XFCE Desktop Environment

xRDP works well with various desktop environments, but for this guide, we’ll use XFCE as an example. Install xRDP along with XFCE using the package manager.

For Debian/Ubuntu

sudo apt install xrdp xfce4 -y

For CentOS/RHEL

sudo yum install xrdp epel-release -y

sudo yum install xfce4 -y

Start and Enable xRDP Service

After installation, start the xRDP service and enable it to start on boot.

For Debian/Ubuntu

sudo systemctl start xrdp

sudo systemctl enable xrdp

For CentOS/RHEL

sudo systemctl start xrdp

sudo systemctl enable xrdp

Configure the Firewall

Adjust your firewall settings to allow incoming connections on the default xRDP port (3389).

For Debian/Ubuntu

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

For CentOS/RHEL

sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=3389/tcp --permanent

sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Verify xRDP Installation

Confirm that xRDP is running on your server.

For Debian/Ubuntu

sudo systemctl status xrdp

For CentOS/RHEL

sudo systemctl status xrdp

Once xRDP is running smoothly, you can connect to your Linux server using a remote desktop client.

Step-by-Step Guide for Connecting to xRDP

Follow these steps to connect to xRDP:

1. Open your Remote Desktop Client: To connect, use a remote desktop client on your local machine. You can use Microsoft Remote Desktop, Remmina, or any RDP-compatible client. In the connection window, type your Linux server’s IP address or hostname.
2. Specify the User Credentials: Enter the username and password of the account on your Linux server for the remote session.
3. Choose the Desktop Environment: Choose the desktop environment (e.g., XFCE, MATE) you want in the session options of your remote desktop client if you installed multiple environments.
4. Initiate the Connection: Initiate the connection to the Linux server by clicking the “Connect” or “Start” button.
5. Accept the Certificate (if prompted): If prompted, confirm the server’s certificate to proceed, depending on your client and server configurations.
6. Enter Password (if prompted by xRDP): If prompted by xRDP, enter your password again. Use the password associated with the Linux account you’re using for the remote session.
7. Explore Your Remote Desktop: After connecting, the Linux desktop environment should appear on your local machine. Now, interact with the server as if you were physically present at the machine.

Conclusion

In summary, xRDP is a versatile solution for remote desktop access to Linux servers. It combines the flexibility of various distributions with popular desktop environments. Following this guide, users can install, configure, and connect to their Linux servers using xRDP. With its compatibility, open-source nature, and user-friendly features, xRDP makes server management more accessible and productive for administrators, developers, and IT professionals. As technology advances, tools like xRDP showcase the adaptability and innovation in the evolving field of remote server administration. Learn how to connect to a Linux server remotely with ease using our step-by-step guide and ensure seamless access to your server from any location.