Install GUI on Ubuntu 18_04 and Connect via VNC Viewer

This tutorial explains how to set up a graphical interface on a Baidu AI Cloud Public Image Ubuntu18.04 environment and connect to it locally using a VNC client.

Note: Adding a graphical desktop may significantly reduce server performance. Incorrect setup might prevent the OS from booting as expected. Prior to installation, create a manual snapshot of the BCC instance for rollback in case of unforeseen issues.

Step I: [Install the desktop environment on BCC](#Install the desktop environment on BCC).
Step II: [Install VNCserver service](#Install VNCserver service).
Step III: [Connect to the instance using the viewer client software](#Connect to the instance using the viewer client software).

Prerequisites

1. Ensure that security groups and firewalls permit Port 5901 (vncserver port).
2. Download VNC Viewer client connection software.

Install the desktop environment on BCC

1. Connect to the server either remotely or through VNC.
2. Execute the command: apt-get update && apt-get upgrade -y to update sources.

3. Execute the command apt-get install ubuntu-desktop gnome-panel gnome-settings-daemon metacity nautilus gnome-terminal to install environment.

4. After rebooting, you can use VNC to sign in to the graphical interface reboot.

Install VNCserver service

1. Execute the command apt-get -y install vnc4server to install vncserver.

2. Run the vncserver command to start the VNC server.

3. Use ps -ef | grep vnc to check whether it is started and view the port number in use.

You will be able to confirm that the service is running correctly and using Port 5901.

4. Run the command cp -p ~/.vnc/xstartup ~/.vnc/xstartup.bak to back up the original xstartup configuration file.
5. Adjust the vnc4server startup configuration by following these steps.

(1) Run the command vim ~/.vnc/xstartup to open the file.
(2) Press the i key to enter edit mode.
(3) Replace the file content with the following.

1#!/bin/sh
2# Uncomment the following two lines for normal desktop:
3# unset SESSION_MANAGER
4# exec /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc
5[ -x /etc/vnc/xstartup ] && exec /etc/vnc/xstartup
6[ -r $HOME/.Xresources ] && xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
7xsetroot -solid grey
8vncconfig -iconic &
9x-terminal-emulator -geometry 80x24+10+10 -ls -title "$VNCDESKTOP Desktop" &
10x-window-manager &
11gnome-panel &
12gnome-settings-daemon &
13metacity &
14nautilus &

(4) Press the Esc key to exit edit mode, then type :wq to save changes and exit.

6. Execute the following commands in order to create a new session.

vncserver -kill: 1 #Terminate the original desktop process (assuming desktop number is :1)
vncserver :1 # Generates a new session

Connect to the instance using the viewer client software

1. Connect to the instance using the viewer client connection software provided in the prerequisites: Click file-------New connection..to create a new connection.

2. Input the necessary information.

3. Click Continue.

4. Enter the password you set during Step 2 of "install vncserver" here.

5. The connection was successful.