Seamless Remote Desktop Access: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing NoMachine on Ubuntu 24.04 & 22.04
Managing a remote Ubuntu desktop can be challenging. While tools like VNC and RDP exist, they can often feel slow, complex to configure, or lack essential features. If you’re searching for a high-performance, secure, and user-friendly remote desktop solution, NoMachine is an exceptional choice.
Powered by the proprietary NX protocol, NoMachine delivers a remarkably smooth and responsive “local-like” experience, even over low-bandwidth connections. This guide will walk you through the entire process of installing and configuring NoMachine on Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat or 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish, empowering you with complete control over your remote machine.
What Makes NoMachine a Superior Choice?
Before we dive into the installation, let’s highlight why NoMachine stands out:
- Exceptional Performance: The NX protocol provides incredible speed and fluidity, making graphics-intensive tasks feel seamless.
- Cross-Platform Support: Access your Ubuntu desktop from any device running Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
- Feature-Rich: Enjoy high-quality audio and video streaming, file transfers, session recording, and remote device sharing.
- Free for Personal Use: NoMachine offers a powerful, full-featured version completely free for individual use, making it an accessible option for everyone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing NoMachine on Ubuntu
Follow these simple steps to get your remote desktop server up and running in minutes. All commands should be run in your terminal.
Step 1: Update Your System’s Package List
First, it’s always a best practice to ensure your system is up-to-date. This prevents potential package conflicts and enhances security.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Press Y and Enter if prompted to continue with any upgrades.
Step 2: Download the NoMachine DEB Package
NoMachine is not available in the default Ubuntu repositories. You need to download the installation package directly from the official website.
- Open your web browser and navigate to the NoMachine for Linux download page.
- Select the “NoMachine for Linux DEB AMD64” package. This is the correct version for 64-bit Ubuntu systems, which is standard for most modern computers.
- Save the
.debfile to yourDownloadsfolder.
Step 3: Install the NoMachine Package
Once the download is complete, open your terminal and navigate to your Downloads directory.
cd ~/Downloads
Now, use the dpkg command to install the package. Remember to replace [package_name] with the actual filename you downloaded. You can use the ls command to see the exact filename.
# Example filename: nomachine_8.11.3_4_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i nomachine_*.deb
During installation, dpkg might report missing dependencies. This is normal. The next step will automatically resolve this. To fix any dependency errors, run the following command:
sudo apt --fix-broken install
This command will find and install all the necessary dependencies for NoMachine, completing the setup process.
Step 4: Verify the Installation
After the installation is finished, the NoMachine server starts automatically. You can verify that the service is active and running correctly with this command:
sudo systemctl status nxserver.service
You should see an output indicating the service is active (running).
Connecting to Your Remote Ubuntu Desktop
With the server installed, you’re ready to connect. You’ll need two things: the NoMachine client on the computer you are connecting from, and the IP address of your Ubuntu machine.
Finding Your Ubuntu Machine’s IP Address
On the Ubuntu machine where you installed NoMachine, open a terminal and run the following command to find its local IP address:
ip a
Look for your primary network interface (e.g., eth0 or enp0s3 for wired, wlan0 or wlp2s0 for wireless) and find the inet address. It will look something like 192.168.1.105. This is the address you will use to connect.
Establishing the Connection
- On your client machine (Windows, Mac, etc.), download and install the NoMachine client from their website.
- Launch the NoMachine application. It will automatically scan your local network for available computers.
- If your Ubuntu machine appears, simply click it to connect. If not, click “Add” and manually enter the IP address you found earlier.
- You will be prompted to enter the username and password for your user account on the Ubuntu machine.
- On the first connection, you will be asked to verify the server’s fingerprint for security. Accept it to continue.
You are now connected to your Ubuntu desktop with a fast and responsive remote session!
Essential Security Tips for Remote Access
Exposing a machine to remote connections requires careful security considerations. Follow these best practices:
- Use a Strong Password: Ensure your Ubuntu user account has a strong, unique password.
- Enable the Firewall: Ubuntu’s Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) is an excellent tool. Enable it and allow traffic only on the NoMachine port (4000/TCP).
bash
sudo ufw allow 4000/tcp
sudo ufw enable
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update both your Ubuntu system and the NoMachine software to receive the latest security patches.
How to Uninstall NoMachine from Ubuntu
If you no longer need NoMachine, you can easily remove it with a single command:
sudo dpkg -r nomachine
This will cleanly uninstall the software and stop the server from running.
Source: https://kifarunix.com/install-nomachine-on-ubuntu-2/
