How to Install Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager on Ubuntu & Debian: A Step-by-Step Guide
For IT professionals and system administrators managing multiple remote connections, having a centralized, secure, and efficient tool is essential. Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) is a powerful solution that streamlines the management of various remote sessions, credentials, and servers. While often associated with Windows, its native Linux client brings this robust functionality to Debian and Ubuntu systems.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process for installing Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager on your Ubuntu or Debian-based machine, enabling you to take full control of your remote workflows.
Prerequisites
Before you begin the installation, ensure you have the following:
- A system running a supported version of Ubuntu or Debian.
- Sudo or root privileges to execute administrative commands.
- A stable internet connection to download the necessary packages and repository keys.
Step 1: Add the Devolutions GPG Key
First, you need to add the Devolutions repository’s GPG key to your system’s trusted keys. This cryptographic key ensures that the packages you download from the repository are authentic and have not been tampered with.
Open your terminal and execute the following command:
wget -qO - https://d1s31t8wa3f17p.cloudfront.net/devolutions-archive-key.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/devolutions-archive-keyring.gpg
This command downloads the key, de-armors it, and places it in the appropriate directory for your package manager to use.
Step 2: Configure the APT Repository
Next, you must inform your system’s package manager (APT) where to find the Remote Desktop Manager software. This is done by adding the Devolutions repository to your list of sources.
Run this command in your terminal to create a new repository source file:
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/devolutions-archive-keyring.gpg] https://d1s31t8wa3f17p.cloudfront.net/apt/ stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/devolutions.list'
This command creates a file named devolutions.list inside /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ and adds the official repository path, linking it to the GPG key you added in the previous step.
Step 3: Update Your System’s Package List
After adding a new repository, you must refresh your local package index. This step updates the list of available packages, making your system aware of the newly added Devolutions repository and the software it contains.
Execute the update command:
sudo apt update
You should see the Devolutions URL in the output as your system fetches the latest package information.
Step 4: Install Remote Desktop Manager
With the repository configured and your package list updated, you are now ready to install the application. This is done with a standard apt install command.
sudo apt install remotedesktopmanager
The package manager will resolve any dependencies and install Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager along with all required components.
Launching and Configuring RDM
Once the installation is complete, you can find Remote Desktop Manager in your application menu. On the first launch, you will be guided through the initial setup, which includes configuring your data source. This could be a local file, an XML or SQLite database, or a connection to a centralized database like Microsoft SQL Server or Devolutions Server for team environments.
Security Best Practices for Using RDM
Installing the tool is just the beginning. To maximize security and efficiency, consider these actionable tips:
- Use a Strong Master Password: If using a local data source, protect it with a robust and unique master password or key.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For shared data sources, enforce 2FA to add a critical layer of security against unauthorized access.
- Leverage Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): In a team setting, use RBAC to grant permissions based on the principle of least privilege. Ensure users only have access to the connections and credentials they need.
- Keep Your Application Updated: Regularly run
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeto ensure you have the latest version of RDM, which includes security patches and new features.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly install and configure Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager on your Ubuntu or Debian system, transforming it into a centralized command center for all your remote administration tasks.
Source: https://kifarunix.com/install-devolution-remote-desktop-manager-on-ubuntu-debian/
