Hi everyone! I have two computers running Debian 13 with KDE Plasma. One is set up as my home server, but it doesn't have a monitor, mouse, or keyboard attached. I'm trying to figure out how to control this home server from my other computer remotely, but I'm facing some challenges. I tried using Remmina, but it didn't work for me. Does remote desktop control require a monitor to be connected to the server? What tools would you recommend for setting this up?
6 Answers
To remotely access a desktop environment, you need either a connected monitor, a dummy plug that mimics a monitor, or a virtual dummy monitor, which I use on my server. Check out this guide for setting that up: [Remote Desktop Access](https://brytsknguyen.github.io/Notes/ubuntu%20dummy%20desktop%20remote%20access/). It might help you avoid that black screen issue with Remmina!
Glad to help! A dummy monitor is an easy fix.
Have you thought about using RDP? Depending on what you're trying to achieve, RDP could work well for you. SSH is definitely the easiest if you just need terminal access. I have a similar setup, and I mostly use SSH, but occasionally I need a GUI. For that, I use RDP with xfreerdp.
Most Linux servers are run without a GUI, so typically you would SSH into it and manage everything through the command line. But if you're looking for a browser-based management tool, there are web interfaces that you can install for that purpose, depending on what you need to access.
Make sure to enable Remote Desktop in your KDE settings on the server side. This is essential for remote access with a GUI.
You can try installing xrdp by running `apt install xorgxrdp xrdp`, and don't forget to check the README for Debian. That could set you up with the remote access you need!
I really like using NoMachine for remote access. It works great with both Linux and Windows, and it’s pretty straightforward to set up.
Oh I didn't know that! That explains the black screen I got with Remmina. Thanks so much for the tip! I think I’ll get a dummy monitor.