Hey folks! I have a Plex server that I'm planning to migrate from Windows 10 to the latest version of Ubuntu since support for Windows 10 is ending. The PC is tucked away behind a bookshelf, making it tough to access directly. I need a solution that allows me to manage everything remotely since it won't have a monitor, keyboard, or mouse connected. I've tried using the built-in remote desktop feature on Ubuntu, but it only works if the machine is unlocked or has a monitor plugged in. What are my best options for remote access that will work well in a headless setup?
5 Answers
Have you checked out RustDesk? It might be a solid choice! One thing to keep in mind, though: will it automatically start on boot? When I first tried Ubuntu, I ran into issues with other tools where I had to start them manually after a reboot. But RustDesk looks promising; I'm looking into it myself.
Definitely give the migration page in our wiki a look for some tips! It's super helpful for transitioning from Windows to Linux. Just remember to be cautious with root access and avoid third-party repos unless you really need them!
Learning to use the command line with SSH is really effective. However, if you need a graphical interface, VNC could be your best bet for a desktop environment.
I do need a GUI since some programs I want to use require it, unfortunately. But thanks for the suggestion!
I've tried many remote desktop solutions, and for my money, NoMachine has been the best overall! It works great for a variety of tasks. You might want to check it out!
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll definitely look into NoMachine.
I've also been experimenting with Xpra recently. Used to rely on XRDP or VNC, but I'm liking Xpra's capabilities. It might be worth considering for your needs!
Thanks for the tip! Just a heads-up, you might face similar issues if autostart isn't set up correctly. Have you considered using SSH instead? You could set up autologin for a headless environment and run something like RustDesk or even RDP.