Ubuntu Desktop VPS - Getting Started Guide
Your Ubuntu Desktop VPS based on Ubuntu 24.04 provides a full graphical desktop environment accessible via RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). Connect from any device using a standard RDP client — no additional software installation on the server is needed.
Software Included
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu | 24.04 LTS |
| RDP Desktop | XFCE (lightweight, fast) |
| Console Desktop | Gnome (VM console in client panel) |
| RDP Server | xrdp (port 3389) |
| Browser | Firefox |
| Text Editor | Mousepad |
| Security | Fail2Ban (SSH + RDP protection) |
Step 1 - Your Credentials
Log in to your client panel and open your VPS service details. You will need:
- IP address of your server
- Root password
The same credentials are used for RDP, SSH, and VM console access.
Step 2 - Connect via RDP
Use any RDP client to connect to your desktop:
| Platform | RDP Client |
|---|---|
| Windows | Built-in Remote Desktop (mstsc) |
| macOS | Microsoft Remote Desktop (App Store) |
| Linux | Remmina |
| iOS / Android | RD Client / Remote Desktop |
Connection settings:
- Host: your.server.ip
- Port: 3389 (default)
- Username: root
- Password: from your client panel
Step 3 - Connect via SSH (Optional)
For command-line access, connect via SSH:
ssh root@your.server.ipWhat's Customized
Dual Desktop Setup
The VPS has two desktop environments configured for different access methods:
| Access Method | Desktop | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| RDP (port 3389) | XFCE | Primary GUI access for daily use |
| VM Console (client panel) | Gnome | Emergency access if RDP is unavailable |
XFCE is lightweight and works reliably over RDP. Gnome is available through the VM console in your client panel as a fallback.
X11 Display Mode
The VPS uses X11 instead of Wayland. Wayland is not compatible with RDP on Ubuntu 24.04 — it causes black screens and application crashes. X11 provides stable and reliable RDP sessions.
Brute-Force Protection
Fail2Ban protects both SSH (port 22) and RDP (port 3389). After 5 failed login attempts, the offending IP address is banned for 1 hour.
Desktop Update Protection
Core desktop packages (display server, login manager, xrdp, XFCE) are excluded from automatic OS updates. This prevents situations where a system update breaks your RDP access. Security updates for other packages (SSH, kernel, etc.) continue to apply normally. You can still update desktop packages manually if needed.
Post-Installation
Installing Additional Software
Install software using apt from the terminal or from the XFCE application menu:
# Install Chromium browser
apt update && apt install -y chromium-browser
# Install LibreOffice
apt install -y libreoffice
# Install VS Code
snap install code --classicOS Updates
To update the system manually:
apt update && apt upgrade -yTroubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Black screen after RDP login | SSH in and restart xrdp: systemctl restart xrdp |
| RDP connection refused | Check that xrdp is running: systemctl status xrdp. Restart if needed: systemctl start xrdp |
| Can't connect via RDP or SSH | Your IP may be banned by Fail2Ban. Use the VM console in your client panel to log in and unban: fail2ban-client set xrdp unbanip 1.2.3.4 |
| Firefox or other apps won't launch | Open a terminal in XFCE and run: xhost +local:, then try again |
| RDP broken after system update | Desktop packages may have been updated manually. SSH in and restart: systemctl restart xrdp. Use the VM console in your client panel as fallback |
| Forgot root password | Use the VM console in your client panel to reset it |
Minimum Requirements
| Resource | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2 vCPU | 4 vCPU |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Disk | 25 GB | 40 GB |