Install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8 | Best Remote Desktop

In this guide on Orcacore, we’ll delve into How To Install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8. AnyDesk is a versatile remote desktop software solution, enabling you to connect to and control computers remotely. It’s a cross-platform application, granting platform-independent remote access to various devices, including PCs and other host systems. Anydesk boasts features like remote access, file transfer capabilities, and VPN functionality, providing secure and reliable access for IT professionals.

Moreover, it empowers users to remotely access their desktops and associated files or documents from virtually anywhere globally. Anydesk incorporates a built-in address book feature, which diligently tracks connections and contacts, displaying their online status for easy reference. Notably, Anydesk remains accessible even in areas characterized by low bandwidth and unreliable Internet connectivity. We will show you how to Install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8.

Steps To Install and Access Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8

To Install and Access Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8, ensure you’re logged into your server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. If needed, refer to our comprehensive guide on Initial Server Setup with Rocky Linux 8.

1. Install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8

By default, Anydesk packages are not included in the standard Rocky Linux repository. You’ll need to add it manually to your server. Let’s explore the process:

Add Anydesk Repository

To add the Anydesk repository, execute the following command:

sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/anydesk.repo<<EOF
[anydesk]
name=AnyDesk CentOS - stable
baseurl=http://rpm.anydesk.com/centos/x86_64/
gpgcheck=1
repo_gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=https://keys.anydesk.com/repos/RPM-GPG-KEY
EOF

This command generates a new repository file located at /etc/yum.repos.d/anydesk.repo. To verify the contents of the repository file, use the following command:

cat /etc/yum.repos.d/anydesk.repo

Install Epel Repository

Next, install the Epel (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository with the following command:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y

After installing EPEL, update your local package index to reflect the changes:

sudo dnf update -y

Install Anydesk

Now, install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8 using the following command:

sudo dnf install anydesk -y

Once the installation is complete, you can access and launch the Anydesk application.

2. Access Anydesk App on Rocky Linux 8

Navigate to your applications menu, locate the Anydesk icon, and click it to launch Anydesk on your Rocky Linux system. This will enable you to start accessing remote computers.

Conclusion

At this juncture, you’ve successfully learned How To Install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8. Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8 facilitates remote desktop access, allowing users to control and manage systems remotely via a secure and lightweight connection. Install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8 is now very easy with the steps provided.

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FAQs

Alternative Solutions for Remote Desktop Access on Rocky Linux 8

While Anydesk is a solid choice for remote desktop access, other options exist. Here are two alternative approaches:

1. Using VNC (Virtual Network Computing)

VNC is a graphical desktop-sharing system that allows you to remotely control another computer’s screen. It’s a widely supported and open-source alternative. To use VNC on Rocky Linux 8, you’ll need to install a VNC server and a VNC client.

Installation and Configuration (Server Side – Rocky Linux 8):

1. Install TigerVNC Server: TigerVNC is a popular VNC server implementation. Install it using:

   sudo dnf install tigervnc-server tigervnc-server-module -y

2. Set VNC Password: Create a VNC password for the user that will be accessed remotely:

   vncpasswd

   You will be prompted to enter and verify the password.

3. Configure VNC Server: Create a VNC server configuration file for the user. First, stop the default VNC server:

   vncserver -kill :1

   Then, create a configuration file at ~/.vnc/xstartup.

   nano ~/.vnc/xstartup

   Add the following content to the file:

   #!/bin/bash
   unset SESSION_MANAGER
   unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS
   exec /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc

   Make the file executable:

   chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup

4. Start the VNC Server: Start the VNC server with the following command:

   vncserver :1

   This will start the VNC server on display :1.

5. Firewall Configuration: Allow VNC traffic through the firewall. The default VNC port is 5900 + display number (e.g., 5901 for display :1).

   sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=5901/tcp
   sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Installation and Configuration (Client Side – Your Local Machine):

1. Install a VNC Client: On your local machine (Windows, macOS, Linux), install a VNC client like TigerVNC Viewer or RealVNC Viewer.

2. Connect to the VNC Server: Launch the VNC client and enter the IP address of your Rocky Linux 8 server followed by the display number (e.g., 192.168.1.100:1). Enter the VNC password you set earlier.

Explanation:

VNC works by creating a virtual display on the server and allowing a client to connect and interact with that display. The xstartup script configures the environment for the VNC session. This method is advantageous due to its open-source nature and wide compatibility, but can sometimes be slower than Anydesk, especially on low bandwidth connections.

2. Using SSH with X11 Forwarding

If you primarily need to run graphical applications remotely rather than have a full desktop experience, SSH with X11 forwarding provides a secure and lightweight solution.

Configuration (Server Side – Rocky Linux 8):

1. Ensure X11 Forwarding is Enabled: Verify that X11 forwarding is enabled in the SSH server configuration file (/etc/ssh/sshd_config). Look for the line X11Forwarding yes. If it’s commented out or set to no, uncomment it and change it to yes.

   sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

   After making changes, restart the SSH service:

   sudo systemctl restart sshd

2. Install Xorg: If Xorg is not already installed, install it using:

   sudo dnf install xorg-x11-xauth xorg-x11-apps

Configuration (Client Side – Your Local Machine):

1. SSH Client: Use an SSH client that supports X11 forwarding (most do). On Linux or macOS, this is typically the ssh command in the terminal. On Windows, you might use PuTTY or a similar SSH client.

2. Connect with X11 Forwarding: Connect to the server using the -X or -Y flag (-X is generally more secure, while -Y is more permissive).

   ssh -X user@your_server_ip

Using X11 Forwarding:

After successfully connecting via SSH, you can run graphical applications on the server, and their windows will be displayed on your local machine. For example:

firefox

This will launch Firefox on the remote server, but the Firefox window will appear on your local desktop.

Explanation:

SSH with X11 forwarding works by securely tunneling the X11 protocol (used for graphical displays in Linux) over the SSH connection. This allows you to run individual applications remotely without the overhead of a full remote desktop session. This method is generally faster and more secure than VNC for running individual applications, but it’s not suitable for a full desktop experience.

These alternative solutions provide different approaches to remote access on Rocky Linux 8, catering to varying needs and preferences. Choose the method that best aligns with your specific requirements and technical expertise. While AnyDesk makes the process very simple to Install Anydesk on Rocky Linux 8, VNC and SSH provide robust alternatives.