JessWatts.com

1. Install

apt-get install ubuntu-desktop gdm

Browse my site, this will take awhile.

2. Start gnome

/etc/init.d/gdm start

Log in as your normal user.

Now if you are going to have remote desktop it is also worth wild to have remote cli (command line interface) so…

3. Install SSH server

apt-get install openssh-server

You can now connect via SSH (port 22) using a client like putty

4. Configure Remote Desktop
From the Gnome Desktop go to System – Preferences – Remote Desktop
On the General Tab – Check “Allow other users to view your desktop”, Uncheck “Ask for your confirmation”, and Check “Require the suer to enter this password”
On the Advanced Tab – Check “Lock screen on disconnect”, and Check “Always display icon”

These settings are ideal if you are going to be the only one connecting to the machine remotely.

5. Connect
You can now connect to your machine via VNC or TightVNC

When VNCViewer prompts for the server type your ubuntu server name or ip and :port# (example: 192.168.100.102:5900)