How To Build A Linux Terminal Server

Background

A “terminal server” or centralized shared desktop server has obvious benefits. Here are just a few:

• Central application management
• Securely access home automation or BMS systems remotely
• Use cheap thin clients or even older machines that are now too slow
• Cross platform – this works with Windows, Mac, and Linux machines
• Remotely accessible from anywhere
• Reduced support requirements
• Privately use another desktop from work or home
• Save on the expense of premium hardware on every desktop
• More secure application deployment within trusted network zones
• License Free! – this type of terminal server requires no expensive licensing

Solution

I built a terminal server running Xubuntu 22.04 with local users. To enable the use of RDP protocol clients (because Windows, Linux, and Mac machines already have RDP clients) I installed the xrdp package. You can perform the following steps to turn any Xubuntu desktop instance into a full terminal server:

sudo apt install xrdp
sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp
sudo ufw allow from any to any port 3389 proto tcp

When adding new users to the box, simply add any desktop user the usual way in Ubuntu:

Once the user is added, give them whatever permissions are desired. If you have various applications and a printer already setup on this box, then the user will have access to them to print from within their session. Once setup, give the user their credentials and have them login for the first time.

From another Linux desktop, they can use the “Remmina” app to open a session, or from Windows use Remote Desktop, etc:

Upon logging in, they will see the login greeter:

Once logged in, the terminal server desktop appears:

From within this session, the desktop experience is perfect for running centralized applications, or browsing the internet from the terminal server’s location.