Complete Guide: Install and Configure TigerVNC Server with GNOME on Oracle Linux

If you want to set up a remote desktop environment on Oracle Linux, TigerVNC offers a robust solution. This guide walks you through installing TigerVNC with the GNOME desktop environment, configuring user access, resolving potential policy issues, setting firewall rules, and adjusting screen resolution.

1. Install Required Packages

First, install TigerVNC server and the GNOME desktop environment with dependencies.

dnf install tigervnc-server
dnf group install "Server with GUI"

2. Configure Default Session

By default, TigerVNC may not use GNOME. To ensure GNOME starts, edit the default configuration file:

nano /etc/tigervnc/vncserver-config-defaults

Add or uncomment:

session=gnome

Save the file and exit.

3. Set VNC Password

Switch to the user account that will use VNC (replace vncuser1 with your username):

su - vncuser1
vncpasswd

Enter and confirm a strong password. For security, avoid using the same password as your system login.

4. Configure VNC Users

Edit the VNC users configuration file to assign display numbers to users:

nano /etc/tigervnc/vncserver.users

Add the following line:

:1=vncuser1

Save and exit the file.

5. Start and Enable the VNC Service

Start the VNC server for display :1:

systemctl start vncserver@:1.service

Check its status:

systemctl status vncserver@:1.service

Enable it to start at boot:

systemctl enable vncserver@:1.service

6. Fix PolicyKit Authentication Issue (Optional)

If your VNC session prompts for authentication when refreshing repositories, apply this fix:

1. Navigate to the PolicyKit directory: cd /etc/polkit-1/localauthority/50-local.d/
2. Edit the configuration: vi 46-allow-update-repo.pkla
3. Add the following: [Allow Package Management all Users] Identity=unix-user:* Action=org.freedesktop.packagekit.system-sources-refresh ResultAny=yes ResultInactive=yes ResultActive=yes
4. Restart the VNC server: systemctl restart vncserver@:1.service

7. Allow Firewall Access for VNC

Allow VNC traffic through the firewall:

firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=public --add-port=5901/tcp
firewall-cmd --reload

8. Change VNC Resolution

Step 1: Stop VNC Server

systemctl stop vncserver@:1.service

Step 2: Edit Configuration

Edit mandatory configuration to set desired resolution:

nano /etc/tigervnc/vncserver-config-mandatory

Add or modify:

geometry=1920x1080

Step 3: Modify xstartup File

Edit the VNC startup script:

nano ~/.vnc/xstartup

Ensure it contains:

#!/bin/sh
unset SESSION_MANAGER
unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
xrandr --size 1920x1080
exec /usr/bin/gnome-session &

Step 4: Make xstartup Executable

chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup

Step 5: Restart VNC Server

systemctl start vncserver@:1.service

Conclusion

Following these steps will allow you to set up a TigerVNC server with the GNOME desktop environment on Linux efficiently. You will have remote desktop access with customized resolution and firewall access, ensuring both functionality and security.

In addition, addressing potential PolicyKit issues ensures smooth operation without unnecessary prompts. By following this guide, you can set up and maintain a secure, performant VNC server environment tailored to your needs.