TigerVNC Server — Linux Remote Desktop Service
What it is
TigerVNC Server is the backend piece of the TigerVNC project. While the viewer is just a client app, the server is what actually lets users connect to a Linux desktop remotely. It’s basically the modern replacement for the old Xvnc, tuned for better performance and still under active development. For admins, it’s a way to expose a graphical session on Linux systems without going into heavier commercial solutions.
How it works
The server runs as a daemon on a Linux host. When a client connects, it spins up an X session tied to that user. Everything is sent over the RFB protocol, but TigerVNC improves rendering, compression, and multi-monitor handling compared to older VNC servers. By default, it listens on TCP ports for each display session (like :1 → 5901). It supports TLS for encryption, and in practice many admins wrap it in SSH for extra safety.
Technical profile
| Area | Details |
| Purpose | VNC server for Linux desktops |
| Platforms | Linux (server side) |
| Protocol | RFB (VNC) |
| Features | Multi-user sessions, TLS, Unix auth, multi-monitor support |
| Auth | PAM integration, local users |
| Security | TLS support, SSH tunneling recommended |
| License | GPL, open source |
| Deployment | Package install on Linux (e.g. tigervnc-server) |
Why admins use it
Simple way to provide GUI access to Linux boxes. Active project, unlike many old VNC servers. Available in most major Linux repositories. Works with standard VNC clients, not just TigerVNC Viewer. Lighter alternative to full-blown RDS or Citrix setups.
Usage scenarios
– Developers connecting to Linux desktops remotely for coding or debugging.
– University labs providing graphical Linux workstations to students off-site.
– Admins who need GUI access for occasional maintenance.
– Organizations that want a free VNC server with better performance than TightVNC.
Security notes
Out of the box, VNC isn’t very secure. TLS helps, but best practice is to tunnel sessions through SSH or a VPN. Using PAM ties logins to system accounts, which is cleaner in enterprise setups. Firewalls should restrict access to only trusted IPs.
Limitations
Linux-only — no Windows server version. Not as fast as NX or proprietary protocols under weak networks. Lacks extras like file transfer or built-in collaboration. Requires extra care with security hardening.
Comparison snapshot
| Tool | Strengths | Best fit |
| TigerVNC Server | Actively maintained, Linux-focused | Linux admins needing GUI sessions |
| TightVNC Server | Lightweight, dated | Small setups, legacy systems |
| RealVNC Server | Polished, commercial support | Enterprises with mixed OS fleets |
| X2Go Server | Session persistence, NX protocol | Teams needing more efficiency |
| NoMachine Server | Multimedia-optimized | High-latency or graphics-heavy use cases |
Minimal checklist
– Install tigervnc-server package on Linux.
– Configure per-user sessions (systemd or xinetd depending on distro).
– Tie into PAM for authentication.
– Enable TLS or tunnel via SSH.
– Limit exposure with firewall rules.
– Keep the package updated.