Change Ubuntu Desktop Sharing Port To 3390

by Viktoria Ivanova 43 views

Hey everyone! Ever found yourself scratching your head trying to figure out how to change the default port for desktop sharing on Ubuntu? Well, you're not alone! Many users, especially those diving into networking and remote access, often need to tweak these settings for various reasons. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to change the desktop sharing port to 3390, focusing on using Ubuntu's built-in Settings rather than relying on xrdp. This is super useful if you're already leveraging Ubuntu's native desktop sharing capabilities and want to customize your setup. We'll also touch on using Remmina, a popular remote desktop client, to connect to your newly configured port. So, let's jump right in and get this sorted!

Understanding Desktop Sharing and Port Configuration

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly cover the why. Desktop sharing allows you to remotely access and control another computer's desktop environment. This is incredibly handy for remote support, accessing your work computer from home, or managing servers. The port number is a crucial part of this process, acting like a specific doorway through which the connection is made. By default, many desktop sharing services use standard ports, but sometimes, you need to change these. Maybe there's a conflict with another service, or perhaps you want to enhance security by using a non-standard port. Whatever the reason, knowing how to change the port is a valuable skill.

Why Change the Default Port?

  • Security Enhancement: Using a non-standard port can make it slightly harder for malicious actors to discover your desktop sharing service. It's a bit like hiding your house key under a flower pot – not foolproof, but it adds a layer of obscurity. Let's be real, though, this isn't a substitute for strong passwords and proper security practices, guys! Always make sure you've got a robust password and keep your system updated.
  • Avoiding Conflicts: Sometimes, the default port used by desktop sharing might conflict with another application or service running on your machine. Changing the port can resolve these conflicts and ensure everything runs smoothly. Think of it like rearranging furniture in a room so everyone has enough space.
  • Specific Network Requirements: Some networks or firewalls might block certain ports. If your default desktop sharing port is blocked, changing it to an open port is necessary for the service to function correctly. This is like finding a different route when your usual road is closed for construction.

The Role of Port 3390

You might be wondering, why 3390? Well, it's a non-standard port, which means it's less likely to be targeted by automated attacks compared to well-known ports. It's also a port that's generally not used by other common services, reducing the chance of conflicts. That said, you could choose another port if you have a specific reason, but 3390 is a solid choice for this example. Just make sure to pick a port number that's not already in use by another service on your system. Using a port scanner can help you identify available ports, but for most folks, 3390 should work just fine. And remember, always document your port changes so you don't forget them later!

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Desktop Sharing Port

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you can change the desktop sharing port to 3390 on Ubuntu using the built-in Settings. We'll break it down into easy-to-follow steps, so even if you're not a Linux guru, you'll be able to nail this.

Step 1: Accessing the Settings

First things first, you need to open the Settings application. You can usually find it by clicking on the Activities menu in the top-left corner of your screen and then typing "Settings." Alternatively, you might have a shortcut icon on your dock or desktop. Once you find it, click to open. Think of this as your mission control for all things system-related.

Step 2: Navigating to Desktop Sharing

In the Settings window, look for the Sharing section. It's often located in the left-hand sidebar. Click on Sharing, and you'll see various sharing options, including Screen Sharing. Click on Screen Sharing to access the desktop sharing settings. This is where the magic happens, guys! You're about to customize your remote access experience.

Step 3: Enabling Screen Sharing

Make sure the Screen Sharing switch at the top is turned on. If it's off, flip it to the On position. This activates the desktop sharing service, making your computer accessible remotely. You'll also see some additional settings appear once you enable screen sharing. These settings are key to configuring how others can connect to your machine.

Step 4: Configuring the Port (The Tricky Part!)

Now, this is where things get a little less straightforward. Ubuntu's built-in Settings doesn't directly expose an option to change the port number. Bummer, right? But don't worry, we have a workaround! We'll need to use the dconf Editor to modify the settings directly. dconf Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to tweak system settings that aren't exposed in the graphical interface. It's like going under the hood of your car – you can make some serious adjustments, but you need to know what you're doing.

Installing dconf Editor

If you don't already have dconf Editor installed, you'll need to install it from the terminal. Open a terminal window (you can usually do this by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T) and type the following command:

sudo apt install dconf-editor

Press Enter, and you'll be prompted for your password. Enter your password (you won't see the characters as you type) and press Enter again. The apt package manager will download and install dconf Editor. This might take a few moments, depending on your internet connection. Think of this as installing a new tool in your toolbox – it's essential for the task at hand.

Launching dconf Editor

Once dconf Editor is installed, you can launch it by typing dconf-editor in the terminal and pressing Enter. Alternatively, you can search for it in the Activities menu. The dconf Editor window will appear, showing you a hierarchical view of system settings. This is where you'll navigate to the specific setting for the desktop sharing port.

Navigating to the Desktop Sharing Settings in dconf Editor

In dconf Editor, navigate to the following path:

/org/gnome/desktop/remote-access/

You can do this by clicking on the arrows next to each level in the hierarchy. It's like navigating a file system, but instead of files and folders, you're navigating settings. Once you're in the /org/gnome/desktop/remote-access/ directory, you'll see a list of settings related to remote access.

Changing the Port

Look for the alternative-port setting. By default, it's likely set to 0, which means it's using the default port. Double-click on alternative-port to edit its value. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to enter a new value. Enter 3390 and click Apply. You've now successfully changed the desktop sharing port! This is the key step, guys. You've just unlocked a new level of customization.

Enabling the Alternative Port

There's one more crucial step! You need to enable the use of the alternative port. Look for the use-alternative-port setting. If it's unchecked, check the box next to it to enable it. This tells the desktop sharing service to actually use the port you just specified. Think of it as flipping the switch to turn on the lights – you've installed the lightbulb (changed the port), but you still need to turn it on.

Step 5: Restarting the Desktop Sharing Service (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure the changes take effect, it's a good idea to restart the desktop sharing service. You can do this by toggling the Screen Sharing switch in Settings off and then on again. This forces the service to reload its configuration and use the new port. It's like giving your computer a gentle nudge to make sure it's paying attention.

Connecting with Remmina

Now that you've changed the desktop sharing port, you'll need to configure your remote desktop client to use the new port. In this example, we're using Remmina, a popular and versatile remote desktop client for Linux.

Configuring Remmina

  1. Open Remmina: Launch Remmina from your applications menu.
  2. Create a New Connection: Click on the Create a new connection profile button (it looks like a + icon).
  3. Enter Connection Details:
    • Name: Give your connection a descriptive name, like "My Ubuntu Desktop on 3390".
    • Protocol: Choose VNC (since Ubuntu's built-in desktop sharing uses VNC).
    • Server: Enter the IP address or hostname of the computer you're connecting to.
    • User Name: Enter the username for your account on the remote computer.
    • Password: Enter the password for your account on the remote computer.
    • Port: This is the crucial part! Enter 3390 as the port number.
  4. Save the Connection: Click Save to save your connection profile.

Connecting to Your Remote Desktop

Double-click on your newly created connection profile in Remmina. If everything is configured correctly, you should be prompted to accept the connection on the remote computer. Once you accept, you'll see the remote desktop in the Remmina window. Voila! You're now connected to your Ubuntu desktop using the custom port 3390.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

  • Connection Refused: If you're getting a "connection refused" error, double-check that the Screen Sharing service is enabled on the remote computer and that you've entered the correct IP address, username, password, and port number in Remmina. Also, make sure the firewall on the remote computer isn't blocking port 3390. You might need to add a firewall rule to allow connections on that port. Think of this as making sure the door is unlocked and the lights are on before you try to enter.
  • Incorrect Password: This one's pretty straightforward, but it's easy to mistype your password. Double-check that you've entered the correct password for your account on the remote computer. It's always a good idea to try logging in locally on the remote computer to make sure you have the correct password.
  • Firewall Issues: Firewalls can be tricky, guys. If you're still having trouble connecting, even after verifying the other settings, it's likely a firewall issue. You'll need to configure the firewall on the remote computer to allow connections on port 3390. The exact steps for doing this will depend on the firewall software you're using, but generally, you'll need to create a new rule that allows incoming TCP connections on port 3390. This is like opening a specific lane on the highway to allow traffic to flow through.

Conclusion

Changing the desktop sharing port on Ubuntu might seem daunting at first, but with the right steps, it's totally achievable. By using dconf Editor and configuring Remmina, you can customize your remote access setup to suit your needs. Remember, changing the port is just one piece of the security puzzle. Always use strong passwords and keep your system updated to stay secure. So there you have it! You've successfully changed your desktop sharing port to 3390 and learned a bit more about how Ubuntu works under the hood. Go forth and share your desktop with confidence!