i have a ubuntu server and i want to let my friends access it from their house. i am new to linux. what is the easiest way to give them full access or remote desktop? thanks
WARNING.. extreme hacker alert!! Make double sure you know how to secure the machine before going live in the wide internet. Even big hosting companies get hacked to bits from time to time... that warning out of the way..... Install either ssh or vnc4server. I would prefer vnc4server as you don't have to give users any more access than to a desktop with apps they are allowed to run. Don't go allowing everybody to have root access..(how much do you trust your friends? If they start hosting/distributing/accessing illegal materials through your server it's you who carries the can).Never NEVER give your full system root password to anybody!! Any system files that need changing can be done by you.. remote users must only ever be allowed user level accounts.. Fact.. ubuntu isn't a good OS choice for this kind of server.. It's far too easy to sudo <command> to escalate user rights. I'm going to leave it there with those clues because I haven't allowed any remote login to my debian webserver from outside my LAN. It's very hard to set up.. and even harder to secure and still keep worthwhile functionality.. I'm sure there are easy guides to follow, but they all start with the same warning "Not suitable for www use" check this site http://www.bgevolution.com/blog/
since your new to linux and you dont run a corperation (I'm assuming) then ubuntu is fine for you just make sure you secure it...remember its not your enemies that get you into trouble, its your friends
ubuntu isn't a good server environment.. it's a desktop distro with holes. use debian for ease and security. It's what ubuntu is built from, but is more aimed at real production servers. The linux skills needed to secure a live ubuntu server are beyond most but expert users.
