access EVERYTHING from your web browser!! (Linux and Windows Desktop, SSH) // Guacamole Install

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing and configuring Apache Guacamole, an open-source tool that allows you to access remote desktops and servers through a web browser. Whether you are using Linux or Windows, Guacamole enables you to connect via VNC, RDP, or SSH, making it an excellent solution for remote access from any device.

Step 1: Choose Your Installation Path

You have two primary options for installing Guacamole: cloud setup or home lab setup. Choose the one that fits your needs.

• Cloud Setup: Utilize a cloud service like Linode.
• Home Lab Setup: Use your own hardware at home.

Step 2: Prepare Your Environment

Before you begin the installation, complete the following preparations:

Get a Free Domain Name

• Use services like Freenom to acquire a free domain name.
• Ensure that your domain name is easy to remember and relevant to your project.

Set Up Cloudflare

• Sign up for a Cloudflare account.
• Add your domain to Cloudflare and configure DNS settings.
• Enable SSL for secure connections.

Step 3: Install Guacamole on Cloud

If you've chosen the cloud setup, follow these steps:

Step 1: Install and Configure Cloudron

1. Sign up for a Cloudron account.
2. Choose your server and deploy Cloudron using the provided instructions.
3. Access your Cloudron dashboard to manage applications.

Step 2: Install Guacamole

1. Go to the Cloudron App Store.
2. Search for "Guacamole" and click to install.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 3: Configure Guacamole

1. Log in to your Guacamole instance using the credentials set during installation.
2. Add your remote connections:
   • For VNC: Enter the IP address and port of your VNC server.
   • For RDP: Provide the necessary Windows credentials.
   • For SSH: Input the hostname and credentials for the SSH connection.

Step 4: Install Guacamole on Home Lab

For those opting for the home lab setup:

Step 1: Install and Configure Cloudron

• Follow the same steps as in the cloud setup to install Cloudron on your home server.

Step 2: Install Guacamole

1. Access the Cloudron dashboard.
2. Install Guacamole from the App Store, similar to the cloud setup.

Step 3: Configure Guacamole

1. Log into Guacamole.
2. Set up your remote connections just like in the cloud setup.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured Apache Guacamole for remote access to your desktops and servers. Whether you chose a cloud or home lab setup, Guacamole provides a powerful way to manage remote connections from any device. Explore its features and consider integrating additional tools to enhance your remote management capabilities. If you encounter any issues, refer to the Guacamole documentation or reach out to the community for support.