Installing GUI on Public Linux Images
V1.0 – January 2024
| Version | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| V1.0 – 2024-01-05 | Diogo Hatz 50037923 | Initial Version |
| V1.0 – 2024-01-07 | Wisley Paulo 00830850 | Document Review |
Introduction
Image Management Service (IMS) is a service provided on Huawei Cloud that allows image management. Images are nothing more than cloud servers or disk templates that contain an operating system (OS), service data, or software.
This document aims to provide a step-by-step guide on how to install a graphical user interface (GUI) on public Linux images provided on IMS. It is worth noting that to use the graphical interface, the instance must be accessed through tools outside the Huawei Cloud console, such as Windows Remote Desktop.
ECS
Access the Huawei Cloud console, navigate to the ECS section, and create a Linux instance with the desired public Linux image. It is worth noting that to access the instance from tools outside the console, an EIP must be linked to the ECS.
Ensure that access to ports 22 and 3389 of the security group to which the instance is attached are open.
Configuring ECS
Access ECS through the Huawei Cloud console by clicking “Remote Login” and log in with the “root” user and password configured when creating the ECS.
Update the ECS packages by typing the following command:
apt update && apt upgrade -y
Install the XRDP package, which allows Linux instances to be accessed through Windows Remote Desktop.
apt install xrdp -y
The GDM3 interface manager is used by default on Linux instances. If desired, other lighter managers can be installed, such as SLiM or LightDM. If prompted, change SLiM or LightDM to the default manager.
apt install lightdm -y
Install the desired visual interface. In this step-by-step, the visual interface installed will be Ubuntu Desktop.
apt install ubuntu-desktop
Restart the XRDP service to allow Remote Desktop access.
service xrdp restart
Enable the XRDP service to enable the XRDP service to start at system boot.
systemctl enable xrdp
Start the installed interface manager.
systemctl start lightdm.service
Log in to the instance via Remote Desktop. Under “Session”, select “Xorg”.
Important: It is worth noting that the graphical interface installed on Linux does not work well with Huawei Cloud Console Remote Login. It is recommended that Remote Login on the console be used only with the Linux terminal.