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How to Use Host Name in Ubuntu for Remote Desktop Connection

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever tried setting up a remote desktop connection to your Ubuntu machine, only to get stuck on what to enter for the host name? You’re not alone. Knowing your computer’s host name is essential for seamless remote access—whether you’re working from another room or supporting a colleague.

This article will guide you step by step to find and use your Ubuntu host name for remote desktop connections. Plus, you’ll discover practical tips to make remote access smooth and secure.

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Understanding Host Names in Ubuntu for Remote Desktop Connections

If you want to connect to your Ubuntu machine remotely—perhaps using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or another method—knowing and configuring your host name correctly is crucial. This friendly guide will explain everything you need to know about using your Ubuntu host name for remote desktop connections, providing you with detailed steps, practical tips, and clear advice for a smooth experience.

What Is a Host Name and Why Does It Matter for Remote Desktop?

A host name is the unique network identifier for your computer within a local network or, if configured, across the internet. When making a remote desktop connection to your Ubuntu machine from another device (like a Windows PC, Mac, or another Linux computer), you can connect using:

  • The computer’s IP address (like 192.168.1.20)
  • The computer’s host name (like my-ubuntu-pc)

Using a host name instead of an IP address is often simpler, especially in home or office networks where IP addresses can change dynamically. A human-readable name is much easier to remember and use.

How to Find and Set Your Ubuntu Host Name

Before you can connect by host name, you need to know what it is and, optionally, change it to something memorable.

1. Check Your Current Host Name

To see your Ubuntu machine’s current host name, open a terminal and enter:


Ubuntu Remote Desktop Guide: Setup RDP, VNC & SSH Tunnel - host name in ubuntu for remote desktop connection
 

hostname

This will output your current host name, for example:
my-ubuntu-pc

To get more detailed information, try:

hostnamectl

2. Change Your Host Name (If Desired)

If you want a different, easier-to-remember name, change it with the following command (replace new-host-name with your preferred name):

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-host-name

Note: You may need to log out and log in, or reboot, for the change to take full effect.

3. Ensure Your Host Name Is Resolving Correctly

For host names to be used in remote desktop connections, the client computer must be able to resolve (find) your Ubuntu’s host name to its IP address. Common scenarios:

  • Home Network: Devices are on the same network, and name resolution should work automatically if your router supports it.
  • Business or Large Networks: Name resolution is usually handled by a local DNS server.
  • Peer-to-Peer or Simpler Networks: Sometimes you’ll need to edit the hosts file on the connecting device to map the host name to the correct IP address.

Setting Up Remote Desktop on Ubuntu

Setting up a remote desktop connection to Ubuntu can be done in several ways. The most common methods use:

  1. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)—Widely used and supported by Windows clients.
  2. VNC (Virtual Network Computing)—A cross-platform option.
  3. SSH with X Forwarding or other graphical wrappers.

Let’s focus on the popular RDP option.

Step-by-Step: Enabling Remote Desktop (RDP) on Ubuntu

  1. Install an RDP Server (like xrdp):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install xrdp

  1. Start and Enable the RDP Service:

sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp

  1. Check Service Status (Optional):

sudo systemctl status xrdp

  1. Note Your Host Name and/or IP Address:

  2. You’ll need your host name (e.g., my-ubuntu-pc) and, if desired, your IP address for the client connection.

  3. Allow RDP Traffic Through the Firewall:

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

  1. On Your Remote Device:
  2. Use a remote desktop client (the built-in “Remote Desktop Connection” app on Windows, Remmina on Linux, or Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac).
  3. Enter your Ubuntu’s host name (like my-ubuntu-pc) in the “Computer” field and connect.

Using Host Names with Remote Desktop: Potential Challenges

While host names make connections easy, there are some common issues to be aware of:

  • Host Name Not Resolving:
    Sometimes, your client device cannot “see” the Ubuntu machine by name. In home networks, rebooting your router and devices can help.
  • Network Isolation:
    If devices are on different Wi-Fi bands (like 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz) or guest networks, host name resolution may not work.
  • Firewalls and Security Settings:
    Ensure both the Ubuntu firewall and any security software allow remote desktop connections.

Tips for Smooth Host Name Remote Desktop Connections

  • Choose a Simple Name: Set a host name that’s easy to type and remember (e.g., workstation, laptop, or ubuntu-office).
  • Update Host Name in Hosts File (if needed):
    If direct resolution fails, add a line in the hosts file on the client device:

192.168.1.20 my-ubuntu-pc

  • Reserve Ubuntu’s IP Address (DHCP Reservation):
    Prevents your Ubuntu PC from getting a new IP, keeping host name resolution consistent.

  • Check Network Discovery Settings:
    Ensure both devices allow network discovery; otherwise, the host name may not be found.

Best Practices for Remote Desktop Host Name Usage in Ubuntu

  • Use Static Host Names:
    Especially in environments with multiple devices, pick and stick to clear, unique host names.

  • Document Your Setup:
    Keep a simple list of host names and IPs. This can prevent confusion when things don’t work.

  • Security Matters:
    Use strong account passwords. Consider using SSH tunnels for your RDP session when connecting over insecure networks.

  • Keep Software Up-to-date:
    Security updates for xrdp, Ubuntu, and your remote desktop client can help prevent connection and security issues.

When Host Names Don’t Work: Troubleshooting

If you’re unable to connect by host name, try these steps:

  1. Ping the Host Name from the Client:
  2. Open a terminal or command prompt and run:
    ping my-ubuntu-pc
  3. If this fails, try pinging by IP address.

  4. If IP works but host name doesn’t, it’s a name resolution issue.

  5. Restart Networking on Both Devices:

  6. A simple reboot often fixes temporary network glitches.

  7. Flush DNS Cache (on Windows Client):

  8. Open Command Prompt (as administrator) and run:
    ipconfig /flushdns

  9. Check Router and DHCP Settings:

  10. Ensure your router allows devices to see and resolve each other’s names.

  11. Consider a Local DNS or mDNS:

  12. Avahi or Bonjour services allow ‘.local’ host names on a network (e.g., my-ubuntu-pc.local).

Advanced: Host Name Resolution Technologies

  • DNS (Domain Name System): Used in enterprise networks for scalable host name resolution.
  • mDNS (Multicast DNS): Ideal for home or small networks, allowing host names like ubuntu.local.
  • Hosts File: Manually mapping host names to IP addresses.

Understanding these can help if your network setup is more advanced or if you plan to manage multiple machines.

Benefits of Using Host Name for Remote Desktop

  • Convenience: No need to remember or update IP addresses.
  • Scalability: As your network grows, unique host names keep things clear.
  • Mobility: If your device’s IP changes but stays on the network, the host name remains the same.

Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

  • IP Addresses Changing: Use DHCP reservation or static IP for reliability.
  • Mixed OS Environments: Some systems (e.g., Windows and Linux) might use different methods for name discovery.
  • Firewalls/Antivirus Blocking: Always confirm your firewall permits your selected remote desktop method.

Tips to Keep in Mind

  • Always use strong user passwords on Ubuntu when enabling remote desktop.
  • For remote access over the internet, consider VPN or SSH tunnels for security—never expose RDP directly to the wider internet.
  • Update your system regularly to enjoy the latest network and remote desktop features.

No Cost Barriers

Setting or using your host name on Ubuntu for remote desktop does not cost anything extra. All tools mentioned (like xrdp) are open-source and free. If you set up DHCP reservations or configure hosts files, these changes are free and only require time and basic familiarity with system settings.

Summary

Using your Ubuntu host name for remote desktop connections is straightforward and user-friendly, making network access and device management a breeze. With a well-chosen host name, the right network settings, and a properly configured remote desktop server, you can quickly and securely connect to your Ubuntu system from other devices. Ensuring reliable name resolution is key—make sure your network devices can see each other, and don’t hesitate to use hosts files or DHCP reservations in tricky situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I find out my Ubuntu computer’s host name?
Open a terminal and type hostname or use hostnamectl for more details. The value shown is your computer’s current host name.

2. Can I connect to my Ubuntu machine using its host name from a Windows computer?
Yes, as long as both devices are on the same network and the Windows computer can resolve the Ubuntu host name. If not, you may need to add the Ubuntu host name to your Windows hosts file or set a DHCP reservation.

3. Why doesn’t my client device recognize the Ubuntu host name?
Possible reasons include network isolation, lack of network discovery, or differences in name resolution protocols. Try rebooting devices, ensuring they’re on the same network, or updating the hosts file as needed.

4. Is it more secure to connect via IP address instead of host name?
Using a host name or an IP address makes no difference in terms of connection security. What matters most are strong user passwords, secure network configurations, and, for remote (internet) access, using VPN or SSH tunnels.

5. What should I do if my Ubuntu’s IP address keeps changing?
Configure your router to reserve a specific IP address for your Ubuntu machine (DHCP reservation) or set a static IP on the Ubuntu device. This ensures your host name always resolves to the correct IP.

With these steps, tips, and best practices, you’ll find that remote desktop connections via host name in Ubuntu are manageable and efficient—even for beginners!

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