Chrome Remote Desktop can be used as an alternative or backup way to connect to your server. SSH should be your main way in, but Chrome Remote Desktop is handy as a backup or for connecting from your phone.
Linux Server
Setup
You can use Chrome Remote Desktop to connect to your Debian based Linux server even if you just use SSH normally. A basic Windowing System will be initiated to display a terminal when you connect, allowing you to interact with your server over networks that may not allow for SSH connections or as a backup if your SSH connection to your server has been blocked.
Headless Setup
To start, you’ll need to navigate to the Setup via SSH or “Headless” section of the Chrome Remote Desktop page on the device you’ll be sending the commands from, not your server. You should see a card titled “Set up another computer” similar to the image to the right.
When you click the “Begin” button, you’ll be provided a couple of download links. Assuming your server is running Linux, and specifically a flavor of Debian/Ubuntu, you’ll want to use the link labeled “Debian Linux”.
It needs to be downloaded and installed on the server you’re connecting to. On Linux you normally download files using the curl command using the following syntax:
curl -O <DownloadURL>You’ll need to run the curl command on your server’s terminal over SSH or browser console, then after it’s downloaded you’ll need to run the installer by first granting execution permissions using chmod +x <FilePath> then running the apt install <FilePath> command. The commands should be similar to the ones provided below:
sudo curl -O https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/chrome-remote-desktop_current_amd64.deb
sudo chmod +x ./chrome-remote-desktop_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./chrome-remote-desktop_current_amd64.debAfter the install has completed on your server, you’ll need to click the “Next” button under the download links. You’ll now be shown a card with an “Authorize” button in the bottom right, and after clicking “Authorize” you’ll be given 3 command options for different platforms.
Since your server is running Linux, you’ll need to copy the command in the “Debian Linux” section and run it in your server’s terminal over SSH or browser console.
Connecting
When you’re done completing the steps in the Setup section, you’re ready to connect to your server remotely from another device. For Desktop devices, this is as simple as navigating to the Chrome Remote Desktop Access Page using your browser, logging in, and clicking on your device in the list. For Android/iOS, you’ll need to download one of the available native apps linked below.
For your initial connection, you’ll be asked to select a “session” to launch. The default is recommended if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Once you’re connected, you’ll be shown a screen similar to the one on the right, which contains a terminal through which you can interact with your server.
