Linux GUI Desktop on Alibaba Cloud

Linux GUI Desktop on Alibaba Cloud is a pre-configured Alibaba Cloud image that gives you a full XFCE graphical desktop on Ubuntu Linux in the cloud, accessed remotely over RDP. Launch it, connect with a remote desktop client, and you have a ready-to-use Linux desktop — no manual desktop or RDP configuration required.

It is built for users who need a graphical Linux environment in the cloud — for development, testing, or running desktop applications — without managing the underlying setup.

What's included

  • A full XFCE desktop environment on Ubuntu Linux
  • Remote access over RDP using Microsoft Remote Desktop (available from the Mac App Store)
  • Regular image updates with the latest security patches

Launch on Alibaba Cloud

  1. Find and subscribe to the Linux GUI Desktop image on the Alibaba Cloud Marketplace.
  2. Launch an ECS instance from the image in a region close to you, choosing an instance size that fits your workload.
  3. Make sure the ECS instance allows inbound RDP (port 3389) traffic so you can connect with a remote desktop client.

Connect to the desktop

Once the ECS instance is running, connect to its public IP address using Microsoft Remote Desktop:

  • Username: elm
  • Password: your instance ID

Linux GUI Desktop on Alibaba Cloud: XFCE desktop environment

The XFCE desktop environment.

For a step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, see Connect to Linux GUI Desktop on Alibaba Cloud.

Support

Questions or need help getting started? Contact support@elmcomputing.io.