How To Install RustDesk on Manjaro

RustDesk is a cutting-edge, open-source remote desktop application that offers a secure and efficient way to access computers remotely. Unlike many proprietary solutions, RustDesk is completely free and doesn’t require complex configuration to get started. For Manjaro users, RustDesk provides a seamless experience that integrates well with the system’s architecture.

Key benefits of RustDesk include:

• Free and open-source
• End-to-end encryption for secure connections
• Cross-platform compatibility
• No need for complex network configuration
• Self-hosted option for enhanced privacy

Whether you’re an IT professional managing multiple systems, a remote worker needing access to your office computer, or simply someone who wants to help friends and family with tech support, RustDesk on Manjaro is an excellent choice.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, let’s ensure your Manjaro system is ready for RustDesk. Meeting these prerequisites will help ensure a smooth installation and optimal performance.

System Requirements

• An up-to-date Manjaro Linux system
• Terminal access (Konsole, GNOME Terminal, or any preferred terminal emulator)
• At least 100MB of free storage space
• A stable internet connection
• Administrator (sudo) privileges

Required Dependencies

RustDesk relies on several system libraries and dependencies to function correctly. Ensure you have the following packages installed:

• libappindicator-gtk3
• dbus
• gtk3
• libxcb
• libxfixes
• alsa-lib
• pulseaudio

Most of these dependencies are likely already installed on your Manjaro system. However, we’ll cover how to install any missing components during the installation process.

Installation Methods

RustDesk can be installed on Manjaro through various methods. We’ll explore three popular approaches: using the package manager, manual installation, and installation via the Arch User Repository (AUR). Choose the method that best suits your preferences and expertise level.

Method 1: Package Manager Installation

The package manager installation is often the simplest and most straightforward method for installing software on Manjaro. Follow these steps to install RustDesk using pacman:

1. Open your terminal application.
2. Update your system to ensure you have the latest package information:

   sudo pacman -Syu

3. Install RustDesk and its dependencies:

   sudo pacman -S rustdesk

4. If prompted, confirm the installation by typing ‘Y’ and pressing Enter.
5. Wait for the installation to complete.

This method automatically handles dependencies and integrates RustDesk with your system’s package management, making future updates easier.

Method 2: Manual Installation

For users who prefer more control over the installation process or if RustDesk is not available in the official repositories, manual installation is an option:

1. Visit the official RustDesk GitHub releases page.
2. Download the latest .deb package for your system architecture (usually x86_64).
3. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory containing the downloaded file.
4. Install the package using the following command:

   sudo pacman -U rustdesk_1.x.x_amd64.deb

   Replace ‘1.x.x’ with the actual version number of the downloaded file.

5. If prompted about missing dependencies, install them using:

   sudo pacman -S libappindicator-gtk3 dbus gtk3

6. After installing dependencies, retry the RustDesk installation command.

Manual installation gives you the flexibility to install specific versions and have more control over the process.

Method 3: AUR Installation

Manjaro users can leverage the Arch User Repository (AUR) to install RustDesk. This method often provides the most up-to-date versions:

1. Ensure you have an AUR helper installed, such as yay or pamac. If not, install yay:

   sudo pacman -S yay

2. Use yay to install RustDesk:

   yay -S rustdesk-bin

3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
4. If using pamac, you can install RustDesk with:

   pamac build rustdesk-bin

The AUR method combines the benefits of package management with access to the latest versions, making it a popular choice among Manjaro users.

Configuration

After successfully installing RustDesk, it’s time to configure the application for optimal performance and security. Proper configuration ensures a smooth remote desktop experience while maintaining the integrity of your system.

Initial Setup

1. Launch RustDesk from your application menu or by typing rustdesk in the terminal.
2. On first launch, RustDesk will generate a unique ID for your computer. This ID is used for incoming connections.
3. Set a strong password for incoming connections:
   • Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
   • Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
   • In the “Security” tab, set your preferred password.
4. Configure network settings if necessary:
   • In the “Network” tab of the Settings menu, you can specify custom ports or use a proxy if required by your network setup.

Security Settings

RustDesk prioritizes security, but it’s essential to configure these settings to match your needs:

• Connection Encryption: By default, RustDesk uses end-to-end encryption. Ensure this is enabled in the Security tab.
• Access Control: Define who can access your computer:
  1. In the Settings menu, navigate to the “Security” tab.
  2. Choose between “Allow all” or “Confirm all” for incoming connections.
  3. For stricter control, select “Allow list” and manually add trusted IDs.
• Two-Factor Authentication: For additional security, consider enabling two-factor authentication if available in your version of RustDesk.

Usage Guide

Now that RustDesk is installed and configured, let’s explore how to use its features effectively.

Basic Operations

1. Connecting to a remote device:
   • Enter the ID of the remote computer in the “ID” field.
   • Click “Connect” or press Enter.
   • If prompted, enter the password for the remote computer.
2. Managing connections:
   • Use the “Address Book” feature to save frequently accessed computers.
   • Right-click on a connection in the address book for options like renaming or deleting.
3. Interface navigation:
   • Use the toolbar at the top of the remote session window for options like adjusting video quality, transferring files, or chatting.
   • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to send this command to the remote computer.

Advanced Features

• File transfer: Click the folder icon in the toolbar to open the file transfer dialog. Drag and drop files or use the interface to copy files between computers.
• Multi-monitor support: If the remote computer has multiple monitors, use the display selection option in the toolbar to switch between them.
• Custom server configuration: For enhanced privacy, you can set up your own RustDesk server:
  1. Install the RustDesk server component on a separate machine.
  2. Configure your RustDesk clients to use this custom server in the Network settings.

Troubleshooting

Even with careful installation and configuration, you might encounter issues. Here are solutions to some common problems:

Common Issues

• Keyboard input problems:
  • Ensure your keyboard layout matches the remote computer’s layout.
  • Try toggling the “Lock keyboard input” option in the toolbar.
• Connection failures:
  • Check if both computers have internet access.
  • Verify that the ID and password are correct.
  • Ensure firewalls on both ends allow RustDesk traffic.
• Permission issues:
  • Make sure RustDesk has necessary system permissions.
  • Run sudo rustdesk to check if the issue persists with elevated privileges.

Performance Optimization

To get the best experience with RustDesk on Manjaro, consider these optimization tips:

• Network settings: Adjust bandwidth usage in the Settings menu to match your network capabilities.
• Resource usage: In the Task Manager, set RustDesk’s priority to “High” for smoother performance.
• Quality settings: During a session, use the toolbar to adjust video quality. Lower quality can improve responsiveness on slower connections.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed RustDesk. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the RustDesk open-source remote desktop access on your Manjaro system. For additional or useful information, we recommend you check the official RustDesk website.