Installing and configuring lag-free web browsing with Ubuntu Server by combining X2Go + XFCE with Mozilla

Why is XFCE + Remote the best choice for a server?

Using this package gives you the following benefits:

• Much faster than VNC and RDP

• Less RAM and CPU usage

• High security (all traffic is encrypted over SSH)

• Excellent stability when connecting remotely

• Compatible with Ubuntu Server and Cloud VPS

This method also works great for VPSs with 1GB RAM.

Prerequisites

• Ubuntu 20.04 / 22.04 / 24.04

• SSH access

• User with sudo access

How to install XFCE on Ubuntu

Step 1: Update the system

First, update your system:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install the XFCE desktop environment

To install XFCE, simply run the following command:

sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies -y

Once installed, the desktop environment is ready to use.
But to connect graphically to it, we need X2Go.

Step 3: Install X2Go Server on Ubuntu

X2Go is officially in the Ubuntu repositories, so it is installed with a simple command:

sudo apt install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession -y

This package includes the X2Go service and the necessary settings to connect to XFCE.

Step 4: Check the firewall (if UFW is enabled)

By default, X2Go uses port 22 (SSH) Uses.

If UFW is enabled, open the SSH port:

sudo ufw allow ssh sudo ufw reload

If UFW is not enabled, you do not need to perform this step.

Step 5: Install X2Go Client on your computer

To connect to the server, you need to install X2Go Client on your system.

Download X2Go Client:

• Windows

• Linux

• macOS

After installation, log in to the program and New Session Build.

Step 6: Set up X2Go Client

Enter the following in the session settings:

• Host: Server IP address

• Login: Server username

• Session Type:
  XFCE

• SSH Port: If the port has not changed, the number is 22

Finally, on OK Click.

Step 7: Connect to the XFCE desktop

Double-click on the created session and enter the user password.
If everything is correct, the XFCE desktop environment will appear on your system.

How to install Mozilla Firefox on XFCE (step by step)

The XFCE environment has no restrictions on running browsers, so installing Firefox is quite straightforward and simple.

Method 1: Install from the official repository (recommended)

This is the easiest and best way to install Firefox.

Repository update

sudo apt update

Install Firefox

sudo apt install firefox -y

Run Firefox

After installation, you can run it from the XFCE menu:

Applications → Internet → Firefox Browser

Or with the command:

firefox

Method 2: Install Firefox Deb version (without Snap)

If you're using the new Ubuntu Server or Desktop, Firefox is probably installed as Snap It is installed.
To get the Deb version (faster, more customizable):

Remove Snap version

sudo snap remove firefox

Add a special Deb PPA repository

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mozillateam/ppa -y sudo apt update

Install the Deb version

sudo apt install firefox -y

Method 3: Install Firefox ESR (Enterprise Stable Edition)

If you are on a server or VPS and stability is important to you, this version is the best choice.

sudo apt update sudo apt install firefox-esr -y

Add Firefox icon to XFCE menu (if needed)

If for any reason it doesn't appear in the apps menu:

Right-click on the desktop → Create Launcher

Or from the menu:

Applications → Settings → Menu Editor

Enter the fields:

• Name: Firefox

• Command: firefox

• Icon:
  From the route:

  /usr/share/icons/hicolor/48x48/apps/firefox.png

Important points

• Firefox is very fast on XFCE.

• If you are using it on a VPS, it is recommended to install Firefox ESR to keep RAM consumption lower.

• It also runs 100% without any problems on X2Go.

• Using a non-root user is more stable than a regular user.

• Turning off unnecessary services on small servers improves performance.

• Choosing XFCE on X2Go is heavy; other options like KDE or GNOME are heavy.

Conclusion

Installing XFCE + X2Go on Ubuntu is one of the best and fastest ways to remotely access a server graphically.
This method is completely free, secure, lightweight, and suitable for small or large VPSs.