Automating Apache Guacamole Installation with Docker on Ubuntu

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that supports standard protocols like VNC, RDP, and SSH. Setting it up as a Docker container on Ubuntu can be a breeze with the right script. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating a bash script that automates the entire process, including checks for existing installations, and provides easy access to credentials.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure your Ubuntu system is updated.

sudo apt-get update -y
sudo apt-get upgrade -y

The Script

Here’s a bash script that:

• Installs Docker and Docker Compose if they’re not already installed.
• Sets up Apache Guacamole using Docker Compose.
• Checks if Guacamole services are already running, restarts them if they are, and starts them if not.
• Prints out credentials for easy access.

Customizing the Script

Replace the placeholder values in the script (some_password, guacamole_db, guacamole_user, guacamole_password) with your preferred credentials.

Running the Script (assuming you’re running this as root)

1. Save the script to a file, e.g., install_guacamole.sh.
2. Make the script executable:

   chmod +x install_guacamole.sh
   

3. Run the script:

   ./install_guacamole.sh
   

Conclusion

This script automates the installation and setup of Apache Guacamole as a Docker container on Ubuntu, ensuring you have a running instance with minimal manual intervention. Enjoy your new remote desktop gateway!