Yes, using a Chromebook is not my first choice, but it's all I've got for now. Skipping the long and boring story as to why, I'm having some issues that I could use advice on. To preface, I'm relatively new to all of this, and purchased a Linode to learn more.

Here are my primary goals with it: Accessing a desktop environment to practice Python and C# with IDEs I'm comfortable with, run CoffeeMUD to build and experiment privately, as well as being able to log in as though I am logging in to a hosted MUD, as well as allowing friends to do the same (they do not need to access the Ubuntu OS, just the MUD).

Here's what I've done so far: installed Ubuntu 14.04 with the desktop, set up vnc4server, activated vnc on :1, installed VNC Viewer on my ASUS C300 Chromebook (best option, as far as I can tell), plugged in the port and IP.

Here's what's happening: When attempting to connect to my Linode via Chrome OS using VNC Viewer, I'm prompted to enter the port/IP, and select my picture quality only. This disagrees with what the Linode documentation tells me to expect with other OSs, in that it asks me nothing about encryption. After hitting connect, the VNC Viewer goes to a black screen, flashing a quick message "preparing security" before switching the the ever-turning "connecting" wheel. I've let it go for ten full minutes, just keeps saying "connecting."

I can otherwise access the command line of my Linode as you'd expect via Secure Shell.

Any help would be appreciated, as there is zero documentation relating to the Chrome OS, as far as I can tell, and I did open a support ticket on the issue, but we were unable to solve it.

Thanks in advance.

Chomebook with VNC works quite well for me. I use use secure shell at a command prompt and port redirection. That way my VNC connection is secure.

ctl + alt + T //to bring up a shell prompt

ssh //this will get you a ssh prompt

user USERNAME
host YOUR_DOMAIN_OR_IP
forward 8003:YOUR_DOMAIN_OR_IP:5903 //I'm using display 3 if you are using display 1 you would change to 5901
key YOUR_KEY_NAME //you can skip this line to be prompted for a password
connect

I then fire up vnc client and connect using localhost:8003