Deploying RustDesk for Team Collaboration Using Podman Quadlets And Systemd

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RustDesk with Podman Quadlets and systemd Integration Beginner Guide

Introduction

RustDesk is a free and open source remote desktop solution that allows secure access to computers over a local network or the internet. It is a strong alternative to proprietary remote desktop tools and gives you full control over your infrastructure.

This beginner level guide shows how to run RustDesk using Podman and manage it with Podman Quadlets and systemd. An optional podman compose example is also included.

Why Use RustDesk

• Open source and community driven
• Self hosted with full data control
• Cross platform support
• Lightweight and fast
• Works well with Linux containers

What Are Podman Quadlets

Podman Quadlets allow containers to be managed directly by systemd using simple configuration files. This ensures services start automatically on boot and integrate cleanly with the operating system.

Prerequisites

• Linux system with systemd
• Podman version 4 or newer
• Basic terminal knowledge

Installing RustDesk Using Podman Quadlets

Create the Quadlet Directory

mkdir -p ~/.config/containers/systemd

Create the RustDesk Quadlet File

~/.config/containers/systemd/rustdesk.container

[Unit]
Description=RustDesk Server Container
After=network-online.target

[Container]
Image=docker.io/rustdesk/rustdesk-server:latest
ContainerName=rustdesk
AutoUpdate=registry
PublishPort=21115:21115
PublishPort=21116:21116
PublishPort=21117:21117
PublishPort=21118:21118
Volume=%h/rustdesk-data:/data
Exec=/usr/bin/hbbs -r your-domain-or-ip:21117

[Service]
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=default.target

Replace your domain or ip with your public server address.

Enable and Start the Service

systemctl --user daemon-reload
systemctl --user enable --now rustdesk.service

systemctl --user status rustdesk.service

Optional Installation Using podman compose

version: "3"

services:
  rustdesk:
    image: rustdesk/rustdesk-server:latest
    container_name: rustdesk
    command: hbbs -r your-domain-or-ip:21117
    ports:
      - "21115:21115"
      - "21116:21116"
      - "21117:21117"
      - "21118:21118"
    volumes:
      - ./rustdesk-data:/data
    restart: always

podman-compose up -d

Connecting RustDesk Clients

Once the server is running install the RustDesk client on your device and configure it to use your custom server address.

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Contact

RustDesk Installation and Migration Services

If you need help installing or migrating RustDesk you can contact me at

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Conclusion

RustDesk combined with Podman Quadlets and systemd provides a clean secure and production ready remote desktop solution suitable for beginners and advanced users.