remote desktop connection to linux server

[Mahesh1]

How can i get my linux server desktop from windows client?
I tried to use Xmanager and able to get the applications in separate GUI from Windows, but not able to see the desktop with start menu directly.I even tried with putty,using X forwarding but its giving error and i'm getting only command level interface to the server.
Kindly let me know if any freewares are available to do the above task.

[Ivan Ferreira]

You can install and use vnc server on Linux, use vncviewer on the Windows PC to display the Linux desktop.

Most distributions already include tightvnc server.

[Steven E. Protter]

The best tool for the job is VNC.

There are servers and clients for Linux, HP-UX, Windows and other platforms.

There is a bit of setup on the server side, but VNC can be used to manage and configure clusters, which on Red Hat requires a Graphical User Interface.

I recommend the VNC tool, which is included on Linux distribution disks at no extra charge.

SEP

[Andrew Bruce]

Another answer is to use X.

Bear in mind that, by default, most Linux distros disable tcp listening for the X server (in other words, you'll be able to open applications individually, but won't be able to run a full desktop environment).

Execute:
> ps -ef | grep X

and you should see something that looks a little like:

/usr/X11R6/bin/X :0 -audit 0 -auth /var/gdm/:0.Xauth vt7

*IF* the output also mentions something like '--nolisten tcp' then your X server is not going to accept any XDMCP connections (xmanager).

You can change this in the resources responsible for your X server.

You'll find this (probably) in /etc/X11/

For example, in Redhat/Fedora, you'll find an entry in /etc/X11/gdm/gdm.conf that reads:

DisallowTCP=true

If you set this to *false* and restart your X server, then it will listen on TCP port 6000 for incoming XDMCP requests. You will then be able to run an X session from an X terminal as if you were locally logged in.

**However** I recommend that you do *not* do this on a server that has a direct connection out to the internet as this is a very significant security risk!!

I do it at home in my internal LAN, but the firewall between me an the big bad world hides it all.

Failing that, use VNC! :-)

Regards,

Andy B.

[Huc_1]

I use vnc have a read at the following link

http://www.realvnc.com/products/personal/

Jean-Pierre