At work, I like the ability to get on my linux box no matter where I am or what computer I am using on the network. I frankly do not like Windows XP now that I have been using Ubuntu exclusively for more than 6 months, but it’s sometimes hard to avoid using Windows XP. When those times arise, I don’t have to miss my Ubuntu desktop. I can log into it on any computer on the LAN using Xming.
What is Xming? Xming is a X windows client. In short, it allows you to access your Ubuntu Linux desktop from any Windows XP computer. You can even use while someone else is using your computer. It is an awesome program to say the least.
In order to use it, you first have to set up your Linux computer, depending on how you will use it. Xming has two modes that are equally beneficial.
The first mode is a little hard to get your mind wrapped around(and I won’t go into it in much depth) but it allows you to create an ssh encrypted session(using Putty) to your Ubuntu computer and run individual programs.
The second mode is the XDMCP session. It’s a full desktop session and allows the host computer to have a complete Ubuntu desktop. It’s awesome for demonstrating the power of Ubuntu Linux. All you need to configure your Ubuntu computer is to go to the System Menu and click on Administration — Login Window. In the Login Window applet, click on Remote and change Style to “same as local.” Your Linux box is now ready to play ball.
Ok, now to prepare the Windows Machine. First visit http://www.straightrunning.com/XmingNotes/
You will want to download Xming and Xming-fonts. Once you download them you are ready for business.
You will install the Xming first and then the Xming-fonts. You can store them on a jump drive for taking from machine to machine like I do. There is a protrable version, but I haven’t tried it yet. I just install them on the machine I am working on so it will be their when I have to use it again.
Run Xlaunch to create a config startup file for XDMCP. Play around with the settings if you like. It’s hard to break anything. Next, just run the Config script you created and you should see a login screen for your Ubuntu Desktop.
Any questions or comments? I’m here to help.
3 comments ↓
Louis, great post! I am interested in learning how to make xming work with ssh. Would you be interested in helping me?
Thanks again for the great post!
Eric
Yeah, let me get my Linux box up over the network again. It will take a couple of days.
What specific questions do you have?
Off the top of my head(and I could be very wrong on this), you need to have OpenSSH server installed on your Ubuntu box and in putty, you need to X11 forwarding enabled. Go ahead and set up Xming for multiple windows. Once the Xming is started, all you should have to do is to restart putty with X11 forwarding enabled and then type the name of the program….but again this is off the top of my head and I ned aa day or two to set things up to see for myself on an actual setup.
Hey Louis! I’m trying to use Xming to access my home PC from work (over the internet) and wasn’t able to do so yet. When I end the XLaunch wizard, it opens a window “pretending” it will show me my Login Screen, but it doesn’t. It only shows that grey screen with the X cursor.
I’ve already enabled remote login on my Ubuntu (gutsy) and unchecked “Deny TCP connections to Xserver”, but I still have no answer.
Think you can help me?
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