HowTo: Remote desktop assistance

Remote desktop with VNC

Using remote desktop connection is useful when you need to do desktop testing or problem solving from distant location. To start vnc connection, a server process needs to be started first. This can be launched in two different ways.

Allowing VNC connections with a desktop applet (using users rights)

A user logged on to a desktop session can allow remote VNC connections using desktop applet. Remote access applet is located at the desktop panel.

Allow VNC connections using x11vnc

To start a x11vnc server root privileges are needed. The server can be started using a dedicated script from the terminal using adm-x11vnc.

The script asks you to select the DISPLAY you want to access remotely.

root@toimisto-videoedit-flyer:~$ adm-x11vnc 
The following user sessions are available:

    1) Debian-gdm (117) on tty1 DISPLAY=:0
    2) asokero (12044) on tty2 DISPLAY=:1

> Your choice: [2]

Connecting with VNC client

To connect to the the VNC server you can you the VNC client of your preference (vinagre, remmina etc.).

In order to connect to a fat client running behind a boot server through a VPN tunnel you might have to use port forwarding: ssh -A [email protected] -L 1234:client-running-vnv-server.ltsp.organization.domain.fi:5900