Linux Networking Cookbook

8.3. Using FreeNX to Run Linux from Windows

Problem

You want the ability to remotely access a Linux box from your Windows PC. You have some Linux applications you want to use that are not available on Windows, or there are times when all you have is a Windows box to do your remote Linux administration from.

Additionally, you want a full graphical session to run satisfactorily over a slow link, even dial-up, and you want to be able to use the Linux desktop or window manager of your choice.

Solution

You don't want much! Fortunately, FreeNX was designed just to fulfill these needs. Follow these steps to get up and running.

Set up the server

Install the FreeNX server on the Linux box you want to log in to remotely.

Next, add authorized users to the FreeNX server. You must create the login name and password separately. The FreeNX users must already have Linux accounts on the server:

	# nxserver --adduser pinball
	NX> 100 NXSERVER - Version 1.5.0-50 OS (GPL)
	NX> 1000 NXNODE - Version 1.5.0-50 OS (GPL)
	NX> 716 Public key added to: /home/pinball/.ssh/authorized_keys2
	NX> 1001 Bye.
	NX> 999 Bye
	# nxserver --passwd pinball
	NX> 100 NXSERVER - Version 1.5.0-50 OS (GPL)
	New password:
	Password changed.
	NX> 999 Bye

Strangely enough, you only get one chance to enter the password, so be careful.

Then, make sure the OpenSSH daemon is running on the FreeNX server, and port 22 is not blocked by your firewall.

Get the client

Go to NoMachine.com (http://www.nomachine.com/) to download a free client for your Windows ...