Accessing display remotely

neothephoenix · 07-26-2007, 01:57 AM

Hi LQ,
I have been using ssh to access users' machine and remotely administer/troubleshoot them. But i am unable to access their display/graphics for changing the desktop settings.

In other words, how to access a remote machines display without using VNCviewer or Xmanager.

b0uncer · 07-26-2007, 02:59 AM

For single program windows (not the whole desktop) you can use X11 forwarding in SSH. It needs to be enabled at the server end, and in your client configuration, and in addition your client machine needs to be able to deal with the X11 forwarding information - on Windows this means you'll need extra software, on Linux you don't.

If you need the whole desktop screen, you'll need something like VNC. Rdesktop and stay happy.

neothephoenix · 07-26-2007, 01:55 PM

Someone told me that by manipulating the DISPLAY variable of the client, i can access his specific programs(as u suggested) like Firefox window or Evolution. Could u plz throw some light on it.

Matir · 07-26-2007, 02:11 PM

Do you want to see already running programs, or start new ones? If start new ones, use the -X option to your SSH command and start the apps through SSH. If existing ones, you'd need XDMCP or VNC.

neothephoenix · 07-29-2007, 02:51 PM

Supposing I want to edit the user's proxy settings on Firefox. I have already gained access to his machine via ssh.... Now???