Access Linuc desktop from PC
 

I have a desktop running Linux 7.3 (I can not use the latest version as a software I need to run is supported by only this version) running on it and an application software.

I have a single license of this software, and would like to share it among more than on person. One mechanism is that we can have this machine on the internet and use it as server- so the first question is what does it take to make it as a server, so that case people can remotely log- on to this machine and use the s/w remotely, as we have single license of SPW, only one person can use it at a time, but at diffferent time, different people can use it by logging on into it.

Security is not that a big concern, we would like to achieve in as simplest manner and as inexpensive as possible.

If using X is an option, how do I set it up on both linux as well as using a X client (like X Manager) on PC side. I am familiar with using on client side, but what do I need to setup on Linux desktop side. I want to be able to access the entire desktop in a GUI fashion.

Help appreciated.
Thanks

you already have a server by installing linux (Redhat i presume). while you could go down the avenue of using a local X client to actually show the programs locally, this is probably overkill for what you want. I'd suggest using a VNC server. This is basically a remote viewing server / client system, which runs everything on the server, and basically just sends back screen shots, liek other programs like pcanywhere. just pick your vnc server of choice... realvnc.com is probably as good a place as any to start. there's also tightvnc and tridiavnc among many others.

using VNC will normally provide dedicated GUI's per connection. it is not the same desktop you will see whn you turn he monitor on. if you did want this then you'd need a different kind of vnc server, for example x0rfb which will export and already expisting desktop. down to personal preference really.

Actually the latest version of RealVNC 4.0 will display the native x server i.e. desktop. At least it claims it will.

Check it out.

http://www.realvnc.com/v4/x0.html

Enable your RH7.3 to accept xdmcp connections. Then you can remotely access an X session on the RH7.3 box from other Linux/Unix boxes by invoking (from a non-X terminal):
X :1 -query rh73.hostname

Install Cygwin/X (http://x.cygwin.com/) on your MSWin boxes and you can remotely access an X session by invoking from a cygwin shell:
xwin -query rh73.hostname

xdmcp will put less of a load on your network than VNC. The main drawback of xdmcp is security, but you said that is not an issue.

ahh i'd seen someone mention a VNC modules in X recentely. that mackes sense.

While XDMCP would be more suitable long term, i'd doubt someone running "Linux 7.3" would really manage to get cygwin and all going...