Hello!

I'm really definition of linux newbie. Linux is still something I don't feel comfortable with and I would like to be. I installed Linux FC4 with Gnome X windows. Of course I wanted to remotly control Linux machine from my Windows computer. Firstly I installed VNC server and made it work like native X server (i.e. the ":0" X display) as described on RealVNC site. it worked almost instantly with not many problems. I don't like VNC so much and it just doesn't work so well as Reflection X I use at work to access some administrative aplications.

I decided to try to setup XDMCP as decribed in XDMCP-HOWTO. It was a success. It worked at first attempt. It works great and much smoother than VNC! No problems with keyboard characters on console window also. But I found out that for every connection I get another session. Is it possible to configure XDM or GDM to always receive only "native :0 X display"?

I mean for example:
I login remotly and set some dowloads and disconnect. An hour later I wan't to check progress and login again. Now I get new GDM session. I want to get the same session I left earlier.

Thank you for all the help in advance.

Best regards,
Rostfrei

Wow. . . you're a newbie and you're attempting to do all this?

What are you trying to do? Most people just use their distro's standard X server (either XFree86 or X.Org). Are you trying to set up a computer so that you can actually control it from another computer (like that GoToMyPC they have for Windows - or that Remote Administration in XP)? Never heard of anyone doing this, and never tried it myself, but my guess is that every time you disconnect, XDMCP is actually logging you out. I don't know how to fix it, but maybe there's an XDMCP user forum somewhere.

yes, that is what I'm eventualy trying to do. When my windows machine was workstation and internet GW at the same time (read adsl connection, download machine) I always had problems with viruses, trojans, etc. despite windows firewall nad antivirus program (I think my girlfriend is to blame here also, but she will never admit it). After having enaugh of it I set up a linux machine as GW/Firewall. Combined with windows firewall/antivirus on my windows machine, never had any problems since. Now I want to do all the downloading etc. on linux machine and just remotely connect to it from windows machine when needed. Currently I'm using ":0" X display VNC configuration and it serves the purpose, but as I explained in original post, XDMCP would be so much better...

Regards,

What you want is x11vnc:

http://www.karlrunge.com/x11vnc/

Also, as you get comfortable with the command-line, you'll find screen very useful to do similar things (but only needing ssh):

http://www.gnu.org/software/screen/ - That page doesn't have much information, but you can download it...
http://www.redbrick.dcu.ie/help/tutorials/screen/ - a *very* brief tutorial - google "how to use screen" for more.

Wow, it's quite time ago I post this question. I never thought I'll get any informative reply so much time later.

I wan't to thank you for your help! Links you post are full of info. I'll study and try it as soon as possible.

Best regards,

I came across this thread looking for help with GDM on Gentoo (and later figured out I need to use the XDM init script and change a variable in /etc/rc.conf to get it running automatically), and noticed you were asking about stuff I'd recently been investigating.

Take care!