how to use xwindow applications via ssh/putty
 

I've learned how to use ssh with putty to log into various linux machines on my network and use them via the shell.

But I'm foggy on how to use GUI applications via ssh and would like to try it out:

- how can I use xterm/xwindow applications over ssh as well, e.g. start up an instance of Firefox while logged in via ssh, is that possible?

- if not, how can I log into another linux machine (from windows or linux) and use xterm/xwindow/graphic applications (not sure of the right term here).

Thanks

ssh -Y hostname -l username

(You can leave out the "-l username" bit if your username is the same on both machines)

This will allow X forwarding. Then just run the commands in the SSH session, and the Xwindows sessions will pop up on your own screen.

You need to be running X on your local machine - so if you're on Windows, you'll have to look into something like Cygwin. You also need to allow X forwarding on the remote host.

Alternatively, you can look into logging into X remotely, using the X server. But that's not so easy.