Remote login to Linux application servers from Win or Mac
How do I run graphical applications remotely from my Windows machine?
If you want to run these applications remotely, you will need an "X Server" software for windows. A popular free one is included with the Cygwin package at cygwin.com .
There is a really easy to use version at xlivecd.indiana.edu You just burn it to a CD and run it from the CD; we recommend using that. After you have it running, just type "ssh -X servername.ece.iastate.edu" from the X terminal prompt as you would in the labs. servername must be replaced by the actual name of the server you chose (e.g. linux-5, saturn).
X-win32
If you use X frequently, we suggest you install Cygwin or X-win32 permanently. Contact CSG to get the full X-win32 install; the one available on the www.starnet.com website is only a demo. Once X-win32 is installed, you can run from the start menu, and a blue "x" sign should appear in the right side of the taskbar.
Right-click on it and you should see a menu, click on X-win configuration, then go to License and insert the license number that should be given to you by CSG. Go back to the Start menu and click on PuTTY, enter the hostname with Port 22(SSH), and on the left menu go to Connection / SSH / X11 and check the Enable X11 Forwarding box. Finally click Open.
Cygwin
Go to www.cygwin.com and click on the icon Install Cygwin Now. It will ask you to save the file setup.exe on your computer. After it is done downloading, run it. Unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise, leave the install options as default. After choosing a the download site of your choice, you will be taken to the list of packages you want to install. If you are planning on using cygwin from your Windows desktop to remotely connect to other servers you will want to add the following packages:
+ Net / openssh
+ X11 / xorg-x11-base
Although not necessary, you might also want to look at getting your favorite shell and text editor.
After you are done installing, open the Cygwin Bash Shell from you Start / Programs list. A black window with gray text will open: this is your current Windows desktop viewed through a UNIX shell.
IMPORTANT: For remotely using applications that require X (graphical interface), type: startx. If startx is not in your path, then type: /usr/X11R6/bin/startx. This will start a white window with dark text. A black X will show in your Notification Area (lower-right of screen) and you can now use ssh to run applications remotely with the following command: ssh -X username@servername. This is called starting the X server on your client. If X is not started on your side, you will not be able to tunnel X applications through your ssh connection.
NOTE: If you are connected to a remote server and you are facing problems starting X applications, first check whether you have successfully enabled X tunneling. Type: xclock. If an analog clock shows on your desktop, then you are successful. Otherwise you ned to log out and make sure the X server is started and your ssh connection is tunneling X.
How do I run graphical application remotely using a Mac?
Iowa State University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2215 Coover Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011
Copyright © Iowa State University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.
Non-Discrimination Statement and Information Disclosures