Summary
This article discusses using X2go for remote access to Linux. X2Go is an open source remote desktop software for Linux that uses the NX technology protocol. X2Go gives remote access to the Linux graphical user interface.
Environment
- Server — Most Linux distributions
- Client — Windows/macOS/Linux
Directions
Server Installation
| OS |
Instructions |
| RHEL 8 or 9 |
sudo yum install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession |
| Fedora |
sudo dnf install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession |
| Ubuntu |
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:x2go/stable
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession |
If you don't have administrative rights to install the server software, contact LSATechnologyServices@umich.edu.
Client Installation
Connecting to Server
Please note: If you are off-campus (or, in some cases, using Wi-Fi on campus), you will need to connect to the University VPN before you will be able to successfully use X2Go. In general, this will apply in the same situations where you need VPN for using SSH. If you are not sure about this, you may choose to try a regular SSH connection first. If that works, X2Go should also.
- Run the X2Go client and click the "New session" button.
- Name the session (usually the host name) and fill out the Host field (hostname.lsa.umich.edu).
- Enter the Login username (must be an account present on the host machine).
- Select a Session Type. Available sessions depend on what environments are installed on the host. If one doesn't work, try another. We have found that GNOME does not work, but KDE usually does. MATE and XFCE are very reliable if those desktop environments are installed on the destination machine. Check with the administrator of the machine to see if they are installed. If you want to access a desktop session that's already running on the monitor, specify "Connect to local desktop".
- On the Input/Output tab, you may wish to change the display resolution (fullscreen or custom).
- Click OK, select the session, and type in your password. You should see the host desktop in a few moments.
Notes
- X2Go uses port 22 (SSH), so make sure your firewall accepts this port.
- X2Go web site
- X2Go Wikipedia page
- We recommend using the XFCE desktop with X2Go for the most reliable operation. GNOME does not work.
- To keep sessions from locking up, disable the screensaver and lock screen functions. This control is found under Applications → Settings → Screensaver.