On Tue, 2007-05-01 at 12:04 +0200, Chris wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a mini-PC that I'd like to setup as a music-streaming-client
> running
> Amarok. I'd like to log into an X-Session on the client using VNC
> from
> Windows or Linux. I've seen many HowTo's describing headless setups,
> but
> haven't really been able to sort out what would be the best for a
> debian
> system (what vnc-server to use for instance).
>
> Has anyone on this list done something similar or have any suggestions
> for me?
>
> Thanks in advance,
For me, if I want to "log in from a graphical screen" on a headless
machine. I use a gdm setup and xorg using the dummy xserver. I then
enable XDMCP. On linux (since I use gdm to manage my displays
typically), I use "gdmflexiserver -n" which starts it in xnest mode.
From there, once you get everything setup properly you should be able to
login through an xnest session and do everything you want. This is using
straight X11.
Now for the windows side, I just use the X11 server cygwin provides. It
works, doesn't take a TON of resources and is faster and easier to use
than VNC any day. Of course, YMMV.
For getting things setup on you headless machine, you need to basically
configure X to not care that a mouse or keyboard are not there. And to
use the "dummy" xserver. And you will also need to install the "void"
input driver.
apt-get install xserver-xorg-input-void xserver-xorg-video-dummy
There are multiple methods to do this... but I suggest finding the
(still applicable) XDMCP howto. http://tldp.org/HOWTO/XDMCP-HOWTO/
Key sections of xorg.conf are:
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "void"
EndSection
and
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "void"
EndSection
and
Section "Device"
Identifier "Headless"
Driver "dummy"
EndSection
and
Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "Headless"
EndSection
Nothing else _should_ be needed to be changed. It should work without
changing much of anything else (except to get the XDMCP working from gdm
on the "remote machine")
The void driver allows the keyboard and mouse to be missing, as they are
"dummy" drivers.
--
greg, greg@gregfolkert.net
Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes. Life has no other
discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life
unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away
from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in
the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty,
joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden
one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.
Henry Miller
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