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FreeNX is a GPL implementation of the NX server, used for remote access and display of another computer. It provides near-local speed application responsiveness over high-latency, low-bandwidth links.
The following steps outline the basic procedure for establishing a working NX setup that allows up to 10 clients to connect to the NX server:
Install the following packages on the server and client machine using the YaST Software Management module:
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Server Machine |
Client Machine |
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Set up the NX server by issuing the following command as root:
nxsetup --install --clean --purge --setup-nomachine-key
This command installs the server to be installed
(--install), to uninstall any previous instances of
FreeNX (--clean), to remove any extra configuration files
and SSH keys while uninstalling (--purge), and to use the
SSH keys provided by the NoMachine client to secure the client/server
communication (--setup-nomachine-key).
The server runs and running according to the default settings
in /etc/nxserver/node.conf. Any user can
remotely connect from another workstation. For advanced NX server
configuration, refer to Section 9.2, “Advanced FreeNX Configuration”.
If you prefer a more secure setup with private keys distributed to each client, refer to the instructions given in Section 9.2.1, “Configuring SSH Authentication Using Client Keys”.
This step is only needed if you intend to use KNX as your NX client application. Users of the NoMachine client can skip this and leave the firewall configuration as is, provided the SSH service is enabled for the external firewall zone. Configure the firewall on the machine hosting the NX server to allow NX connections.
Log in to the server machine as root and start the YaST Firewall module.
Select to enter the service configuration dialog and select .
Select to enter the port details for NX.
Open ports 22 (SSH), 5000 to 5009, and 7000 to 7009 to allow NX traffic. Do this by entering the following in :
22 5000:5009 7000:7009
Store your settings and restart the firewall by selecting ++.
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For detailed information about firewall configuration for NX, refer to
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To remotely connect to another workstation and use KDE as your desktop choice, proceed as follows:
Start KNX from the main menu.
The first time you log in, you need to create a new connection. To create a connection, do the following:
In , click .
Enter a name for the connection, such as the name of the server.
Enter the host information, the port number, and the bandwidth for your connection.
From , select to start a KDE session.
Select a display resolution.
Click .
Once you are connected and the remote connection appears on your screen, you can access applications and use the remote computer as though you were sitting at that machine.
Alternatively, use the NoMachine client on KDE to establish an NX session. Just follow the procedure outlined below and choose KDE as session type.
To remotely connect to another machine running GNOME as your desktop choice, proceed as follows:
Download and install the nxclient package from NoMachine via http://www.nomachine.com/download_client_linux.php.
Start from the main menu.
In three steps, enter the name of the connection, port and host details, and connection type, select the session type , select to tunnel all traffic via SSH, finally decide whether to create a shortcut on your desktop, and click .
To connect to the remote desktop, click the NX shortcut on your desktop and provide username and password and click .
The remote desktop appears on your screen.