Linux XDMCP HOWTO

Thomas Chao

           tomchao@lucent.com
        
Revision History                                                             
Revision v1.1          20 March 2001              Revised by: tc             

This HOWTO describes how you can use the combination of X Display Manager
(xdm, kdm and gdm) and XDMCP (X Display Manager Control Protocol) to provide
the mechanism for an X-Terminal and a platform of cheap Remote X Apps
solution. This document will be focusing on how to setup connection using
XDMCP.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
    1.1. Disclaimer
    1.2. Feedback
   
2. The Procedure
    2.1. Before you begin, some backgrounds
    2.2. Security Reminder
    2.3. The System I use
    2.4. Remote piece
    2.5. Server Preparation
    2.6. Steps to Complete the Procedures
    2.7. Testing
   
3. Troubleshooting
4. XDMCP and GDM (Gnome Display Manager)
5. Additional References
6. Authors
7. Copyright Information

1. Introduction

XDMCP stands for "X Display Manager Control Protocol" and is a network
protocol. It provides a mechanism for an X-Terminal. The X-Terminal will only
run the X-Server and it will allow applications running on remote machine to
be displayed on it.

Some of us running Linux (like me) are looking for the best parts of Linux.
Among them is the ability to re-use old systems (like 486 CPUs) as a
X-Terminal (with the Win32 apps; like Hummingbird's Exceed or X-Win32) to run
Linux from any PC remotely. It is somehow very surprising that there aren't
many documents on the internet which guide you step by step on how to set
this up. This is how I come up with this document as a way to share my
experience with all user. Essentially, by using X and XDMCP, you can create a
cheap solution of a X- environment.
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1.1. Disclaimer

No liability for the contents of this documents can be accepted. Use the
concepts, examples and other content at your own risk. As this is a new
edition of this document, there may be errors and inaccuracies, that may of
course be damaging to your system. Proceed with caution, and although this is
highly unlikely, the author(s) do not take any responsibility for that.

All copyrights are held by their by their respective owners, unless
specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document should not be
regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen as endorsements.

You are strongly recommended to take a backup of your system before major
installation and backups at regular intervals.
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1.2. Feedback

Feedback is most certainly welcome for this document. Without your
submissions and input, this document wouldn't exist. Please send your
additions, comments and criticisms to the following email address : <
tomchao@lucent.com>.
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Next: Section 2: The Procedure »