Remote administration

Linux allows for remote execution of applications (which is particularly important when administering distant or headless servers). Various possibilities exist:

• Using telnet (which is insecure)
• Using Secure Shell (SSH)

In addition to text mode, it is also possible to administer remote servers graphically e.g.

• Running an application distantly but displaying it locally
• Running an application locally but displaying it remotely. This requires DisallowTCP=false in security section of /etc/gdm/custom.conf. By precaution these changes may require a reboot.

This can be done using the X-Window System. X-Window (and not X-Windows) is the fundamental graphical environment on which Gnome or KDE run. X-Window has a client/server architecture and the two parts communicate using a special protocol.

Naturally, there exists other possibilities:

• VNC
• Setting up an SSH tunnel
• etc.