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.
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