How to use Windows desktop from a Linux machine on a local network?

I have a computer running Windows 7 with no monitor or keyboard, connected to a local network. I have a few laptops running Linux, also connected to the local network. I want to feel like I'm sitting in front of the Windows computer, but using one of the Linux laptops.

How do I do that?

Maybe I can use some Linux software to connect to remote desktop? Or do I have to install client/server software on both machines? As this is a local network, I expect an excellent experience with no lag.

Hristo Hristov

Posted 2011-01-12T12:55:02.750

Reputation: 145

Terminal server ? – user2284570 – 2015-09-11T19:43:09.517

Answers

If it's a Windows 7 Ultimate/Professional/Enterpreise, you should be able to establish a remote desktop connection. In Linux use the terminal server client [1] with the IP address of the Windows box. If it's a Windows 7 Home version (which offers no remote connection by default) try a VNC server [2] on the Windows 7 machine. Ensure that the VNC server is started as a service.

[1] If not installed, try sudo apt-get install tsc
[2] http://www.tightvnc.com/

Stefan

Posted 2011-01-12T12:55:02.750

Reputation: 76

I could've sworn there was a manual change to some HKEY* that enabled remote connection in Win 7 Home version. I remember doing it once but it's been a while. – Daz C – 2015-09-11T16:37:14.250

You can access via an RDP client like grdesktop or similar, given that the Windows machine is enabled for remote access. Another solution is to use VNC (TightVNC).

umut

Posted 2011-01-12T12:55:02.750

Reputation: 11

If you want to keep it simple, you can also use LogMeIn free.

I am currently using Logmein between my Android tablet and headless Windows 7 machine. No problems. 5-10 minutes to setup and no hassles with networking if that's a problem.

Logmein has a beta LogMeIn Hamachi2 for Linux (https://secure.logmein.com/labs/)

I have been using it on my netbook with Ubuntu just fine.

Stanley Williams

Posted 2011-01-12T12:55:02.750

Reputation: 4 324

You can use the VNC protocol or the native RDP one. For using RDP go to the Windows host -> system properties -> remote access -> enable conexions with any version (sorry, dunno the exact text in English).

On linux you can use any rdp client as tsclient or rdesktop. Vinagre has a nice GUI and is able to use rdesktop if installed. Vinagre is a VNC client too.

Using rdesktop from CLI is easy as: rdesktop IP.NU.MBE.R

Ismael Olea

Posted 2011-01-12T12:55:02.750

Reputation: 1