VNC

VNC is a tool which projects a desktop session over the network. It is useful for running graphical applications on remote systems and displaying the graphical output, locally.

CCI required that all VNC connections be tunneled through SSH, for security reasons. See instructions below for details.

Definitions and Introductions¶

Local machine: The machine you are physically working from

Remote machine: The machine at the CCI datacenter acting as a VNC server, in this case the landing pad, blp02

Start up the VNC Server¶

Login to the landing pad using SSH:
- ssh <USERname>@blp02.ccni.rpi.edu
Start a VNC server and specify the desired desktop resolution:
- vncserver -geometry 1680x1050
Enter a vnc password. A view-only password is not necessary.

Note! This password should NOT be the same as your CCI password.
Note the remote port number in the output:
```
New 'blp02:4 (CCNIdmnn)' desktop is blp02:4
```
In this example, it is "4" in 'blp02:4'
Close the active SSH connection and create a new one with the following settings:
```
ssh -f -N -L XXXX:blp02.ccni.rpi.edu:XXXX USERname@blp02.ccni.rpi.edu
```
- -f instructs SSH to only forward ports, not to execute a remote command
- -N puts the ssh command into the background after connecting
- -L forwards the port necessary
Where XXXX is: 5900 + your Remote port number, In this example XXXX = 5904

NOTE! The shell will likely disappear or minimize on establishing a connection. This is expected.

Connect to the VNC Server¶

A VNC client such as TightVNC or RealVNC Viewer is required on the local machine.

Connect from a UNIX/Linux system¶

Remmina¶

Change the dropdown to "VNC"
Set connection to 'localhost:5904'
Connect and enter the VNC password previously set
Connect to a front-end node from the provided shell and launch your graphical application

OSX¶

RealVNC¶

Enter :04 into the 'VNC Server' field
Click Connect, Enter VNC password
Connect to a front-end node from the provided shell and launch your graphical application

Windows¶

TightVNC¶

Set remote host to: 'localhost::5904'
Click connect, Enter VNC password
Connect to a front-end node from the provided shell and launch your graphical application

Usage Tips and Suggestions¶

If you would like to change the vnc password run the vncpasswd command.

Most users find it more convenient to keep the vncserver running between uses instead of stopping and starting the server every time a GUI is required.

When done working via the VNC, close the VNC Viewer window. Do not 'logout' of the desktop session inside the VNC; via the graphical menus or other means.