Chapter 5. Remote Desktop Access

31

Figure 5 2. Remote Desktop Access for Administration

With the above access permissions, the administrator should be able to gain complete access to the

user's desktop. This method has the further benefit that the user can observe the administrator control

the user's desktop in real time. This technique can be particularly effective when combined with an 

other simultaneous, synchronous form of communication (such as a telephone conversation), thereby

providing a means for the user to learn to address the problem by on their own in the future. In some

remote administration cases, however, it would not be appropriate for the user to take part in the

administration.

5.2. Connecting Using vncviewer

To connect to the user's desktop from a remote machine, the administrator need only issue the

command:

vncviewer :0

. For example, if the remote hostname is

linux.example.com

, the command would take the form:

vncviewer linux.example.com:0

vncviewer also has a graphical interface that is available through Applications (the main menu on

the panel) => Accessories => VNC Viewer.

5.3. Connecting Using Terminal Server Client

In addition to vncviewer, you can also connect to a user's Windows or Linux desktop using Terminal

Server Client, which is available through Applications (the main menu on the panel) => Internet =>

Terminal Server Client.