Remote desktop
This page is a guide to remote desktop software on Gentoo.
Remote desktop software is generally used to access a graphical interface running on a distant device (for example over a local network or the Internet) from the machine in front of which the user is present.
There are many different remote desktop applications available, they often offer different features, supported platforms, performance, etc. Which system to chose will usually depend on user requirements.
Remote desktop protocols
A given piece of remote desktop software may be implemented in many ways, but over the years several protocols have gained enough traction to have several remote desktop applications built around them.
The protocol used by a given remote desktop application will often determine much of it's functionality. Different applications that use the same protocol will often be compatible.
Here are some examples of remote desktop protocols, each having several packages available on Gentoo:
VNC (RFB protocol)
VNC clients and servers are built around the relatively simple RFB protocol that exchanges graphical information over the network.
The RFB specification is public and free to use, so is seemingly a good match for open source software.
RDP
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is a proprietary protocol owned by Microsoft.
SPICE
The SPICE protocol is available under an open-source license, and has a published standard specification.
SPICE is often used to access virtual machines. It has built-in optional security.
Available software
Server software
| Name | Package | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| X2Go | net-misc/x2goserver | NX |
| xrdp | net-misc/xorgxrdp::dilfridge | RDP |
| Xspice | x11-drivers/xf86-video-qxl | SPICE |
| TigerVNC | net-misc/tigervnc | VNC |
| TurboVNC | net-misc/turbovnc | VNC |
| wayvnc | gui-apps/wayvnc | VNC |
Client software
| Name | Package | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| NX Player | net-misc/nxplayer | NX |
| X2Go | net-misc/x2goclient | NX |
| FreeRDP | net-misc/freerdp | RDP |
| Spicy | net-misc/spice-gtk | SPICE |
| Virt Viewer | app-emulation/virt-viewer | SPICE, VNC |
| Remmina | net-misc/remmina | RDP, SPICE, VNC |
Screen sharing
| Name | Package | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| x11vnc | x11-misc/x11vnc | VNC |
| x2vnc | x11-misc/x2vnc | VNC |
| GNOME Remote Desktop | net-misc/gnome-remote-desktop | RDP, VNC |
| TeamViewer | net-misc/teamviewer | Proprietary |