Ubuntu

How do I set up my Ubuntu PC to run stand alone from the network? (no keyboard or monitor)

Asked by Donn Roberts

I'm trying to set up a Ubuntu system to run Boinc and do some network monitoring functions. Since I won't be using a monitor or keyboard very often, I'd like to get access to it from the network. Is there a way to do this?
I have a system set up now running 8.04 and Boinc successfully.

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Donn Roberts (donn-beyourself) said : 		#1

I've tried VNC, but PC will not reboot and run VNC server sucessfully.

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Lee Glidewell (lee-glidewell) said : 		#2

I see four possibilities here, depending on your level of experience and comfort:

1) Fix the VNC server (possibly difficult to do, but easier once it's fixed)
2) Connect via SSH, and administer the computer from a text shell (requires a willingness to learn the command line)
3) Connect via SSH and then start the VNC server manually
4) Start an X session on the remote computer and forward it via SSH

If you could say which of these options you prefer (and possibly which others you would be willing to settle for), people should be able to offer help.

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marcobra (Marco Braida) (marcobra) said : 		#3

Which release of Ubuntu are you using...?

Thank you

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Donn Roberts (donn-beyourself) said : 		#4

Thanks for the suggestions.
I'm running Ubuntu 8.04. Everything else on the network is either Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, or Windows Home Server.
Do you think this might be easier if I ran Ubuntu Server instead of Desktop?

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Best Chocwise (chocwise) said : 		#5

The Ubuntu Server is just installing the SSH-Server from the start among some other stuff. You don't have to install Ubuntu Server to use that Machine as a headless system from a remote Computer. ;)
I guess, your Problem is, that if you restart your headless computer, no Usersession is being started. And if no User is logged into the Desktopmanager, then the VNC-Server doesn't start. So you have to let a User login automatically upon start of the System.
I use a German Ubuntu, so I have to guess the english terms. ;)
System -> Systemadministration -> Login(screen) -> Security -> "Activate automatic Login" and select your User.

And as we are in the Loginsettings, you might want to activate XDMCP. That allows you to Login into a Gnome-Session as if you are sitting infront that Computer just that you're sitting in front of a remote System. But you need an X-Server running on your Client (the not-headless System) for this to work.
Go to the "Remote"-Tab and select "Like local login".
If you are using Ubuntu or some other Linux-System on your non-headless machine as well, you can Login into your headless System from your Login Screen.

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Donn Roberts (donn-beyourself) said : 		#6

Thanks so much for your help. I'm getting really close. The only problem now is that in version 7.10 it seems vncserver came up with no prompting. In 8.04 is doesn't seem to be running. How do I make sure the server is running. I'm getting 'connection refused' from the VNC client running on Windows XP.

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Donn Roberts (donn-beyourself) said : 		#7

I figured out my error. I was missing a critical part of my set up. Remote Desktop - Security Password.

Works great! Thanks again for your help.

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Donn Roberts (donn-beyourself) said : 		#8

Thanks Chocwise, that solved my question.