My goal was to create a linux server that has a text console (for RedHat: as if running in runlevel 3) but still has gdm available (actually running runlevel 5). Roughly, I just replaced the Xserver (XFree86 on linux) with Xvnc.
I first installed the vncserver packages from the distribution and start `vncserver` at least once to have a vnc password file.
Then (sidestep) I installed http://www.sourcecodecorner.com/articles/vnc/linux.asp. I don't expect it is needed but for me it is the reason to run in runlevel 5 and not in runlevel 3.
The real work is in getting Xvnc used as an Xterminal that runs on the same host. For GNOME (gdm) users: edit '/etc/X11/gdm/gdm.conf':
- disable VTAllocation (about line 104)
#VTAllocation=true
VTAllocation=false
- add server definitions (at the end, the double inserted lines are continuation of the previous line, combine them.)
[server-ROOTVNC]
# vncsession, using vncpassword from root
name=ROOTVNC server
flexible=false
command=/usr/bin/Xvnc -geometry 800x600 -depth 8 -rfbwait 120000
-rfbauth /root/.vnc/passwd
[server-FREEVNC]
# vncsession, using no vncpassword
name=FREEVNC server
flexible=false
command=/usr/bin/Xvnc -geometry 800x600 -depth 8 -rfbwait 120000
-alwaysshared -dontdisconnect
- in the [servers] section, add and/or replace lines that indicate an Xserver:
# disable the X session on the console
#0=Standard
# use roots vncsession on :0
0=ROOTVNC
# use the free-access vncsession on :4
4=FREEVNC
Now restart gnome (or the entire machine) and see the console stays in its text mode and there are 2 vnc sessions running: ONe at `vncviewer machine:0` that uses the vncpassword of root and an other one at `vncviewer machine:4` that has no vncpassword. All provide a login session.
To get the same setup with a KDE or XDM session, it is even simpler. Edit '/etc/X11/xdm/Xservers': add the next lines (and comment out all others). WRAPWARNING: each line is either comment or it starts with the same word as it ends (:0 to :0 and :4 to :4).
# disable the X session on the console
#:0 local /usr/X11R6/bin/X
# vncsession :0, using vncpassword from root.
:0 ROOTVNC local /usr/bin/Xvnc -geometry 800x600 -depth 8 -rfbwait
120000 -rfbauth /root/.vnc/passwd :0
# vncsession :4, no vncpassword.
:4 FREEVNC local /usr/bin/Xvnc -geometry 800x600 -depth 8 -rfbwait
120000 -alwaysshared -dontdisconnect :4
Now restart the display manager (or the machine) and...
Detail, if you want to keep the X11 server on the console (not have the :0 vnc session): you might need to add '-vt7' to the 'command=/usr/X11R6/bin/X -vt7' line.
If I can find some time, I might put this description on a website some time. If others want to do so, please do. If I come acros any other system (HP-UX might be the first) I might mail an update. Be free to test it on any other system. Most likely you only need to update the Xservers file according the above /etc/X11/xdm/Xservers description.
CBee _______________________________________________ VNC-List mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To remove yourself from the list visit: http://www.realvnc.com/mailman/listinfo/vnc-list
