SRCF Desktop Service

The SRCF is now operating a pilot remote Linux desktop service. This allows anyone with a SRCF account (sign up if you don't have one yet!) to obtain a graphical Linux environment from any computer on the internet.

Your desktop session can follow you wherever you go (suspend it on one computer, resume it on another and your applications are still running as you left them). It can be used from any computer running Windows, Mac OS X, Linux or Solaris. It will work over almost any internet connection, slow or fast.

The service offers a modern, user-friendly desktop environment that should be easy for Windows users to get used to (we offer both KDE and GNOME, the two most popular Linux desktops, along with various other window managers for those with more esoteric requirements).

What our users are saying

• "My life is now complete"

How do I use it?

1. First time? You'll need to install a NX client. This is easy. Follow one of the following links to a downloadable package and installation instructions: (note: there is usually no need to install any of the "Add-On Downloads")
   • NX Client for Windows
   • NX Client for Mac OS X
   • NX Client for Linux (various distributions supported)
   • NX Client for Solaris
   Various alternative clients are available for Linux, which should work, but the official NoMachine clients linked above are recommended.
2. Run the NX client, and point it at nx.srcf.ucam.org .
   
   The "type of your internet connection" should be set as relevant: for example, "LAN" if your computer is connected to a college/department network, or "ADSL" for most home broadband connections.
3. Leave the other settings in the NX client at their defaults if unsure. The desktop environment may be changed from KDE (the default) to GNOME if desired.
4. Log in with your SRCF username and password when prompted.
5. You should now be up and running! Remember that this is a pilot service; the sysadmins would like to hear from you if you have any comments.