Howto: Linux set up the X Window System to allow remote X sessions via the XDMCP

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: September 12, 2006]

Q. How do I set up the X Window System to allow remote X sessions via the XDMCP?

A. You need to enable XDMCP by modifying Xaccess file. XDMCP is X display manager that runs as a program, allowing starting a session on an X server from the same or another computer (so that remote system can connect it).

A display manager presents the user with a login screen into which to insert username and password. A session starts when the user successfully enters a valid combination of username and password.

X11R4 introduced the X Display Manager Control Protocol (XDMCP) in december 1989 to fix problems in the X11R3 implementation. (see wiki article for more info)

Open /etc/X11/xdm/Xaccess file
# vi /etc/X11/xdm/Xaccess
Put the (or uncomment) the asterisk (*) which means anyone can login.
*

If you want, allow access from foo.nixcraft.com display only just put:
Foo.nixcraft.com
If you want, allow access from any display in nixcraft.com domain:
*.nixcraft.com

Save and close the file. Open file /etc/X11/gdm/gdm.conf
# vi /etc/X11/gdm/gdm.conf

Find out the line which read as
# /etc/hosts.deny to only allow say local access. # Enable=falseReplace Enable=false with Enable=true
Enable=true

Restart gdm to take effect.

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