X2Go: Remote Linux Desktop That Feels Local
What Is It?
X2Go is one of those tools that quietly does the job — and keeps doing it, session after session. It gives users full remote access to a Linux desktop environment, not by mirroring an existing session like VNC, but by launching a brand-new graphical session in the background — secure, responsive, and persistent.
It’s built around the NX protocol, which compresses and optimizes X11 traffic for remote use. That means good performance even over modest connections. You get a desktop session that survives disconnects, supports printing, sound, multiple monitors, and it all runs over plain old SSH — no extra ports, no open VNC servers, no RDP hacks.
Why Admins Like It
| Feature | What It Means in Practice |
| Full Desktop Sessions | Not just screen sharing — it’s a complete, isolated session |
| Session Persistence | Disconnect? No problem — reconnect and pick up where you left |
| SSH-Based Transport | Secure out of the box — no need to configure separate tunnels |
| Cross-Platform Clients | Works from Windows, macOS, and Linux without extra tweaks |
| Multiple Sessions/User | Run multiple desktops under one user account |
| Printing & Audio Support | Redirect sound and printers to your local machine |
| Low Bandwidth Optimized | Smooth even on flaky or low-speed links |
| Desktop Environments | Supports XFCE, KDE, LXDE, MATE — choose what fits |
How It Works
On the server side, X2Go Server listens for incoming SSH connections. When a client connects, it starts a new graphical session — completely separate from any local login. Each session runs in the background on the server, so nothing is displayed on a physical monitor.
The user sees their desktop streamed to them — just the pixels, nothing else. It’s fast because only the screen changes are transmitted, and the NX protocol takes care of compression.
The client side connects through SSH, launches the session, and shows the remote desktop in a window. If the connection drops, the session stays alive. Reconnect, and you’re back in.
Installation Guide
On the server (Debian/Ubuntu):
sudo apt update
sudo apt install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession
On the client (Windows, macOS, Linux):
1. Download X2Go Client from: https://wiki.x2go.org/doku.php/doc:installation:x2goclient
2. Launch the client and create a new session
3. Enter the server’s IP, SSH credentials, and choose the desktop environment (XFCE is a good start)
4. Click “Connect” — the session will start immediately
No firewall rules to change, no extra configuration files. It just works.
Where It Fits
– Remote access to a Linux workstation from a Windows laptop
– Running graphical applications (like IDEs or terminals) on a headless server
– University labs where students need isolated Linux desktops
– Lightweight alternative to VNC or RDP in hybrid environments
– Admins managing multiple remote boxes from one local machine
Compared to Other Tools
| Tool | What It Does | X2Go’s Edge |
| VNC | Mirrors existing desktop | X2Go starts isolated sessions |
| xrdp | Uses Microsoft’s RDP on Linux | X2Go is faster, more stable, and native |
| DWService | Browser-based screen control | X2Go supports full-speed graphical sessions |
| NoMachine | NX-based like X2Go, proprietary | X2Go is fully open source, no lock-in |
X2Go doesn’t try to be flashy or modern — and that’s part of the charm. It’s a tool for people who care about function over form. If you’ve ever needed a full Linux desktop remotely, without jumping through hoops or compromising on performance, X2Go is one of the few solutions that holds up under real use.
No fuss, no nonsense — just your desktop, when and where you need it.
