Connecting Remotely to CAE Linux Machines from Windows (WSL and VNC)

How to create an SSH tunnel from a Windows computer to a CAE linux machine, and use a VNC Viewer to access a Linux GUI
1. Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux, and install a Linux distribution: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-win10

2. Install a VNC Client.  Options include, but aren't limited to, RealVNC, TightVNC, and TigerVNC
Note:  For TigerVNC, you'll want to click on the bintray link under "Binaries are available from bintray" and download vncviewer64-1.10.1.exe

3. Launch the Linux distribution you installed in step 1, run "ssh -L 5900:localhost:5900 <your cae username>@best-tux.cae.wisc.edu", then enter your CAE password
Note:If you would like a different resolution for your Linux GUI window, please see https://kb.wisc.edu/cae/22249
 If you do wish to change the size, the last two digits will change.  For instance, instead of "-L 5900:localhost:5900", you can provide "-L 5900:localhost:5976" for a higher resolution


4. Once the SSH tunnel is connected you can minimize the Terminal window.  Launch the VNC viewer you installed in step 2, and connect to "localhost:5900"

5. You can now log in like you were sitting at a CAE Linux computer




Keywords:
vnc linux tux windows ssh 
Doc ID:
100399
Owned by:
Dan S. in CAE
Created:
2020-04-09
Updated:
2021-04-01
Sites:
Computer-Aided Engineering