How to use an Xmanager Classic passive session
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION or QUESTION
How can I create and use an Xmanager Classic passive session?
RESOLUTION
Beginning with Xmanager 7, Xmanager introduced a new X server designed for newer Linux distributions. The more recent versions of Linux are designed differently than the versions before which are traditionally based on the X window system.
Therefore, traditional X servers cannot connect to the newer Linux distributions or even if it can connect, performance will be sub-optimal. Xmanager 7 (and higher) is designed to be able to connect to these Linux instances without issue.
As a tradeoff, newly designed X servers, including Xmanager 7 (and higher), have issues connecting to legacy Unix machines, somewhat dated Linux machines, or applications running in those machines. In this case, Xmanager Classic may be more suitable to use and will have better performance.
Contents
How to make an Xmanager Classic passive session file
The Xmanager-passive default shortcut created after Xmanager's installation is based on the new Xmanager 7. To instead use an Xmanager Classic based passive session, you will need to make a passive session from Xmanager Classic.
Open ‘Xmanager - Classic’ and launch a new XDMCP Session dialog.
In the New Session properties dialog, select 'None (Passive)' as the Connection Method. Give the new session a name and save it.
Run the session file.
You will find Xmanager Classic running in the background.
Note: The Classic X server’s name is Xmanager 8 while the newer X server’s name will be Xmanager Server 8.0.
You need to remember the DISPLAY number. In the example above, it is 0.0.Run the X application.
How to use an Xmanager Classic passive session
Using SSH's X11 forwarding in Xshell
When you're connecting to a server using SSH with the X11 forwarding option, you can easily run any X11 application using Xmanager and with no network restrictions.
Run an Xmanager Classic passive session.
You’ll need to note the DISPLAY number from Xmanager’s system tray icon:
In this case, it is 0.0. Remember this number.In the Xshell's session properties, configure X11 connections to be forwarded to the X DISPLAY and set its value to localhost:[DISPLAY number]. Usually, the [DISPLAY number] is 0.0, but this is not always the case. The number must be the same value from step 2 above.
Note: If you want to use the newer X server and not the Classic X server, the steps above are no necessary. Instead, Xshell will automatically launch an Xmanager passive session and set the proper DISPLAY number.Run the desired X application.
In the above image, the X connection was forwarded from localhost:10.0 to Xmanager's [0.0]
Using a plain TCP connection for TELNET connections
Instead of an X11 forwarding connection, if you're using a plain TCP connection such as TELNET or RLOGIN, an SSH connection without X11 forwarding can be utilized. In this case, the network connection from the server to you PC should be established.
Run an Xmanager Classic passive session.
You’ll need to note the DISPLAY number from Xmanager’s system tray icon:
In this case, it is 0.0. Remember this number.
Make a TELNET connection. You will see that the DISPLAY is not set.(①)
You need to set the DISPLAY variable manually. ②
Run the desired X application and check the DISPLAY variable.(③)
How to create a shortcut for an Xmanger Classic Passive session
(This section is no longer necessary if you're using Xmanager 7 Build 0056(Jan 29, 2021) and over.)
Creating a shortcut via the conventional method will only work for the new Xmanager server, not Xmanager Classic.
However, there is a workaround you can use to create a shortcut for Xmanager Classic Passive:
Create an Xmanager Classic session in Xmangar Classic.
Create a shortcut of the session in the context menu:
Open the shortcut file's properties and insert the Xmanager Classic binary path before the session file name with the '-session' parameter like the following:
"C:\Users\USER_NAME\Documents\NetSarang Computer\7\Xmanager\Sessions\Xmanager\Xmanager Classic Passive.xdts"
=>
"C:\Program Files (x86)\NetSarang\Xmanager 7\XmanagerClassic.exe" -session "C:\Users\ USER_NAME\Documents\NetSarang Computer\7\Xmanager\Sessions\Xmanager\Xmanager Classic Passive.xdts"
Xmanager Tip: In all passive connections, it is recommended that you use an Xstart session. An Xstart session can automatically connect X applications to Xmanager.
Xshell Tip: Setting the DISPLAY variable is not necessary even in a TELNET session. Xshell can set the DISPLAY variable automatically with the following option:
How to create an Xstart session using Xmanager Classic
First, update Xmanager to the latest build.
Click the Advanced button in the Xstart dialog window.
Select Use the Classic X server.
Click OK to save options.
Run the Xstart session and check if Xmanager Classic is running in the System notification area.
Note: The Classic X server’s name is Xmanager 8 while the newer X server’s name will be Xmanager Server 8.0.