Due to hardware reqs we’re tossing the idea at work to replace the Microsoft termserv with Linux. Due to the userbase being all windows fans we’d need a full on GUI and i’ve been prodded towards Mint. Good idea or bad?
I’ve happily set up a remote kunbuntu for my workspace previously, but accomodating multiple complete linux neophytes is giving me a bit of pause.
Bit more info: The current termserv is a debloated win10 machine with the multisession registry edit. However, it’s on an R515 with proxmox (and running extremely well). Due to partner network requirements, we can’t run depreciated software, and the box won’t support win11, and frankly, I sat the boss down and asked him if he wanted to be microsoft’s removed for the forseeable future and junk serviceable hardware. He’s absolutely up to getting on a linux ecosystem, but the graphical desktop environment is non-negotiable on his end.
What exactly are you trying to accomplish?
terminal server to provide internet access for multiple users.
More in depth:
Workplace infrastructure is being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Part of this is to separate production from internet entirely (we work in cinema distribution) , so existing prod workstation VLAN is being blocked off, but staff still need some internet access for downloading content from studios, email, Aspera access, other bits and bobs. So the terminal server will provide this access. The users are all completely unfamiliar with linux, so the Mint GUI has been suggested as a good substitute.
Given most production machines are MS, and again for user comfort, looking to set up xRDP access for multiple users to this mint instance. From what Ive been reading up MATE is the best distro to use for what I’m planning. Not going to be hellishly high load, probably mostly email and browsing as I’m already looking to DMZ dedicated content reception servers (this place is a mess I’ve got my work cut out for me…)
Look into either X forward or Xpra. No need to run a GUI at all, you can run only the browser itself.
X forwarding will require a little more setup: https://docs.cse.lehigh.edu/xforwarding/xforwarding-win/ (first link I found on google)
Xpra would be just an app installed on the client (and server)
xRDP is no issue, I’ve set that up before and already have it running on a mockup mint MATE I’ve spun up. They’re gonna need more than just browsing, so looking for a full (locked down) desktop environment per user.
Seems like maybe a good use for Kasm Workspaces. Use persistence in each session to save settings, files etc…
X11 Fordwarding isn’t xRDP though. You don’t need a full blown graphical session to run.
https://superuser.com/questions/1332709/setting-up-x11-forwarding-over-ssh-on-windows-10-subsystem-for-linux
I wouldn’t install Mint for production either, I’d use something like Debian stable or Fedora.
ah, so it’s like xenapp?
I’m not super familiar with Citrix, but yeah kinda.
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Could you just give them limited access to the internet? Or maybe just setup a network share. What you are describing sounds overly complex. Maybe I’m just being pessimistic but what your describing sounds like a support nightmare
This is actually the easiest way. Anything holding content cannot touch the internet under DCI. . A single multisession termserv with locked down user perms means there’s one point of control.