How to Get Access to the GUI of a OSGeoLive VM Using X2go?

You can get access to the GUI of a OSGeoLive VM using the application X2go for remote control.

X2go for remote control

X2go can be installed in Linux, Windows and macOS. The application can be downloaded from official website: https://wiki.x2go.org/doku.php

Installing x2go for Windows and MacOS

Installation instructions for Windows and macOS can be found on the above mentioned official website. It boils down to simple downloading and running of the installer.

Installing x2go on a cloud instance

To install x2go on your instance, connect to your VM via ssh:

ssh -i key eouser 194.152.XXX.XXX

Perform the following operations on the VM:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:x2go/stable
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install x2goserver x2goserver-xsession
sudo apt-get install x2golxdebindings

Client-side operations

Operations that need to be performed on the client-side on Linux:

sudo apt-get install x2goclient

Run x2go by command:

x2goclient

In the top menu select “Session”→ “New session … “

Complete the fields:

Host: Floating IP of the VM
Login: eouser (this account allows ssh connections)
SSH port: 22 (by default)
Use RSA/DSA key for ssh connection: The path to your ssh private key file
Session type: Choose “Custom desktop “ and type in “Command” field:

/usr/bin/lxsession -s Lubuntu -e LXDE

Click “OK”. If all fields have been filled out correctly, you should see a tile with information about the newly created session. You can change the resolution of the startup window from the context menu:

After starting the session, you will gain access to your virtual machine: