Install a Terminal Server product

• First install Workstation or another Terminal Server product on the remote host you want to connect to. For full installation instructions see our detailed documents section.
• Make sure you have a system account on the remote host. You will use these account credentials for authenticating.
• Install NoMachine or Enterprise Client on the devices you want to connect from.
• Once installed on the host you want to connect to, NoMachine server will work out-of-the-box with no special configuration required. There are two ways to connect to this Linux host: over the Internet or over a local network.

Connect over a local network

• All NoMachine servers are advertized to NoMachine clients when both are on the same network. So when opening NoMachine on the device you are connecting from, you will see the NoMachine-enabled computers.
• Alternatively, if you know it, you can use the local IP address of the machine you want to access. This information is available in 'Server status' in the NoMachine 'Server settings'.
• If LAN fits your scenario, now go to the device you want to connect from and skip to the section Start the connection to the Linux computer.

Fig. 1 - The IP address is published in 'Status' - 'Server settings'

Connect over the Internet

• As mentioned, automatic discovery of the NoMachine server host is possible only when the server and the user's machine are on the same LAN. When the user connects over the internet or from a different network, it's mandatory to know the public (or external) IP of the NoMachine server. Go to the 'Server settings' and select 'Status' to check what IP addresses can be used (Fig. 1). If the server is behind a firewall you will need to configure port-mapping. Please see the Installation and Configuration guides for more details.
• Alternatively, you can use the server’s Machine Id if it is published on NoMachine Network. To know how to publish your machine on Network, check out the tutorial here.
• If this fits your scenario, now go to the device you want to connect from.

Start the connection to the Linux computer

• Make sure you are sitting at the computer you want to connect from.
• Open NoMachine from the Programs/Applications menu. Click 'OK' to go past the Welcome panels. You are now in the 'Machines’ panel. Here you can create a new connection.
• All NoMachine-enabled computers on the same network are advertized here. Also, if you have used NoMachine in the past, any connections you created are also listed here (Fig. 2). On LAN, all available NoMachine computers are advertized using the "pipe" icon.
• If your Linux computer is shown in the Machines panel, double click on the icon and proceed to the section Login to the remote computer.

Fig. 2 - In Machines, LAN-based computers are published and any connections previously run

• Alternatively, click 'Add' to start the configuration of your connection, insert the IP address or Machine Id and click 'Connect'.
• A quick way to start a connection is to insert the IP address/Machine Id in the search field and click 'Connect to new host...'.
• You can also provide a memorable name for the connection. This connection name will be shown in the Machines panel. You can do that in 'Add' or by clicking 'Configure connection to new host ...'

Fig. 3 - Insert the IP address/Machine Id or select 'Add'

Fig. 4 - Insert the IP address and port and click 'Connect'

Login to the remote computer

• You will be prompted to log in using the credentials for your account on the remote host (Fig. 5).
• Insert your account credentials to authenticate to the remote host.
• Click 'Login' and wait a few seconds while NoMachine connects you.

Fig. 5 - Insert your account credentials to authenticate on the remote host

Connect to a virtual desktop or application

• When you have successfully authenticated, any available desktops are displayed here (Fig. 6). They can be your desktops previously left running 'My desktops', or those belonging to other users if desktop sharing is enabled (toggle 'My desktops' to see 'All desktops'). In that case choose one of the options.
• If your list is empty or you want to create a new session, select 'New desktop' or the link 'Create a new virtual desktop or custom session' (Fig. 7).
• If you want to run a 'single application' or access an application in 'rootless mode', select 'Create a new custom session'.
• If there is a choice of desktop environments installed on the remote host, NoMachine server publishes the options available.
• Wait a few seconds while your NoMachine virtual desktop starts.
• Congratulations! You are now connected to a virtual Ubuntu desktop.

Fig. 6 - Any available desktops are displayed. Create a new one via 'New desktop'

Fig. 7 - Choose between creating a new virtual desktop or custom session

Fig. 8 - A virtual Ubuntu desktop