ThinLinc: Remote Linux Desktops That Actually Feel Usable
Remote desktop access on Linux has always been a bit of a mess. VNC is clunky, X2Go is fragile, RDP is mostly for Windows… and that’s where ThinLinc steps in. It’s a remote desktop server built specifically for Linux — one that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
With ThinLinc, users can connect to full graphical Linux desktops from anywhere, over the web or a native client. It’s fast, secure, and surprisingly polished — even over slower networks. For organizations with Linux-based workstations, lab environments, or development clusters, it’s a game changer.
Why ThinLinc Gets It Right
Built for Linux — not retrofitted, not cross-platform-first
Supports Wayland and X11, depending on desktop environment
Works over SSH with TLS encryption baked in
Native clients for Windows, macOS, Linux — or use the HTML5 browser client
Session persistence — disconnect and reconnect without losing state
Multi-user by design — supports many concurrent desktop sessions
Printer, file, and smartcard redirection
Central management via config files or LDAP/AD integration
Where It Shines
Research labs and universities — where Linux desktops are common
Remote engineering teams — accessing dev environments from thin clients
Secure facilities — where desktops stay inside and access happens remotely
Organizations replacing Windows RDP with Linux-based workflows
VDI setups — for centralized Linux workstation delivery
Environments with bandwidth constraints — efficient compression helps
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | What It Delivers |
| SSH-based transport | Encrypted sessions without extra VPN overhead |
| HTML5 web client | No install required — runs in browser |
| Session management | Reconnect, resume, or shadow active sessions |
| Desktop environment agnostic | KDE, GNOME, XFCE, MATE — user’s choice |
| Smartcard and file access | Redirect USB, files, printers, and authentication |
| LDAP/Active Directory | Supports centralized user and session control |
| Server-side licensing | Free for small teams, scales for large ones |
Install and Try (Ubuntu Example)
1. Download the installer from https://www.cendio.com/thinlinc
2. Extract and run the installer:
tar xf thinlinc-server*.tar.gz
cd thinlinc-server*
sudo ./install-server
3. Access the web admin panel at: https://:300
4. Use ThinLinc’s client app or open https:/// in a browser
Default user database is file-based, but you can connect it to LDAP or Kerberos.
What to Keep in Mind
The full version is commercial — free edition limited to 10 concurrent users
Desktop performance depends on what environment is installed (XFCE tends to run fastest)
Needs a dedicated Linux host — not something you install casually on shared machines
User session configs are flexible, but can get complex in large rollouts
HTML5 client works well but lacks some redirection features
Final Thoughts
ThinLinc isn’t just “VNC with polish.” It’s a full-blown remote desktop platform for Linux — built by people who clearly understand what sysadmins and users actually need. It’s fast, secure, and doesn’t get in your way.
And if Linux desktops are part of the stack, ThinLinc is probably the least painful way to expose them.
