Re: GDM + remote host problem

["Martin K. Petersen" <mkp mkp net>]

>>>>> "Henrik" == Henrik Sandklef <henrik sandklef com> writes:

Henrik> Problem: --------- I have upgraded my main* computer and
Henrik> switched to using gdm. But now I can't open a display on that
Henrik> computer from another computer**.

Henrik> Question: --------- How/where do I add my remote (in the file
Henrik> $XAUTHORITY) hosts before gdm launches X?

It doesn't exactly work that way.

Every time the X server is started a new unique cookie is generated to
protect the display from unauthorized use.  This cookie is stored by
GDM.  It only lasts until you log out again, at which point a new
cookie will be generated.

When you log in, the cookie is copied to your ~/.Xauthority file in
order to grant you access to the display.  Your $XAUTHORITY variable
is set accordingly.

If you subsequently log on to a remote machine, you have to bring that
cookie along and put it where the remote X applications can find it.
I.e. in your ~/.Xauthority in your home directory there.  The two most
common ways to do this are:

1. NFS (I'm assuming this is your home network and thus a benign
environment).  If you NFS export your home directory and mount it on
the other machines, the .Xauthority file will obviously be the same
across all machines.

2. ssh.  When configured to do so, ssh will bring cookies along and
set your $DISPLAY accordingly when doing remote logins.  Friendly
beast, that ssh.  Search for X11 in the ssh and sshd man pages for
more info.

-- 
Martin K. Petersen      http://mkp.net/