Help:SSH tunneling for X

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The X Window System allows access to graphics applications over the network. The ssh protocol creates an encrypted path between two hosts on the network. ssh also provides a mechanism to tunnel X11 graphics connections and other network traffic.

From Windows[edit]

First, you must install software to support the unix X11 graphics API. We recommend mobaXterm which integrates ssh, scp, and X11.

From Unix and OS X[edit]

The ssh command will encrypt and forward your connection using the -X option (note: CAPS required!). For example:

ssh -X user@server

Some systems have ssh configured to do this by default. Note that -x (no caps) disables forwarding, and may speed login time slightly, as the X credentials are not copied at session start with this option.

Recent versions of MacOS may also need to install XQuartz

Some applications require -Y instead of -X

Off campus use[edit]

To connect with ssh from off campus, you must first connect using the VPN.

You may also want to enable compression:

command line
add the -C command line option
putty
Category -> connection -> SSH -> Enable compression (checkbox)