How to do concurrent multi-user OSX?

August 6, 2007 6:41 PM

How do I go about logging in, remotely and with something like VNC, to Mac OSX, while also (at the same time) using the computer locally as a different user? Is this possible? Is there a different way to do this? (I already have ssh all set up, if that'll help.)
posted by philomathoholic to computers & internet (6 comments total)

Is this possible?

No.

Is there a different way to do this? (I already have ssh all set up, if that'll help.)

You could log in remotely with SSH, with X11 forwarding enabled, to run X11 applications remotely. You can then use the computer locally as a different user.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 6:47 PM on August 6, 2007

I was afraid it might be impossible. Is there a way to let the X11 apps continue running when I logout from ssh? (As in keep running on the server.)
posted by philomathoholic at 7:32 PM on August 6, 2007

Fink has tightvnc so I assume to could use that.

A much better option (if you can avoid using gui apps): GNU screen
posted by mce at 7:59 PM on August 6, 2007

I often use screen on my headless file server, but I was hoping for something with some gui-goodness. I've got tightvnc working, but I want to work with a gui remotely while retaining the ability to work with a seperate gui locally. And it sounds like VNC is not the answer here.

I had a class where they gave us access to lab computers, through ssh and locally. It was possible to start ssh, call kde, and get a desktop on my computer (ssh client) just like I was sitting at the terminal. And other people could be logged in too, running their own desktop or whatever, remotely or locally. I am trying to duplicate that, but with a better/different window manager, and on OSX instead of netBSD.

So, I guess I've gotta go study up on X and window managers. Unless anyone else has anymore ideas...
posted by philomathoholic at 9:04 PM on August 6, 2007

It was possible to start ssh, call kde, and get a desktop on my computer (ssh client) just like I was sitting at the terminal.

This is through your remote host's X11 server.

Apple's Aqua server doesn't do this, so neither VNC nor Apple Remote Desktop will work.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:27 PM on August 6, 2007

Is there a way to let the X11 apps continue running when I logout from ssh? (As in keep running on the server.)

See the nohup command (man nohup).
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:28 PM on August 6, 2007