Solaris Server Graphics

Mostly I try to install the absolute minimum graphics software on a server.  Most installs should be possible without graphics.  For instance installing an Oracle database you can use silent mode and a response file.

Now and then you can't get around this.  If you have the luxury of just remotely displaying a xterm back to your Unix desktop (or Windows with X-Window software like Xming etc) then that should be enough.  If you have a slow link over a WAN then displaying X remotely becomes quite impossible.  This is because of the way the X-Window system updates pixels, keyboard and mouse clicks.  In this case you can try VNC.

Note since you have installed minimal graphics software on the server you should not expect a nice GNOME type desktop awaiting you upon a successful VNC connection.

This is an example of using VNC to connect to a Solaris 11 LDOM.

Install VNC server:

# pkg search vncserver
INDEX ACTION VALUE PACKAGE
basename file usr/bin/vncserver pkg:/x11/server/xvnc@1.1.0-0.175.1.0.0.24.1317

root@host11:~# pkg install pkg:/x11/server/xvnc@1.1.0-0.175.1.0.0.24.1317

Run VNC Server as the user you need to use:

dev1_a@host11:~$ vncserver
You will require a password to access your desktops.
Password:
Verify:
New 'host11:2 (dev1)' desktop is host11:2

Creating default startup script /export/home/dev1/.vnc/xstartup
Starting applications specified in /export/home/dev1/.vnc/xstartup
Log file is /export/home/dev1/.vnc/host11:2.log

Now connect with your VNC client to host11:2.