Automating tasks with SSH, Zenity, Yad, KDialog, PuTTY, WinSCP, and Rex Secure Agent
Self-Service
Starting a script on a Linux server with just a few mouse clicks sounds more complicated than it really is. If you want to create attractive and interactive dialogs for your desktop users, all you need is a small utility called SSH and a little Bash know-how.
Deleting all the tasks in the print spool or saving a complete backup to the SAN immediately after finishing a large project are all typical tasks that keep systems administrators from getting their real work done. How much easier it would be if they could enable their users to complete selected administrative tasks themselves.
To allow even inexperienced users to accomplish these housekeeping chores, admins can simply place an appropriate icon on their desktops. With it, the user starts a self-made program with a simple but sufficient GUI, which in turn triggers actions on the Linux server via SSH – also via script. If admins have SSH, sudo, and one of the dialog systems described below (Zenity, Yad, KDialog, or Rex) in their tool boxes, the client users don’t have to grapple with Linux concepts. Windows clients have PuTTY, WinSCP, or PowerShell.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.