1. Introduction

XDMCP stands for "X Display Manager Control Protocol" and is a network protocol. It provides a way of running the X-Terminal to run on your PC (or MAC) and it uses the X Server to provide a client/server interface between display hardware (the mouse, keyboard, and video displays) and the desktop environment while also providing both the windowing infrastructure and a standardized application interface (quoted from XFree86 Project home page). The X-Terminal can be displayed with an individual window or multiple windows, based on your X window system's software capabilities and setup.

I am always looking for the best way to use Linux, both at home and in work. One of the biggest advantages among all is the ability to re-use the old systems (like 486 and Pentium, Pentium II CPUs) as a Xterminal (by using the Win32 apps; like Hummingbird's Exceed, Reflection X, X-Win32 or X-ThinPro. For MAC, try eXodus) to run from any of your PC remotely. I found out, somehow very surprising, that there are many documents on the INTERNET that can help you to set it up, but not with a step by step HOW-TO format! This is how I came up with this document as a way to share my experiences with all users. By using X and XDMCP, you can build a good, reliable and not expansive X- environment for your home or work IT solution.