How to See the Screen of a Headless Computer with an Emulator

Understanding the Need for Display on a Computer

A computer requires a display to show what's being processed. Traditionally, this involves a graphics card and a monitor. However, in a headless computer setup, there is no physical monitor. This setup is useful for servers, remote workstations, and in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments. To view what's happening on the system in real-time, you can use a dummy plug, a headless display emulator, or a ghost display emulator.

What is a Dummy Plug?

A dummy plug is a device that simulates a display. It is connected to the video out port of the computer and allows the computer's screen to be viewed without a physical monitor. This is a cost-effective solution, ideal for servers or other systems where a physical display is unnecessary.

Using a Ghost Display Emulator

A ghost display emulator is a software-based solution that allows you to connect to a remote computer and view its screen. This is particularly useful if you are managing multiple computing environments or if you need a more versatile and flexible solution than a physical dummy plug.

Steps to Use a Ghost Display Emulator

Research and choose a ghost display emulator that suits your needs. Popular options include NoMachine, Bomnono, and MobaXterm. Download and install the emulator software on your local machine. Install the emulator on the headless system you want to see the screen of. Configure the emulator settings to set up remote access. This may involve specifying a user account, providing security settings, and selecting appropriate display options. Once configured, connect to the remote system using the software. View the screen of your headless computer in real-time interactively, as if it were attached to a monitor.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Solution

Dummy Plugs:

Advantage: Simple, cost-effective, and easy to set up. Disadvantage: Limited to simple graphical outputs, not interactive.

Ghost Display Emulators:

Advantage: Offers more flexibility, interactivity, and customizability. Disadvantage: Requires more setup and configuration. May incur additional software costs.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a dummy plug or a ghost display emulator, both solutions can help you see and interact with your headless computer. They offer flexibility and convenience, especially in remote workstations or virtual desktops environments. Choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.

For further information and technical support, refer to the official documentation of the ghost display emulator or dummy plug you are using.