We currently use Bitvise for SSH access, but I'm looking for an open-source client that combines SSH and VNC support and works on both Windows and Linux. Electerm looked promising, but I've run into an annoying behavior: when I issue a reboot command on the remote server, the Electerm window stays open instead of closing. Lowering the SSH timeout and adjusting keepalives didn't change anything, although typing `exit` closes it normally. Are there better client options, or is this expected behavior for SSH clients?
4 Answers
For SSH, OpenSSH is a solid cross-platform choice, and TigerVNC is a straightforward option for VNC. If you want one application that handles multiple connection types, Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager is worth evaluating, though it may not meet the open-source requirement.
For Linux remote desktops, NoMachine and ThinLinc are usually better than traditional VNC. They handle authentication more sensibly and are more efficient over VPNs or high-latency WAN connections. Both provide Windows clients and tend to work better for full desktop sessions and graphics-heavy applications.
Take a look at RustDesk or Remmina. Remmina is especially useful on Linux, and it can be run on Windows through WSL2, although that isn’t as seamless as a native Windows application. I’d also avoid using VNC where possible unless you specifically need it.
The window staying open after a reboot is generally expected. Your local client is still running; only the connection to the host has ended. Some clients keep the terminal visible so reboot messages and the final session output aren’t lost. It’s often a client preference rather than an SSH timeout problem.
That depends on whether you need a complete desktop or only occasional access to individual graphical applications. VNC can work, but it becomes harder to secure, scale, and use efficiently as the environment grows.