Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start my X client?

You can use the default sample definitions to help you get started. See Launch an X Client Application Using the Sample Definitions. Once you have a client definition, there are a variety of ways to start the client from PROD_X_MANAGER_SA and X Manager for Domains: double-click the definition, select the definition and click the start arrow on the toolbar, right-click the definition and select Start, or use the Action > Start on the menu. If the client does not have a default session configured, you'll be prompted to select a session. You can also use shortcuts and command-line options to start clients.

I see "Client failed to connect to the X server" when I try to make a connection. How can I troubleshoot this problem?

If you see this message in the status bar it means that Reflection X was able to connect to your host, but that the command specified to launch the client isn't valid on your host. This can mean that the X client application isn't in the directory path given, or that it isn't available on your host. The Command box in the Client Definition pane includes a drop-down list of sample commands. The list of sample commands changes based on one the current value for Host type. If Host type is set to Generic UNIX, change it to match your host type and try other sample commands. To launch an X client that isn't in the list determine the correct path to your client application and edit this portion of one of the sample commands.

Configuring and starting a client is different from earlier versions. What has changed? Will settings I created with an earlier version still work?

In Reflection X versions 5.0 (and greater), it's easier to configure and start sessions than in earlier versions. You can use your client definitions to start an X server and connect to your host. Your existing settings are updated automatically to work correctly—just double-click your migrated X client or XDMCP definitions to get started.

How and where are my settings saved?

Settings are saved automatically to the Reflection X database while you work.

Can I undo an action?

There is no undo option for edits you've made to a definition. However, you can easily recover deleted definitions. Click the definition trashcan icon , or go to File > Definition Trashcan. This opens a dialog box with a list of deleted definitions. You can select any item on the list and click Restore Item. By default, the trashcan is deleted when you exit. You can modify this behavior using File > Preferences.

Should I use standalone or domain mode?

Standalone mode is provided by a single application—X Manager, which is installed by default. In this mode, all you need to do to get started is install using defaults. Sample settings are included that make it easy for you to get connected to your host applications. Running Reflection X in Domain mode provides access to all the features in standalone mode, and also provides access to additional domain services. These additional services include support for centralized configuration of settings, the ability to leave sessions running and rejoin them in progress from the same computer or another computer in the domain, and fault tolerance to ensure that running sessions remain available even if your system crashes or you lose your connection. For a comparison of features, see Operating Modes: Domain vs. Standalone. For diagrams showing some typical domain configurations, see Sample Domain Configurations.

How do I set up a Reflection X domain?

To configure a domain, you'll need to install a domain controller and Administrative Console; add domain nodes; and install X Manager for Domains on user workstations. For details, see Setting up Domain Components.

Why can't I edit a client or session definition?

If you are running X Manager for Domains, you may see public client and session definitions that have been made available to you by the domain administrator. You can use these to start sessions, but only the administrator can edit them.

Who can share definitions?

The ability to create public definitions is available when using the Reflection X Administrative Console, and is limited to administrators only. This feature is not available in standalone mode. In either mode it is possible to export and import definitions to share them with other users.

Can I share my display?

Anyone can share a display from either X Manager or X Manager for Domains. Select the running session and look at the Session Status section on the right.

If you are running X Manager, click Share. This generates a connection URL. Click Copy URL to copy this and send it to other users, who can join your session using Action > Join.

If you are running X Manager for Domains, edit the Allowed Users list. Users you add here will see your session under Offered Sessions.

Can I edit my client and session definitions while a session is running?

Yes. The changes you make do not affect running clients and sessions, but are applied the next time you start the client or session.

What happens when I start a session?

Starting a session starts an X server that will display your X client applications and receive keyboard and mouse input. Starting a session also starts session processes that manage client connections and protocol routing. You can start a session before you start your clients, but you won't see a display until you start a client.

What happens when I start an X client or XDMCP connection?

A session must be running before Reflection X can display your X client application or desktop. When you start an X client or XDMCP connection, Reflection X checks to see if the definition specifies a default session. If there is no default session, you're prompted to select one. If there is a default session, Reflection X checks to see if it is already running and starts it if it isn't. Once the session is running, Reflection X starts your client and displays it using the settings you've configured for that session.

Can I configure Reflection X to start my sessions and client applications automatically?

Yes, each definition type includes a setting to start that definition automatically when you start X Manager or X Manager for Domains. For example, if you select Automatically start session in your session definition, the session starts automatically. This can save time when you launch your clients. It is also useful if you prefer to start clients from a terminal session; you can start X Manager and run it in the background, knowing that your X server is automatically running and available.

What is a launch group?

A launch group provides a way to start multiple applications. You can add any defined X clients or XDMCP connections to a group, and all added items start when you start the launch group. If you enable Automatically start launch group, all your applications start automatically when you start X Manager or X Manager for Domains.

Administrator questions

How can I create and deploy custom settings to end users?

In domain mode, create and share public sessions. In standalone mode, use Management and Security Server (sold separately) to deploy settings. In both domain mode and standalone mode, install custom templates. For more information about these options, see Deploying Settings Overview.

Can I use a command line to start Reflection X?

Yes, use rxmgr to start X Manager and rxmgrdomains to start X Manager for Domains. These command-line utilities include options for starting specific clients and sessions, and also for limiting user access to the user interface.

Can I provide users with read-only access to settings and prevent users from creating their own settings?

You can do this using the rxmgrand rxmgrdomains command-line utilities. Use the -execOnly option to launch Reflection X in a slimmed-down mode that enables users to see and use the definitions you have provided without allowing access to features for editing settings.