Linux Utils and Useful Commands

Note: For initial kiosk setup, use the Kiosk Base Setup script instead. The commands below are for maintenance and troubleshooting after a kiosk is already set up.

Linux Mint

Install AnyDesk

The Kiosk Base Setup script handles AnyDesk installation automatically. If you need to install it manually (e.g. on a machine that didn't go through the base setup):

wget -O /tmp/anydesk.deb https://download.anydesk.com/linux/anydesk_7.1.4-1_amd64.deb && sudo apt install -y /tmp/anydesk.deb

If this download link stops working (AnyDesk sometimes deprecates old URLs), go to https://anydesk.com/en/downloads/linux and download the .deb file for Ubuntu/Debian (64-bit).

Note

Before a session is closed — touch the mouse on the remote machine (otherwise sometimes it gets stuck).

For more on remote access, see Networking and Remote Access.

Ubuntu

Install AnyDesk

wget -O /tmp/anydesk.deb https://download.anydesk.com/linux/anydesk_7.1.4-1_amd64.deb && sudo apt install -y /tmp/anydesk.deb

Note

Before a session is closed — touch the mouse on the remote machine (otherwise sometimes it gets stuck).

Install Common Packages

sudo apt install -y gnome-tweak-tool openssh-server samba

Install Development Packages

sudo snap install --classic code
sudo snap install --classic sublime-text
sudo snap install --classic --beta github-desktop

Enable Samba

sudo sh -c "cat > /etc/samba/smb.conf <<EOF
[user]
    comment = Samba on Ubuntu
    path = /home/user
    read only = no
    browsable = yes
EOF"
sudo service smbd restart
sudo ufw allow samba
sudo smbpasswd -a $USER

Raspberry-Pi

Flash Raspbian SD-card

1. Download and install latest balenaEtcher (also used for Installing Mint):

2. Download latest raspbian_desktop image:

3. Flash the raspbian_desktop image into the SD-card using balenaEtcher.

4. Before removing the SD-card, create an empty file named "ssh" in its /boot partition. You can copy the file from this folder as well.

5. Eject the card and insert it into Raspberry-Pi with a connected screen and power it up.

6. Remotely connect to the Raspberry-Pi shell via ssh (its IP address is printed to the screen): ssh pi@192.168.1.108 -> password: "raspbian"

Install AnyDesk

curl -o /tmp/anydesk.deb https://download.anydesk.com/rpi/anydesk_5.1.2-1_armhf.deb && sudo dpkg -i /tmp/anydesk.deb

Add WiFi Network

sudo raspi-config nonint do_wifi_ssid_passphrase wifi_name wifi_pass

Run Desktop Over SSH

startlxde-pi