Creating a thin client based on cheap single board PCs
Sometimes you want to make a clever thin client - with unusual authorization and minimal cost.
The easiest way to do this is to use Linux.
For single-board PCs based on ARM, the Armbian distribution , which is based on the Debian branch, is widely distributed .
For experiments, I had an OrangePi One board
and a MicroSD card on 2G - I decided to make a thin RDP client with a lock window and without unnecessary software.
The Armbian distribution for this board is here .
We swing the last with a mark:
Server or light desktop usage scenarios.
It will not have a desktop that is not needed in a thin client.
We write the image on the microSD (I used sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager ).
After recording: insert MicroSD, connect all interfaces (LAN, Display, keyboard, mouse), power up, wait while it boots.
When the system is loaded, you will be prompted to enter your login and password. You can also log in via SSH after looking at the DHCP address that was issued (I took this opportunity not to drive in the settings from the keyboard and started PuTTY).
Login: root
Password: 1234
After logging in, the system will ask you to change the password: enter the current 1234 and twice the new password.
It is also proposed to create a user - let's call him user .
After that, proceed to configure the system for the task.
Install the missing packages:
The launch of graphical input for systemd is enabled as follows:
Create files:
(it’s easiest to create them with the vi editor — after launching with the parameter, you need to press i to insert - then just paste the text into the console window, and when finished press Esc and type: w to write and: q to exit)
To get your settings via DHCP server
This script receives the hostname and nds_servers, nds_tree_name, nds_context by DHCP and stores their values in files in a temporary folder. The default IP address of the router will be used.
To set up GTK and assign it to themes, create
To configure the LightDM graphics manager:
I decided after experiments to use greeter (login program), so I don’t have to configure autologin, and the program will run from the right user.
Now create a program shortcut (and its folder):
And the code of the program entry:
The code prompts you to enter the 4-digit password 0811 (month is the day with insignificant zeros with no whitespace).
After a successful input, xfreerdp is run with the received parameters.
The code is provided as an example - you can simply enter the name and password for the RDP connection, the choice of servers, monitoring servers and all that your imagination is capable of - at least a fingerprint input.
The easiest way to do this is to use Linux.
For single-board PCs based on ARM, the Armbian distribution , which is based on the Debian branch, is widely distributed .
For experiments, I had an OrangePi One board
and a MicroSD card on 2G - I decided to make a thin RDP client with a lock window and without unnecessary software.
The Armbian distribution for this board is here .
We swing the last with a mark:
Server or light desktop usage scenarios.
It will not have a desktop that is not needed in a thin client.
We write the image on the microSD (I used sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager ).
After recording: insert MicroSD, connect all interfaces (LAN, Display, keyboard, mouse), power up, wait while it boots.
When the system is loaded, you will be prompted to enter your login and password. You can also log in via SSH after looking at the DHCP address that was issued (I took this opportunity not to drive in the settings from the keyboard and started PuTTY).
Login: root
Password: 1234
After logging in, the system will ask you to change the password: enter the current 1234 and twice the new password.
It is also proposed to create a user - let's call him user .
After that, proceed to configure the system for the task.
Install the missing packages:
apt update
apt install xorg lightdm xcursor-themes numix-gtk-theme numix-icon-theme
apt install python-gtk2 freerdpThe launch of graphical input for systemd is enabled as follows:
systemctl set-default graphical.targetCreate files:
(it’s easiest to create them with the vi editor — after launching with the parameter, you need to press i to insert - then just paste the text into the console window, and when finished press Esc and type: w to write and: q to exit)
To get your settings via DHCP server
vi /etc/dhcp/dhclient-exit-hooks.d/paramscriptsetup_add() {
echo$new_host_name > /etc/hostname
hostname $new_host_nameif [ -z "$new_nds_servers" ] ; thenecho$new_routers > /tmp/rdp_server
echo"testuser" > /tmp/rdp_user
echo"1234test#" > /tmp/rdp_passwd
elseecho$new_nds_servers > /tmp/rdp_server
echo$new_nds_tree_name > /tmp/rdp_user
echo$new_nds_context > /tmp/rdp_passwd
fi
}
case$reasonin
BOUND|RENEW|REBIND|REBOOT)
setup_add
;;
EXPIRE|FAIL|RELEASE|STOP)
return
;;
esacThis script receives the hostname and nds_servers, nds_tree_name, nds_context by DHCP and stores their values in files in a temporary folder. The default IP address of the router will be used.
To set up GTK and assign it to themes, create
vi /home/user/.gtkrc-2.0gtk-icon-theme-name = "Numix"
gtk-theme-name = "Numix"
gtk-cursor-theme-name = "whiteglass"To configure the LightDM graphics manager:
vi /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf[LightDM]
greeter-user=user
[Seat:*]
greeter-session=my-greeterI decided after experiments to use greeter (login program), so I don’t have to configure autologin, and the program will run from the right user.
Now create a program shortcut (and its folder):
mkdir /usr/share/xgreeters/
vi /usr/share/xgreeters/my-greeter.desktop[Desktop Entry]
Name=PyGTK+ Greeter
Comment=This runs the PyGTK+ greeter, it should only be run from LightDM
Exec=python /home/user/greeter.py
Type=Application
X-Ubuntu-Gettext-Domain=lightdmAnd the code of the program entry:
vi /home/user/greeter.pyThe code prompts you to enter the 4-digit password 0811 (month is the day with insignificant zeros with no whitespace).
After a successful input, xfreerdp is run with the received parameters.
Code
#!/usr/bin/env python# -*- coding: UTF-8 -*-from datetime import datetime
from gobject import timeout_add
import os,sys,gtk,pango,subprocess
classGreeterApp:def__init__( self ):
self.builder = gtk.Builder()
#self.builder.add_from_file("ui.glade")
self.builder.add_from_string(ui)
self.window = self.builder.get_object ("window")
self.pass_field = self.builder.get_object ("pass_field")
self.passct = self.builder.get_object ("pass")
self.contrl = self.builder.get_object ("control")
self.pass_field.modify_font(pango.FontDescription('Sans Bold 36'))
self.passwd = datetime.now().strftime("%m%d")
self.rdp_server = open("/tmp/rdp_server").read().split(',')[0]
self.rdp_user = open("/tmp/rdp_user").read()
self.rdp_passwd = open("/tmp/rdp_passwd").read()
self.process = None
timeout_add(5000, self.timeout)
if self.window:
self.window.connect("destroy", gtk.main_quit)
self.contrl.set_visible(False)
self.window.set_size_request(gtk.gdk.screen_width(),gtk.gdk.screen_height())
self.builder.connect_signals(self)
defhide(self, widget):
self.contrl.set_visible(False)
self.passct.set_visible(True)
self.window.move(0,0)
self.window.set_size_request(gtk.gdk.screen_width(),gtk.gdk.screen_height())
if self.process:
self.process.terminate()
self.process = Nonedeftimeout(self):if self.window:
self.window.set_keep_above(True)
self.window.set_modal(True)
returnTruedefcheck_pass(self, widget):if self.pass_field.get_text() == self.passwd:
self.pass_field.set_text("")
self.passct.set_visible(False)
self.contrl.set_visible(True)
self.window.set_size_request(50,50)
self.window.move(0,gtk.gdk.screen_height()-50)
#sys.exit()
self.process = subprocess.Popen(["xfreerdp","/v:"+self.rdp_server,"/f","/cert-ignore","/u:"+self.rdp_user,"/p:"+self.rdp_passwd])
defclear_pass(self, widget):
self.pass_field.set_text("")
defnum_press(self, widget):
self.pass_field.set_text(self.pass_field.get_text()+widget.get_tooltip_text())
defon_destroy(self, widget):
sys.exit()
if __name__ == "__main__":
settings = gtk.settings_get_default()
#settings.props.gtk_button_images = True
settings.props.gtk_enable_tooltips = False
ui = """
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<interface>
<requires lib="gtk+" version="2.24"/>
<object class="GtkWindow" id="window">
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="type">popup</property>
<property name="title" translatable="yes">MyGreeter</property>
<property name="resizable">False</property>
<signal name="destroy" handler="on_destroy" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkVBox" id="vbox1">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<child>
<object class="GtkHBox" id="control">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="power1">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">50</property>
<property name="height_request">42</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="hide" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkImage" id="image4">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="stock">gtk-no</property>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="expand">False</property>
<property name="fill">True</property>
<property name="position">0</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<placeholder/>
</child>
<child>
<placeholder/>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="expand">False</property>
<property name="fill">True</property>
<property name="position">0</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkHBox" id="hbox1">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<child>
<object class="GtkTable" id="pass">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="n_rows">6</property>
<property name="n_columns">3</property>
<child>
<object class="GtkEntry" id="pass_field">
<property name="width_request">240</property>
<property name="height_request">60</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="visibility">False</property>
<property name="invisible_char">●</property>
<property name="xalign">1</property>
<property name="invisible_char_set">True</property>
<property name="primary_icon_activatable">False</property>
<property name="secondary_icon_activatable">False</property>
<property name="primary_icon_sensitive">True</property>
<property name="secondary_icon_sensitive">True</property>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="right_attach">3</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">2</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_0">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">0</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_0">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">0</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="top_attach">5</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">6</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_1">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">1</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_1">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">1</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="top_attach">4</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">5</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_2">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">2</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_2">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">2</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">1</property>
<property name="right_attach">2</property>
<property name="top_attach">4</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">5</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_3">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">3</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_3">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">3</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">2</property>
<property name="right_attach">3</property>
<property name="top_attach">4</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">5</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_4">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">4</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_4">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">4</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="top_attach">3</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">4</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_5">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">5</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_5">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">5</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">1</property>
<property name="right_attach">2</property>
<property name="top_attach">3</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">4</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_6">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">6</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_6">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">6</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">2</property>
<property name="right_attach">3</property>
<property name="top_attach">3</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">4</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_7">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">7</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_7">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">7</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="top_attach">2</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">3</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_8">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">8</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_8">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">8</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">1</property>
<property name="right_attach">2</property>
<property name="top_attach">2</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">3</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_9">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<property name="tooltip_text" translatable="yes">9</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="num_press" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkLabel" id="l_9">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="label" translatable="yes">9</property>
<attributes>
<attribute name="weight" value="bold"/>
<attribute name="size" value="40000"/>
</attributes>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">2</property>
<property name="right_attach">3</property>
<property name="top_attach">2</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">3</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_ent">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="check_pass" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkImage" id="image2">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="stock">gtk-yes</property>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">1</property>
<property name="right_attach">2</property>
<property name="top_attach">5</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">6</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
<child>
<object class="GtkButton" id="b_del">
<property name="use_action_appearance">False</property>
<property name="width_request">80</property>
<property name="height_request">80</property>
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">True</property>
<property name="receives_default">True</property>
<signal name="clicked" handler="clear_pass" swapped="no"/>
<child>
<object class="GtkImage" id="image3">
<property name="visible">True</property>
<property name="can_focus">False</property>
<property name="stock">gtk-no</property>
</object>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="left_attach">2</property>
<property name="right_attach">3</property>
<property name="top_attach">5</property>
<property name="bottom_attach">6</property>
<property name="x_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
<property name="y_options">GTK_SHRINK</property>
</packing>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="expand">True</property>
<property name="fill">False</property>
<property name="position">0</property>
</packing>
</child>
</object>
<packing>
<property name="expand">True</property>
<property name="fill">False</property>
<property name="position">1</property>
</packing>
</child>
</object>
</child>
</object>
</interface>
"""
app = GreeterApp()
app.window.show()
gtk.main()The code is provided as an example - you can simply enter the name and password for the RDP connection, the choice of servers, monitoring servers and all that your imagination is capable of - at least a fingerprint input.