X2Go Review

We use X2go as access our home office work machine while traveling. The home office desktop (X2go server) is used primarily for word processing, spreadsheets and creating presentations. The X2go server is running on 3rd generation Intel i-5 processor with onboard Intel graphics and 12 Gb DDR4 RAM. The OS is Linux Mint Mate' 20.04. Nomachine works on most desktops, however X2go seems to prefer the XFCE and Mate' environments. My experience with X2go is slightly faster and more stable on the Linux Mint Mate' flavor than Ubuntu's 20.04 Mate'. It also looks much better. Remote access is accomplished using X2go client over SSH (ECDSA-256) with minimal compression through a ZeroTier network. Nomachine free version doesn't allow SSH connections. Nomachine also uses 128 bit encryption and is prettier and faster as first installed. However, X2go has more granular connection options. After multiple trial and error adjustments X2go is MUCH smoother and comparable to sitting at the physical desktop over ATT 4g-LTE hotspot connections. Youtube videos streamed remotely are a little jerky but watchable so I don't recommend gaming remotely over 4g. Additionally X2go allows for using 'published applications' making it possible to get work done over all but the slowest connections. X2go also allows multiple users to connect to the server and work in their individual environments simultaneously. Similar to a terminal server, although heavier on resources. My wife and I occasionally do this through hotel or cafe' WiFi. Nomachine free allows only one user connection at a time per machine. Nomachine is easier to set up for a novice and has Android & IOS apps. Not something we have a need for or want.