VNC? No way!
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “VNC? No way!” inside PodZeus.
In this episode of *Linux Matters*, host Alan dives into a series of technical challenges and personal reflections around system automation, containerization, and remote access. He recounts troubleshooting a cron job that failed to run after moving his Jellyfin server to a desktop, ultimately discovering the issue was due to network unavailability at boot—caused by DHCP delays. His solution: leveraging NetworkManager's dispatcher.d directory to trigger scripts only when the network was fully up. He then shifts focus to his renewed love for LXD (LexD), which he rediscovered after years of relying on Docker. He details a custom tool called 'Linkubate'—a Go-based script that automates the creation of isolated, pre-configured development containers tied to project directories, with optional access to API keys and tools like Cursor and Claude. The episode also explores his move away from GNOME to alternative Wayland compositors like Niri, and his successful implementation of a browser-based remote desktop solution using WayVNC, NoVNC, and Caddy with Tailnet for secure, encrypted access over a mesh network. Throughout, he reflects on the trade-offs between containers, VMs, and desktop environments, advocating for lightweight, flexible tools that serve specific needs without overcomplication.
Use NetworkManager's dispatcher.d to run scripts only after the network is fully available at boot, solving common cron timing issues.
LXD containers offer a lightweight, fast, and flexible alternative to Docker for development environments, especially when isolation and customization are key.
Create project-specific dev containers with automated setup and snapshots using tools like Linkubate to streamline workflow and maintain separation between personal and work projects.
Leverage WayVNC + NoVNC + Caddy + Tailnet for secure, browser-based remote desktop access over encrypted mesh networks—ideal for remote support without installing extra software.
For remote support, prioritize simplicity and security: use encrypted tunnels (like Tailnet) to protect plain-text credentials, making VNC viable again in modern workflows.
The Cron Job That Wouldn’t Run
“The difference was DHCP. What? So... On the microserver, it had a static IP address. Okay. But on my desktop, it doesn't.”
Solving Boot-Time Network Issues with NetworkManager
He discovers NetworkManager's dispatcher.d directory, which allows scripts to run in response to network events—perfect for triggering commands only after the network is up.
Rediscovering LXD: A Love Letter to Lightweight Containers
“It feels to me a lot more flexible, faster, easier for me to configure than a Docker container.”
Wayland, Niri, and the Rise of Modern Compositors
Alan abandons GNOME in favor of alternative Wayland compositors like Niri, praising their flexibility, performance, and support for modern protocol extensions.
Browser-Based Remote Desktop with WayVNC and NoVNC
“The password might be in the clear but the connection is encrypted. So this is the solution now.”
“I don't care that the password passes over plain text because it only gets passed around over the tail scale VPN mesh.”
“The password might be in the clear but the connection is encrypted. So this is the solution now.”
“The difference was DHCP. What? So... On the microserver, it had a static IP address. Okay. But on my desktop, it doesn't.”
Host
Alan
person
LXD
product
NetworkManager
product
Docker
product
Jellyfin
product
Linkubate
product
WayVNC
product
Cron
product
Tailnet
product
NoVNC
product
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “VNC? No way!” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime