This howto explains how to configure ubuntu to be remote controlled using x2x.
Remote controlling ubuntu with x2x
Using x2x with SSH
This method is based on the method described in [http://wiki.gulalug.org/index.php?title=HOWTO_x2x here], and is simpler and much more secure than other methods commonly described.
In this example we will use the names 'workstation' for the computer you want to use your mouse/keyboard on, and 'laptop' for the one you want to control. We will also assume that the workstation is to the left of the laptop.
First, on the laptop (the machine you want to control), install x2x and the ssh server:
sudo aptitude install x2x openssh-server
Finally, on the workstation (where you want to use the mouse and keyboard from), login through ssh and launch x2x:
ssh -XC user@laptop x2x -east -to :0.
Type in the password for the user on the laptop when it asks. And that's all: you should be able to move the mouse smoothly from the workstation monitor to the laptop screen and back.
Next, you can create a launcher on the desktop to make it easy to start it up: right click on the desktop, select 'Create Launcher...', and copy the ssh line from above into the 'Command' section.
Troubleshooting
If you get an error when running x2x:
x2x - error: can not open display
Make sure you included the '-X' bit on the ssh command. Next, you need to make sure 'X Forwarding' is enabled. This is enabled in ubuntu by default, but if for some reason it's not, you need to edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config and uncomment the line that says:
X11Forwarding yes
Using x2x
You can change '-east' to '-west', '-north' or '-south' to change which side of the workstation opens up to the laptop, depending on your setup.
For more x2x options, consult the man page of x2x(1):
man x2x