1

I am running the TermUX application on an Android 10 smartphone, and can type in it with my Logitech K480 keyboard. I want to run a window manager like fvwm (see fvwm.org).

I have found an article on the internet which seems to mention i can run VNC server and client or XSDL although the latter is unstable, but as far as I understand I can only do this if i have a separate computer running the server, and then my Android smartphone can run the client window manager from TermUX after changing the DISPLAY environment variable

Is this correct?

How can I run an X Server in TermUX and then simply run the window manager with the startx command like in Linux?

Thanks.

Improve this question
5
  • 2
    Termux is a terminal emulator. Original implementation of X Server runs on a Virtual Terminal (kernel console). Is your kernel built with VTs and Framebuffer Console (physical display) support? Most probably no. So you need an Android specific X Server (like the almost abandoned XServer XSDL app) or need to run the original X Server in headless mode which directs its output to a virtual display like VNC. You can then run a VNC client app on localhost (the Android device itself) or some other host on the network (like a PC) to receive the display and interact with the GUI environment.
    – Irfan Latif
    Commented Feb 21, 2021 at 14:42
  • 1
    Btw X Server programs are built for PCs. Most of them aren't very usable even on a 10-inch tablet screen. So X server running on a phone isn't of much practical use. That's what my experience is. I run Linux distros on Android devices but only with CLI controls.
    – Irfan Latif
    Commented Feb 21, 2021 at 14:48
  • 1
    Related links: Is it possible to install Linux on Android device? and How to quickly understand the Android UI? and How to boot Ubuntu on Android? and How to Play Sound from Termux when using Linux?
    – Irfan Latif
    Commented Feb 21, 2021 at 14:52
  • 1
    Termux officially supports the two methods I mentioned above to run X Server: github.com/termux/x11-packages#using-x11-on-termux. But if your device is rooted and want to try your luck with the existing framebuffer support, start from here: github.com/meefik/linuxdeploy/…. However FB isn't very likely to work with the standard Linux tools because its functionality is very limited or non-standard in many cases and Android relies on closed-source HALs provided by OEMs for most of its interaction with hardware components.
    – Irfan Latif
    Commented Feb 21, 2021 at 15:47
  • Afaik what OP is asking for is not possible, however the hacky solution @Irfan Latif mentioned is, and is also given in the termux wiki(wiki.termux.com/wiki/Graphical_Environment)
    – linux_enthusiast
    Commented Feb 22, 2021 at 4:13

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

You can run either an x-server or a vnc-client on the same Android device you have installed termux on. You don't have to use another device for that.

Instructions are available here https://wiki.termux.com/wiki/Graphical_Environment

I suggest you use VNC instead of an x-server.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .