ThinLinc 4.1.0 Release Notes

Introduction

We are excited to announce a new ThinLinc release, version 4.1.0. It includes more than 100 enhancements. The most prominent features are:

  • An upgraded X server platform boosts performance and compatibility. It is now possible to use the "GNOME Shell" with ThinLinc.
  • A brand new HTML5 Client has been added, allowing access from mobile devices such as the Apple iPad (R).
  • The ThinLinc client now supports Kerberos authentication.

Changes in This Release

In the list below, the bug number is given in parentheses. For more information, visit https://www.cendio.com/bugzilla/.

Server

  • ThinLinc works on most modern Linux distributions and Oracle Solaris (R). We recommend that you deploy ThinLinc on one of these tested platforms:
    • Red Hat (R) Enterprise Linux Server 6 (64-bit)
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 SP2 (R) (64-bit)
    • Ubuntu Desktop (R) 12.04 (64-bit)
    • Oracle Solaris (R) 10
  • The X Server platform has been upgraded. The X server is now based on X.Org 1.14.0. In addition to support for new extensions such as XInput2, it is also faster. The "render_bench" test indicates a performance increase of 30%. Compatibility with Unity 2D has also been improved. The "RandR" interface has been upgraded from version 1.2 to 1.4. (4417)
  • ThinLinc now works with "GNOME Shell" - the core user interface of GNOME 3. (3836, 4598)
  • The X Server now provides the X keyboard extension (XKB). This gives better compatibility with modern applications and desktop environments. This extension also provides a more advanced interface for keyboard handling. (3074)
  • GLX version 1.4 is supported. This is the latest version of the OpenGL extension to the X Window System. (4019)
  • A session profile for the MATE Desktop is provided. (4406)
  • A problem with the earlier release could cause the login services to stop responding every sunday, when installed on Ubuntu distributions. This has been corrected. (4471)
  • The symbolic link ~/.thinlinc/xinit.log is no longer created. The session log is instead available as /var/opt/thinlinc/sessions/$USER/last/xinit.log . (3780)
  • The default keyboard layout is now "US". Please note that the "-KeyboardMap" argument is no longer supported. The default layout is defined by the /sessionstart/keyboard_layout parameter. It can also be changed at runtime with the "setxkbmap" command. Also note that the default layout of a remote RDP session is determined by the locale of the user session. (4526)
  • Several versions of Ubuntu contains a LSB support script "install_initd" which does not work. This release contains a workaround for this problem, allowing the ThinLinc services to be installed correctly on these distributions. (4546)
  • On some systems with the "AppArmor" security module, applications such as Evince did not start. This has been corrected. (4468)
  • It is now possible to configure OpenSSH on a ThinLinc Server with a restricted port forwarding configuration, where a user can only create port forwards to their own Xvnc instances. This feature uses the "PermitOpen" option and is available with OpenSSH 4.5 and later. (4591)
  • In earlier versions, the xfig application was not displayed correctly when using 64-bit ThinLinc servers. This has been corrected. (4539)

General

  • This release features support for publishing a single application. This mode is activated by calling the application with the tl-single-app command, either from the client, or by creating a suitable profile on the server. (4465, 4466)

Client

  • The ThinLinc client now supports authentication using an existing Kerberos ticket. In a Kerberos environment, this makes it possible to initiate ThinLinc connections without having to enter credentials. (4003)
  • The Windows client is now supported on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. (4353)
  • A HTML5 client is included as a "Technology Preview" feature, called "ThinLinc Web Access". This client makes it possible to connect to ThinLinc servers from devices which lacks a native client, including the Apple iPad. (4132)
  • The Windows client now uses "OpenSSH" SSH client. This means that the SSH implementation is now the same on all platforms. This also means that the file format of public key identify files has been changed: The Windows client now requires OpenSSH identify files. (3183)
  • A client package for "Wyse Enhanced SUSE Linux Enterprise Thin client" (SLETC) is now provided. (3725)
  • A client package for "Wyse Linux v6" is no longer provided. (4503)
  • The client is more tolerant against user profile scripts (.tcshrc, .bashrc etc) which prints information during login. (4540)
  • A problem with comma/delete on the numeric keyboard has been corrected. (4068)

Smart Card Support

  • Smart Card Single Sign-On against Windows 2008 and Windows 2008 R2 is now supported. (3393)
  • When authenticating with a smart card, the client will now forward information about the used card, certificate and smart card reader to the server. This information can be used by the RDP client when authenticating with a smart card against Windows servers, providing a single sign-on experience. (4498, 4565)

Printing Support

  • Printing to the "local" printer with the Windows client did not work if the option "Show printer selection dialog on each print" was active. This has been fixed. (4625)

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

  • The VirtualBox integration has been removed. (4486)

TLCOS

  • Please note that this is the last release which includes TLCOS. Various other alternatives are available. This includes Thinstation, eLux from Unicon Software, and Universal Desktop Converter from IGEL Technology. (4356)

Windows (R) Integration

  • The RDP client now supports Credential Security Support Provider (CredSSP). (2571)
  • The RDP client can automatically reconnect to the server after a network failure. (4501)
  • SeamlessRDP supports "session sharing". This means that multiple applications can be invoked in seamless mode, using a single remote RDP session. This minimizes resources and reduces the time it takes to start an additional application. (2289)
  • SeamlessRDP did not work against Windows 2008 R2. This has been corrected. (4517)

Corrected Issues

ThinLinc has also been enhanced in many other ways. The complete list of corrected issues is:

1464, 1643, 1795, 2289, 2504, 2544, 2571, 2611, 2639, 2728, 2945,
2968, 3074, 3104, 3114, 3115, 3131, 3155, 3183, 3233, 3318, 3365,
3393, 3456, 3463, 3725, 3780, 3836, 3934, 3983, 3992, 4003, 4019,
4068, 4077, 4126, 4132, 4154, 4207, 4225, 4242, 4262, 4353, 4356,
4403, 4406, 4416, 4417, 4430, 4451, 4452, 4461, 4462, 4465, 4466,
4468, 4471, 4475, 4479, 4482, 4484, 4486, 4489, 4498, 4499, 4501,
4503, 4504, 4505, 4506, 4508, 4510, 4513, 4517, 4524, 4525, 4526,
4528, 4529, 4539, 4540, 4545, 4546, 4547, 4556, 4557, 4561, 4563,
4565, 4573, 4574, 4575, 4576, 4577, 4579, 4591, 4595, 4598, 4605,
4623, 4625, 4634, 4646, 4648, 4658, 4698
eLux (R) is a registered trademark of UniCon Software GmbH.
Linux (R) is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Mac OS X is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
iPad is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
OpenGL (R) is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Red Hat (R) is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc.
Solaris (R) is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation.
ThinLinc (R) is a registered trademark of Cendio AB.
Ubuntu (R) is a registered trademark of Canonical Ltd.
Windows (R) is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc.
VirtualBox (R) is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ThinLinc is packaged in subscriptions with a tiered pricing system. A higher number of subscriptions will give a lower price. The subscriptions can be purchased for different periods, 12, 36 and 60 month. A longer duration will give a greater price. The payment of the subscriptions is done in advance.

    The default rule is that the prices are set in accordance with the number of subscriptions that are purchased at the actual call off. Deviation from this can be eventually agreed if a roll-out plan can be committed in advance.

  • Every valid ThinLinc Subscription Agreement has a specific ID. Contact Cendio at support@cendio.com and refer to your ID, and we will issue new user licenses for you.

  • Contact Cendio support team at support@cendio.com. And refer to your ThinLinc Subscription ID in your support request.

  • We will set up an evaluation account that gives the permission to receive support directly from our technical team. Cendio can also provide trial licenses for more than 10 users. Please contact sales@cendio.com directly.

  • Cendio wants to sponsor organizations where the business aims to make the world better. This means to help people, regions etc. that really need help. Please contact us a sales@cendio.com.

  • Cendio offers a non-profit discount for organizations that fall under the definitions that can be found at the https://www.cendio.com/thinlinc/shop/non-profit-organization/. Please contact us at sales@cendio.com for pricing. 

  • Cendio will, in good time before expiration of the ThinLinc Subscriptions Agreement, send a reminder by email. The renewal process will follow the same routines that are used in a new or additional purchase.

  • Other set-ups are possible for bigger deals. Contact sales@cendio.com.

  • Purchases can be done directly via invoice, web shop or by a reseller. Cendio is a Swedish and EU company with long experience from doing business with foreign organizations. If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at sales@cendio.com

     

  • Best functionality and performance will always be achieved by upgrading to the latest version, both on the server and client-side. A newer version on the client-side will always give a better user experience than a former version. Cendio’s ambition is to keep good compatibility and functionality between the different versions. Historically, good compatibility between versions has been 3-5 years.

  • A ThinLinc set-up consists of a server software, client software and user licenses.

    Server software

    The server software is the heart of ThinLinc installation and handles all sessions, desktop environments and generates the virtual desktop, workspace etc.

    User licenses

    To allow more than 10 sessions to connect access to the server software, user licenses need to be added into the server software. User licenses are bought from Cendio. Please note, when placing user licenses into the ThinLinc server, the counting starts from 0, not 10. In concrete, this means that you need to buy and install the number of user licenses that you need.

    Client software

    The client software is installed on the device that is used to connect to the server and provision the virtual desktop / workspace. If using the web access client, no local installation of client software is needed, the provisioning is generated via the web browser that is installed at the server.

  • It’s up to the licensee to decide who can connect into the server installation. The ThinLinc client software is free of charge and can be downloaded by everyone.

  • The licensing is per organization. There is no limitation on how the ThinLinc user licenses are distributed in the legal organization, as long as the number of consumed licenses don’t exceed the number of paid licenses. It’s allowed to move the user licenses, but not copy.

  • The license use can be seen in the status module, how to manage can be found at https://www.cendio.com/resources/docs/tag/tlwebadm_status.html#tlwebadm-status . ThinLinc will notify you when the limit of licenses has been reached, for detailed information see, https://www.cendio.com/resources/docs/tag/licensehandling.html?highlight=soft

  • Both the ThinLinc server and client software are free to distribute. The user licenses are connected to a purchase and are not allowed to distribute. For more detailed information, see https://www.cendio.com/thinlinc/docs/legal/eula

  • A specific version of ThinLinc is supported 3 years from release date. After 3 years, Cendio can’t guarantee support.

  • The number of user licenses that will be delivered will be in accordance with the number of subscriptions that have been acquired by the customer. The user licenses are perpetual.

  • When adding user licenses into the ThinLinc server, the counting will start from zero. So if you require 200 users, you need to have 200 user licenses

  • You need to buy user licenses and install them in the ThinLinc server. The user licenses are received through buying ThinLinc subscriptions.

  • It’s easy to add new users into a current ThinLinc set-up. By purchasing additional subscriptions into your agreement, so will we issue additional user licenses.

  • Cendio will, after receiving a valid order, distribute user licenses via email for the latest version after a purchase. If the purchase is a renewal and the customers have already received the latest version, no user licenses will be delivered by default, updated licenses will be delivered on request in this case.

  • It’s possible to merge existing agreements. When doing a merge, the period shall be at least 12 months.

  • The default rule is that the prices are set in accordance with the number of subscriptions that are purchased at the actual call off. Deviation from this can be eventually agreed if a roll-out plan can be committed in advance.

  • The client software packages are free of charge.

  • The ThinLinc license is perpetual and will still work after the expiry date of the ThinLinc subscriptions.

     

  • Both as an individual and as an organization, it is not allowed to use the free version of ThinLinc if you have valid user licenses.

  • ThinLinc is free to use for up to 10 concurrent users for both individuals and organizations (on a group basis).

  • ThinLinc Subscriptions give the possibility to run more than 10 concurrent users per ThinLinc installation. It also gives technical support directly from Cendio and the right to get upgrades (new versions) for ThinLinc.

  • ThinLinc Premium Subscription gives prioritized answers, faster response time, and direct access to our qualified technical support via telephone service.

  • The free version of ThinLinc is limited to 10 concurrent users and is supported via the ThinLinc Community. The commercial version of ThinLinc is packaged in a so-called subscription and can be scaled for more than 10 users. The subscriptions also give the right to get professional support in ThinLinc directly from the Cendio technical team.

  • ThinLinc is free to use up to 10 users at the same time per individual or organization worldwide, without any obligations. The usage can be 10 installations with one user per each or one installation with 10 users. What matters is that the 10 users aren’t exceeded.

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