Are you using Ubuntu and want the Windows application MobaXterm to manage remote sessions; and start common server services such as HTTP, VNC, and other related tasks then here is the guide that will use Wine on Ubuntu Linux to install the latest version of MobaXterm.
What is MobaXterm?
MobaXterm is a professional application that holds great value to developers and system administrators because of the features and tools it offers in one place. It offers an array of network tools and protocols from SSH, X11, and FTP, to RDP and VNC. It has a built-in X-server which even allows users to display remote GUI applications on the local machine. Even WSL-installed GUI Linux apps can be opened and used using the MobaXterm terminal. Hence, for anyone from a system administrator to an ordinary user who needs remote management tools, mobaXterm should be on their software list.
Installing MobaXterm on Ubuntu Linux
As we already know MobaXterm is a Windows application, hence not available for Ubuntu or any other Linux system but don’t worry using Wine we can use it without any major compatibility issues. In our testing it worked smoothly, so, here are the steps we used to install MobaXterm on Ubuntu 22.04 and 20.04 Linux…
1. Access command Terminal
We need to access the command terminal of Ubuntu with a user account that has sudo access to install applications. Now, to open the terminal, use the key combination – Ctrl+Alt+T. After opening the terminal, don’t forget to run the system update command once, here is that:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade 2. Add WineHQ Repository
The version of Wine available through the default Ubuntu repository is not the latest one, therefore, we add WineHQ’s official repository, so that we can have the latest Wine version to install the various Windows-compatible applications without producing issues.
Add Wine GPG key:
sudo mkdir -pm755 /etc/apt/keyringssudo wget -O /etc/apt/keyrings/winehq-archive.key https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.keyAdd the Wine repository
- For Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy Jellyfish) users:
sudo wget -NP /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/dists/jammy/winehq-jammy.sources- For Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) users:
sudo wget -NP /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/dists/focal/winehq-focal.sourcesAfter adding the repository, run the system update command to let the system know about the newly added repository and its packages:
sudo apt update3. Installing Wine on Ubtunu
Now, we can install the latest version of Wine (stable) using the given command. It will use the system default package manager – APT to download and configure the stable package of Wine.
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable4. Install MobaXterm on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
1. Downloading MobaXterm
MobaXterm is a freeware software and not available to download using the APT, therefore visit the official website of it and download the latest version. Here we are downloading the Home Edition, which is free.
2. Extracting Zipped file
After downloading the file using the system browser, it will be automatically saved in the Downloads folder. Now, go to your Ubuntu’s File Manager and extract the zipped file. Just right-click on the file and select the “Open With Archive Manager” option.
On the Archive Manager window, click the “Extract” button, to finally complete the process…
3. Installing with Wine Windows Program loader
You will see the MobaXterm MSI installer after extracting the zipped file. Now, to install it, right-click on that and select “Open With Wine Windows Program Loader” to start the setup process.
4. Wine Mono Installer
Before installing the MobaXterm, Wine will ask to install the “Wine Mono package” needed for .NET applications of Windows to work properly. We only need to click on the “install” button, the system will download it to configure automatically.
5. MobaXterm Setup Wizard
Finally, the Setup wizard will open. Follow it like we do on the Windows system. Click the Next button
Accept the Terms and License box by checking it and then again hit the Next button to complete the further steps…
6. Run the Software
Like any other software, go to the Ubuntu’s Application area and search for MobaXterm, as its icon appears click to launch it.
7. MobaXterm Ubuntu Desktop Icon
Wine will automatically create the desktop icon for MobaXterm on Ubuntu. To use it, we just need to right the icon and select the option – “Allow Launching“.
FAQ
Q: Is MobaXterm free?
Yes, MobaXterm offers a free edition called “home edition”, however, advanced users can go for its paid version known as “Professional Edition” with additional features.
Q: Can I use MobaXterm for commercial purposes?
The Home Editon is free for everyone even for a user working in a company or organization who directly downloads it from the official website, however, it cannot be packaged for mass deployment. Hence, for commercial deployments, a company needs to purchase the licensed Professional version of MobaXterm.
Professional Edtion allows customization of startup message and logo, modifying profile script, removal of unwanted games, screensaver or tools. Furthermore, an unlimited number of sessions, tunnels, macros and run time for network daemons will be there along with enhanced security settings, 12-month updates, and a lifetime right to use.
Q: Are there alternatives to MobaXterm for Ubuntu?
A perfect alternative with all features like MobaXterm for Ubuntu Linux is not available; however, alternatives like Remmina, Termius, or SecureCRT for remote management tasks on Linux can be used.
Q: Can I integrate MobaXterm with other Linux applications?
Direct integration of MobaXterm with other Linux applications is challenging because we have used a Wine layer to install it, nevertheless, its sessions can be launched from the terminal, and files can be exchanged using standard networking protocols.
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Very detailed and useful post.