Kasm Workspaces: Remote Linux Desktop in the Browser.

What is Kasm Workspaces

Kasm Workspaces is a web-based platform that allows you to run operating systems and individual applications inside isolated containers, accessible directly through a browser. The project is designed with a focus on security, scalability, and ease of deployment.

Who it’s for:

  • Developers who need a temporary desktop or environment.
  • Testers and QA specialists
  • Educational institutions are looking to provide access to a lab environment
  • Any user who needs remote access to a Linux environment without a complex setup

How it works:

Kasm uses Docker containers to deploy environments (such as Ubuntu, Debian, Firefox, Chrome, etc.) and provides access to them via a web interface

Pros:

  • Works in any modern browser
  • Simple server installation
  • Isolation via Docker (for better security)
  • User data persistence support
  • Intuitive admin interface

Cons:

  • The free version (Community Edition) has limitations (e.g., no full organizations or access control policies)
  • Sessions are time-limited by default
  • Requires system resources (at least 2 vCPU and 4 GB RAM)
  • Some actions require manual configuration

Installing Kasm on a VPS with Ubuntu 22.04

To install Kasm, you’ll need a server running Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04, SSH access, and sudo privileges. Minimum specs: 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 20+ GB SSD.

For testing KASM, we used the following VPS configuration:
vRAM: 6 GB
Disk: 100 GB SSD
VPS LVP-01

Installation commands:
The installation command for KASM was taken from the official documentation. To learn more, you can visit the following link: Official documentation

cd /tmp
curl -O https://kasm-static-content.s3.amazonaws.com/kasm_release_1.17.0.7f020d.tar.gz
tar -xf kasm_release_1.17.0.7f020d.tar.gz
sudo bash kasm_release/install.sh


After installation, Kasm will be available at:
https://<your-server-ip>

Accessing the Kasm Interface and Login Info

When you first connect, you’ll see Kasm’s standard login screen.

Default login credentials:

  • Login: admin@kasm.local

  • Password: set during installation (or the one provided after installation)

Kasm Workspaces is a powerful and user-friendly platform that enables secure access to Linux desktops and applications via a web browser. It’s ideal for developers, testers, and educators who need isolated environments without a complex setup. While the Community Edition has some limitations, Kasm is a lightweight, browser-based solution that deploys quickly using Docker, making it a solid choice for remote access to Linux systems.

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