A remote virtual workspace allows you to work from anywhere using just an internet connection. It’s like having your own office without ever leaving home. This workspace offers a complete desktop environment that lets you use all of your applications in real-time or individual apps.
What is KASM Workspace (Docker)?
KASM is a Docker container streaming platform that is open source. You can keep your work secure, private, and non-attributable with no risk of compromising your endpoint.
You can deploy different applications and OSs with this platform, such as Kali Linux, Ubuntu, Chrome, Firefox, and similar browsers.
In this video/article, we go through all the steps you can take to self-host the KASM platform on your server and set up this virtual workspace.
Don’t worry if you are new to Linux; just make sure you complete every step. We have covered everything here.
Setup a VPS Server (Linux Based)
The first thing you need is a server to host this virtual workspace. Use a Linux-based server. This works with both AMD and Arm64 systems, but apps and images are less in the ARM64 architecture.
Make sure it fulfilled following requirements;
I am deploying an Ubuntu 20.04 ARM64 server on the Oracle Cloud. You can choose any provider you prefer.
Check out the below links if you’re looking for a cheap server to host this workspace. There are listings for every premium VPS provider available right now.
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Check out the below links if you’re looking for a cheap server to host this workspace. There are listings for every premium VPS provider available right now.
How do I install KASM Workspaces?
After you deploy the server, connect to the Linux terminal using any SSH client. Here I am using the Bitwise client.
OK, you are connected to the terminal. Next, we are going to install the KASM workspace on this server. You only need to copy and paste the commands from the article because they are all listed here.
Let’s get root access.
sudo -iKASM needs a swap partition for the stable operation of Docker containers. Here, paste this long command to add 5GB of swap space.
Please adjust the size of the swap according to your needs. You can change the values that marked in red.
sudo dd if=/dev/zero bs=1M count=5024 of=/mnt/5GiB.swap
&& sudo chmod 600 /mnt/5GiB.swap
&& sudo mkswap /mnt/5GiB.swap
&& sudo swapon /mnt/5GiB.swapWhat is a swap space?
A swap partition is a virtual memory that aids physical memory, also known as RAM. It serves as virtual memory and holds images from process memory. When our computer’s physical memory runs out, it uses its virtual memory to store data on disk in memory.
You can use this command to verify whether a swap has been added to the system.
cat /proc/swapsIt was added successfully. Use this command to make the swap file available when the computer boots.
echo '/mnt/5GiB.swap swap swap defaults 0 0' | sudo tee -a /etc/fstabNext, update and upgrade your Linux applications.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeGo to the KASM download page and get the link to the latest version. Copy it to the notepad and use the “wget” command to download the package.
wget https://kasm-static-content.s3.amazonaws.com/kasm_release_1.11.0.18142e.tar.gzOK, the package has been downloaded. Next, extract the downloaded file using this command.
tar -xf kasm_release*.tar.gzRun the installation script. The installation process will take some time; be patient until it is finished.
sudo bash kasm_release/install.shAs soon as the installation is finished, you will see these credentials. Copy them onto a notepad.
Some cloud service providers have already set up an IP table inside the server, so you have to modify it.
If you use Oracle Cloud as the server provider, you have to execute this command before entering the KASM interface.
iptables -P INPUT ACCEPT && iptables -P OUTPUT ACCEPT && iptables -P FORWARD ACCEPT && iptables -F && sudo netfilter-persistent saveWhat Ports Does KASM Use?
The web application is running on port 443 , the HTTPS port by default. If you have not opened it already, you must open it on your server side.
Log into KASM Workspace
Then you just have to copy and paste the public IP address into the browser. This warning message will appear as a result of the server’s lack of an SSL certificate. You can easily skip this notification by using the “advanced” option.
Login to the admin dashboard using your credentials. Here you can manage and monitor your workspace. Here I am using an ARM64 server, so that’s why you see a few apps, but if you are using an AMD server, you may see more apps and images in the workspace.
You can launch several Linux OSs and browser isolations in a secure environment. You can access this workspace from any device and location because it is hosted on the cloud server.
If you have any question or error during the process, open a thread on MineX Tuts Tech Forum. We may able to help you.
FAQ – KASM Virtual Workspace
Are KASM Workspaces free?
KASM has open source community edition which is free. Also have paid professional and enterprise editions.
How do I add an image to KASM?
You can add a custom image to KASM or use their built-in images. If you want to add a custom image, check the kasm documentation.
Is KASM secure?
Kasm offers a secure way to open files, check webmail, and browse websites without risking your PC. You may make sure that your PC is secure by using a cloud-based desktop.
Hi bro! Please I have a little problem. I lost access to all my oracle cloud servers. Yet I did not touch anything as a change. Can you have an idea? Thanks