5 Linux terminal apps better than your default

 5 Linux terminal apps better than your default - and they're all free

When you're working with the command line, you'll want a terminal app that either makes the job easier or is awesome enough that you don't mind using it. Here are my five favorite options.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/5-linux-terminal-apps-better-than-your-default-and-theyre-all-free/

7 Best Tools to Connect to UNIX Server (PuTTY like)

https://geekflare.com/dev/best-tools-to-connect-unix-server/

"There are actually a lot of terminal emulators available that can help with controlling the UNIX server, some of which outperform the traditional PuTTY in terms of features and abilities.

These alternatives come packed with powerful tools and nifty features that can greatly enhance your server management experience. So why settle for average when you can simplify your UNIX server management tasks with cutting-edge software?"

MobaXterm is an ultimate toolkit that is jam-packed with extensive features specifically designed for network engineers and IT administrators.

MTPuTTY, the utility that allows you to bundle countless PuTTY sessions in a tabbed GUI interface without ever having to tangle with separate PuTTY windows again!

Solar-PuTTY is a powerful and user-friendly Windows-based application designed to professionally manage remote sessions.

SecureCRT is a powerful and feature-rich terminal emulator that supports secure file transfers, remote access, and data tunneling capabilities across a range of different platforms.

mRemoteNG is a remote connections manager that allows users to manage multiple remote connections to servers or devices that use different protocols.

Tabby is a cross-platform application that can run on various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.  https://github.com/Eugeny/tabby/blob/master/docs/readme-ssh.png

Xshell 7 is a powerful terminal emulator software that enables users to connect to Unix/Linux hosts easily and securely from their Windows computers.

Linux as a Terminal Server - for thin clients or whatever

Linux as a Terminal Server: An In-Depth Guide: 

https://linuxvox.com/blog/linux-as-terminal-server/

Use with thin clients ...
Focused on XRDP & VNC, but the principles apply to other software.

Linux Terminal Server Project:  https://ltsp.org/
"Linux Terminal Server Project helps in netbooting LAN clients from a single template installation that resides in a virtual machine image or a chroot on the LTSP server, or the server root (/, chrootless). This way maintaining tens or hundreds of diskless clients is as easy as maintaining a single PC."
Installation:  https://ltsp.org/docs/installation/
"The LTSP server can be headless, but it's usually better to install the operating system using a "desktop" .iso and not a "server" one. All desktop environments should work fine, but MATE receives the most testing. Any .deb-based distribution that uses systemd should work; i.e. from Ubuntu Xenial and Debian Jessie and onward. If you choose Ubuntu, you may also consider removing snap to avoid some issues."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Terminal_Server_Project

Top 10 Best Terminal Server Software of 2026: https://gitnux.org/best/terminal-server-software/
There are a few free tools here ...

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway.  https://guacamole.apache.org/
"Because the Guacamole client is an HTML5 web application, use of your computers is not tied to any one device or location. As long as you have access to a web browser, you have access to your machines."

XRDP:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xrdp
"xrdp is a free and open-source implementation of Microsoft RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) server that enables operating systems other than Microsoft Windows (such as Linux and BSD-style operating systems) to provide a fully functional RDP-compatible remote desktop experience."

https://www.xrdp.org/
"xrdp provides a graphical login to remote machines using RDP (Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol). xrdp accepts connections from variety of RDP clients: FreeRDP, rdesktop, NeutrinoRDP and Microsoft Remote Desktop Client (for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android)."

https://github.com/neutrinolabs/xrdp

NoMachine:  https://www.nomachine.com/
"Connect to any computer remotely at the speed of light. NoMachine is the fastest and highest quality remote desktop you have ever tried. Reach your computer on the other side of the world in just a few clicks. Wherever your desktop is, you can access it from any other device and share it with who you want. NoMachine lets you access all your files, display all your videos, play all your audio, print and edit your documents, and move them around from wherever you are. All securely and under your control. Use it to share your desktop on-the-fly, record your screen content and much more. NoMachine is your own personal server, private and secure. What’s more, it’s free and you can go even beyond, using the power of Network."

Thin clients are the best Linux machines nobody knows how to use correctly

https://www.xda-developers.com/thin-clients-best-linux-machines-nobody-knows-use-correctly/

"

Thin clients are the kind of hardware that should be a home labber’s open secret, but somehow still feels like insider baseball. They are cheap, quiet, and usually built to last years in the office without developing a personality disorder. That durability makes them perfect for Linux, because Linux loves boring hardware that just keeps showing up to work. The problem is that most people take a thin client home and immediately treat it like a small desktop, not what it actually is.

Used correctly, a thin client becomes a dependable “front door” to your real compute, whether that’s a server in a closet, a mini PC on a shelf, or a VM farm you keep promising to document someday."

"Thin clients earn their keep when you stop judging them like desktops and start using them like purpose-built Linux endpoints. They are not as exciting as a new SBC or a shiny mini PC, and that is part of their appeal. Set the role, keep the OS lean, and make remote access the first-class citizen it was always meant to be."

How to Set Up a Thin Client Environment:
https://itstillworks.com/set-up-thin-client-environment-7810521.html

Sipeed NanoCluster Raspberry Pi Compute Module Cluster Case

https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/sipeed-nanocluster-raspberry-pi-cluster-board/

"The Sipeed NanoCluster simplifies compact cluster computing with a modular design, integrating up to seven compute modules and reducing cabling and power supply needs."

• Key features include an 8-port managed gigabit network switch, USB-C power input (up to 65W), optional PoE, and a built-in cooling system with status LEDs for efficient performance and monitoring.
• It supports Raspberry Pi CM4/CM5 and Sipeed M3H/M4N modules, with adapter boards available for additional functionality like microSD and NVMe SSD support.
• Ideal for lightweight tasks such as Kubernetes clusters, IoT projects, and self-hosted systems, it delivers stable thermal performance and high-speed node communication (up to 950 Mbps).
• Pricing starts at $49 for the basic board, with customizable options and 3D-printed enclosures, making it accessible for hobbyists, developers, and educators.
• "The power input is capped at 60W, which restricts the number of high-power modules (e.g., CM5 or M4N) to a maximum of four.
• Space constraints may arise when using heat sinks or SSDs, potentially reducing the number of usable slots."

"The board excels in power delivery, supporting USB-C power input of up to 65W and offering optional Power over Ethernet (PoE) for added flexibility. 

Essential interfaces such as USB 2.0, HDMI, and Ethernet are included, with slot one designated as the master node for centralized control."

Sipeed NanoCluster:  https://pipci.jeffgeerling.com/boards_cm/sipeed-nanocluster.html

"Sipeed’s NanoCluster is a tiny cluster board that can hold up to seven Compute Module 4/5 boards using small riser cards. These cards use dual M.2 (NGFF) slots to adapt the compute module pins to the pinout expected on the playing-card-size carrier board."

"Because of the limited power budget and narrow space between boards—especially if you fit NVMe SSDs (the riser cards can hold a 2242 NVMe SSD, and/or microSD)—it’s recommended you only run 4 or a maximum of 5 CM5s. CM4s may fit more within that power budget, but I’ve found 4 is probably the best number if you want to get the best performance.

Slot 1 has power control over the other slots through GPIO, as well as optional UART support to at least some of the other slots. There are also USB and HDMI ports wired to slot 1 for external display and keyboard/accessories.

All nodes are interconnected over 1 Gbps links to a RISC-V switch chip on the underside of the board. That is a managed switch which has a web UI for control over port status, VLANs, etc. 

Externally, there is a single PoE++-capable 1 Gbps Ethernet link to the outside world."

4th Gen Sienna Accessory List

https://www.siennachat.com/threads/4th-gen-sienna-accessories-list.72942/

Includes things like the correct LED bulb upgrades, added Rear Hatch Light(s), interior storage & floor mats, and exterior lights, spoilers, etc.

Look down in the comments for changes ...

Ruger Super GP100 9mm 8-shot Competition Revolver

Ruger Super GP100 9mm 8-shot Revolver (no longer produced):
https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/ruger-super-gp100-9mm-revolver-review/382947
"In 2014, the USPSA amended its revolver rules to allow for a capacity of up to eight rounds, which made most traditional revolvers obsolete for these matches. Eight-round revolvers all fall into the “minor power-factor” category, which means the 9mm sits in its mild-recoiling sweet spot without having to push the pressure envelope. If an individual is interested in competing in the USPSA Revolver Division, the new Super GP100 in 9mm is a turnkey solution."
"Though it has an effective barrel length of 6 inches, only 43/4 inches of barrel extends forward of the frame. The reason for this is that the 9mm cylinder is appreciably shorter than the frame window, allowing the barrel to extend well inside the frame to mate with the cylinder’s leading edge."

Ruger Super GP100 Competition 9mm Revolver (2020):
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/review-ruger-super-gp100-competition-9mm-revolver/
"Like other members of the GP100 family, the Super GP100 is a double-action revolver with a transfer-bar safety and a cylinder that locks up in three locations (front, rear and bottom) for improved alignment and durability. However, this particular model is built around a Redhawk action. This provides the frame space needed for the larger diameter of the eight-round cylinder and a two-spring lock work configuration for improved cartridge ignition and smoother double-action cycling."
"While some shooting enthusiasts may argue the usefulness or limitations of moon clips when used in defensive revolvers, their utility is clearly evident in a competition gun like this one. Because the 9 mm cartridge has no rim, they are headspaced off of the cartridge-case mouth in each chamber of the Super GP100's cylinder. This means the revolver can be safely loaded and fired without a moon clip.
However, these semi-auto cartridges have no rims for the ejector star to press against in order to kick out the empty cases, so each case must be poked out of the cylinder manually with a cleaning rod or similar tool. This revolver arrives with three full moon clips which literally clip into the groove at the base of the cartridges to align them with the chambers of the cylinder. This allows all eight rounds to be dropped into the cylinder at once."

 

More on the Ruger Custom Shop GP100 9mm:

https://www.shootingwire.com/features/d4be9105-e26f-40d3-abb5-ecbca29d6f22/ 

"... the Ruger Custom Shop Super GP100 Competition Revolver is a stainless version of the current .357 Mag CS3, but chambered in 9mm. The cylinder is shortened and the barrel, shrouded forward of the frame, protrudes into the cylinder window of the frame to mate up closely to the cylinder."

"Speaking of the moon clips, I ran into some information online about a plastic moon clip – the RIMZ 929 Hydrocarbon Polymer ( 8 shot ) Moon Clip 9mm. I contacted the company through the website to ask if the 929 size moon fits the Ruger Custom Shop Super GP100 9mm 8-shot revolver. The answer was “let’s find out."  Shortly thereafter I received a pair of the RIMZ Moon Clips by Beckham Products Design LLC.”  

"The clips are also available from Brownells – that site notes the “High-strength, hydrocarbon polymer won’t rust, break or deform; fires 300-400+ rounds before requiring replacement. Loads easily by hand without the need for special tools or costly equipment. Keeps empties together, too.”"

"I found I could load cartridges the wrong way; there is a top and a bottom. The top, facing the shooter, is recessed."

"The revolver has a lot going for it; and the RIMZ 929 moon clips are a neat addition." 

 

 

Still easy to find used at around $1,500.