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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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On Linux, how do I get the VM host/guest experience but with two physical PCs, such as a "guest" laptop and a "host" desktop PC? [SOLVED] (lemmy.ml)

submitted 7 hours ago* (last edited 5 hours ago) by yo_scottie_oh@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

11 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I enjoy derping around w/ virtual machines b/c not only can I revert to a clean snapshot, I can grab screenshots of pretty much any screen in the VM, including on the initial boot screen.

Is there some way for me to get a similar experience to using VMs except instead of a virtual machine, I'd be derping with a spare laptop next to my main daily driver PC? I don't care about snapshots, I'm mostly concerned about being able to record a video or grab screenshots of the boot screen and BIOS settings without having to use my phone to take the video/photo. In other words, like a remote desktop experience that persists during reboots of the "guest" laptop.

What equipment would I need for this? Should I look into video capture cards or KVM switches? Both the "host" and "guest" systems will be running one of the mainstream Linux distros (Mint, Fedora, etc).

Part of the challenge for me is actually articulating what it is I'm trying to do and knowing what terms to search for on DDG, so please feel free to ask questions to clarify my requirements. Thank you!

EDIT: Thanks to everyone who chimed in. Although your comments definitely piqued my curiosity in devices such as JetKVM, I ordered this video capture card, since in my case, the machine I want to capture images/videos from will be next to my "host" machine. That said, I'll definitely keep these KVM devices in mind in case my needs change down the road.

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[–] Scipitie@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 6 hours ago (2 children)

If I understand you correctly: You want to be able to record one computer with another one on a system level (the BIOS-party that comes before any operating system is loaded).

Although this is not Linux specific: your best bet is a video capture card as you've suggested already. Anything else would depend on your bios supporting remote access which is not exactly the same (my server bios for example can expose a website where I then can configure it from within a browser.

The problem with video capture is that you'd still have two controls: one for the client and one for the host.

Depending on what your final result should be it could be actually easier and cheaper to just get a stand for a smartphone and record it from there and then crop it precisely.

You then have to only worry about light reflecting.

[–] yo_scottie_oh@lemmy.ml 4 points 6 hours ago* (last edited 5 hours ago)

Thanks for confirming. Your understanding is correct, I just want a way to grab some "clean" screenshots or videos of the laptop while it's in boot or BIOS parts of the system. I have a video capture card in my "cart" but thought I'd put this out there to the lemmyverse before I smash that "Buy" button.

EDIT: I ordered this video capture card, we'll see how it goes!

[–] paper_moon@lemmy.world 3 points 6 hours ago

If you go this route and its a semi permanent solution, would probably be better to get a ip camera or something instead of a smart phone, that way you don't have to worry about the phone battery going bad from being plugged in 24/7.