Epoptes
Epoptes is a free, open source tool for managing and monitoring computer labs.
What Epoptes is
Epoptes is a free, open source tool for managing and monitoring computer labs. Operators can broadcast and view screens, run commands remotely, send messages, lock screens, and mute sound. It is designed for Linux labs based on Ubuntu, Debian, RPM, and ArchLinux, including LTSP systems, standalone workstations, FreeRDP clients, and X2Go clients. The setup uses two packages: epoptes is the server and epoptes-client runs on lab computers. Clients connect to the server for remote commands, and the server daemon accepts connections on privileged port 789. Client setup includes fetching an OpenSSL certificate from the server with `epoptes-client -c`. Users must belong to the epoptes group or a configured alternative group to launch the GUI and control clients. Multiple GUIs can connect to one daemon, allowing it to serve multiple labs. The project says the two client processes together use about 2 MB of RAM per computer. Packages are available in repositories including Ubuntu, Debian, and ArchLinux; Ubuntu also has stable and proposed PPAs. There is no Windows client port, and the developers have no near-term plans for one.
Good
- Free and open source.
- Supports screen broadcasting, viewing, and locking.
- One daemon can serve multiple labs.
- Client processes use about 2 MB RAM per computer.
- Packages are available for several Linux distributions.
Watch out
- There is no Windows client port.
- Users need membership in the epoptes or configured group to control clients.
- It requires server and client packages.
Who it suits
Epoptes suits operators managing Linux computer labs who need screen monitoring, remote controls, and messaging. It is a self-hosted option for teams comfortable with its server-and-client setup and access controls.
Verdict
Epoptes covers core lab monitoring and remote-control tasks in a free, self-hosted Linux setup. Its Linux-only client support and group-based access requirements are important considerations.
Plans and prices
From Epoptes's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Epoptes | Free | Open source computer lab management and monitoring tool · Installed as server and client packages |
The facts
Each one read from Epoptes's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Access control
- Users must belong to the epoptes group, or a configured alternative group, to launch the GUI and control clients.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Architecture
- Clients connect to the server for remote command execution, and the server daemon accepts client connections on privileged port 789.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Connection security
- Client setup includes fetching an OpenSSL certificate from the server with epoptes-client -c.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Distribution packages
- Packages are available in stock repositories of distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, and ArchLinux, with stable and proposed PPAs also available for Ubuntu.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Documentation and help
- The documentation invites contributors to contact the project through its linked chat room.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Multiple labs
- Multiple GUIs can connect to one daemon, allowing one daemon to serve multiple computer labs.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Epoptes is an open source computer lab management and monitoring tool.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Resource use
- The architecture page says the two epoptes-client processes together consume about 2 MB of RAM per computer.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Screen tools
- It supports screen broadcasting and monitoring, remote command execution, message sending, screen locking, and sound muting.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Server and client
- Epoptes consists of a server package called epoptes and a client package called epoptes-client.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Supported environments
- It can be installed in Ubuntu, Debian, RPM, and ArchLinux based computer labs, including LTSP systems, standalone workstations, FreeRDP clients, and X2Go clients.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Translations
- The project says it has been translated into more than 40 languages.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Windows support
- There is currently no Windows port of epoptes-client, and the developers say they have no near-term plans to implement one.checked 8 Oct 2026
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