Want to connect to your NAS (Network Attached Storage) with just one click? Whether you're a beginner or a Gen Z tech explorer, this guide will help you create a powerful desktop shortcut that opens an SSH terminal to your NAS, and stays always on top. Let’s make it happen — clean, quick, and cool.
✅ What You’ll Need
Before we begin, here’s what you need:
✔️ A PC running LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition)
✔️ A working SSH setup on your NAS
✔️ NAS IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.8)
✔️ NAS login user (e.g., root)
⚙️ Step 1: Install Required Tools
Let’s start by installing two essential tools: gnome-terminal and
wmctrl.
Open your terminal and type:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install gnome-terminal wmctrl -yThis will allow us to open the terminal with a custom title and set it to "Always on Top".
📝 Step 2: Create Your Desktop Shortcut
Now, let’s build the actual shortcut that will live on your desktop.
Run this command in your terminal to create a new file:
nano ~/Desktop/NAS-SSH.desktopCopy and paste this code inside the editor:
[Desktop Entry]
Name=NAS SSH (192.168.0.8)
Comment=Connect to NAS via SSH
Exec=sh -c 'gnome-terminal --title=NAS-SSH -- bash -c "ssh
root@192.168.0.8"; sleep 1; wmctrl -r NAS-SSH -b add,above'
Icon=network-server
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Network;
StartupNotify=true
To save:
📌 Press Ctrl + O, then Enter
📌 Press Ctrl + X to exit
🔐 Step 3: Make the Shortcut Executable
Next, give the file permission to be launched as an app:
chmod +x ~/Desktop/NAS-SSH.desktop🧪 Step 4: Test It!
Now double-click the shortcut from your desktop. You should see:
➡️ A GNOME Terminal window opens
➡️ It connects to your NAS at 192.168.0.8
➡️ The terminal window stays Always on Top
🔑 Bonus: Login Without Password (Optional)
Want to skip typing your password every time? Run these commands:
ssh-keygen
ssh-copy-id root@192.168.0.8
This sets up secure auto-login using an SSH key. Much faster, much cooler.
🎯 Optional: Add It to Start Menu
If you want this launcher in your application menu:
mv ~/Desktop/NAS-SSH.desktop ~/.local/share/applications/You’ll now find it in your system menu under “Network” or “All Applications.”
✨ Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got a modern, one-click NAS terminal shortcut that even stays on top of all other windows. Whether you’re a Linux beginner, a productivity geek, or just like making your workflow smoother — this little setup brings big convenience.
👨💻 Keep experimenting, keep learning. And if you face any issue, drop a comment or revisit this guide anytime. Tradition meets tech, the right way!
What is the benefit of creating a NAS SSH desktop shortcut?
Creating a NAS SSH desktop shortcut saves time and improves convenience. With one click, you can open a terminal window and securely connect to your NAS without typing commands manually each time.
How do I make the terminal window stay always on top in LMDE?
You can make the terminal stay always on top using the wmctrl tool. By launching the terminal with a specific title and running wmctrl to set the "above" window state, the terminal will float over all other windows automatically.
Can I use this method on other Linux distros like Ubuntu or Mint?
Yes, this method works on most Linux distros that support GNOME Terminal and wmctrl, including Ubuntu, Linux Mint (Cinnamon), and Debian-based systems. You may need to adjust the terminal command if using a different terminal emulator.
Is it safe to use root for SSH login?
Using the root account for SSH can be risky if exposed to the internet. For local network access, it is generally safe, but it's better to set up key-based authentication and disable password login for extra security.
Why does the terminal need a title in the launcher?
The terminal is given a title like "NAS-SSH" so that wmctrl can identify the window and apply the "always on top" property. Without a unique title, wmctrl may not find the right window.
What if wmctrl doesn't keep the terminal always on top?
This can happen if wmctrl runs before the terminal window is fully launched. Try increasing the delay using sleep 2 or even sleep 3 in the Exec command to give the system more time to load the window.
Can I use Tilix, Alacritty, or another terminal instead of GNOME Terminal?
Yes, you can replace gnome-terminal with your preferred terminal emulator, as long as it supports custom window titles. Just make sure the window title is set properly and that wmctrl is compatible with that terminal.
Is this method safe for daily use?
Yes. This method is safe for local network SSH access and is widely used by system administrators. Just ensure your NAS is not exposed to the internet without proper firewalls and disable root login over public access if security is a concern.
How do I make the launcher icon look better?
You can use a custom PNG or SVG icon by downloading one and placing it in your Pictures folder. Then, update the Icon= path in the .desktop file with the full path to your image. Make sure it has permission to be read.
Why use a desktop shortcut instead of terminal bookmarks?
A desktop shortcut allows instant access without opening a terminal first. It’s more beginner-friendly and ideal for users who want to manage their NAS quickly without dealing with command-line inputs every time.