[docs] guide: document current Looking Glass features

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Geoffrey McRae
2026-08-11 19:18:17 +10:00
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.. _overview:
Overview
########
Looking Glass displays a Windows virtual machine in a low-latency Linux
window. It transfers completed frames through shared memory instead of sending
compressed video over a network. The current IDD provides video and direct
input through LGMP, while SPICE normally provides audio, clipboard and fallback
services.
The names used throughout this guide are:
Linux host
The physical machine running KVM/QEMU and the Looking Glass Client.
Windows guest
The Windows virtual machine shown by Looking Glass.
Looking Glass Client
The Linux application that displays the guest and sends user input. There
are currently no distribution packages for it, so it must be built from
source before installation.
Looking Glass IDD
The recommended Windows Indirect Display Driver. It creates a virtual
monitor, sends its frames to the client and provides direct keyboard and
mouse input. The installer also includes the IDD helper and input driver.
Legacy Host Application
The older Windows capture application. It captures an existing display
rather than creating a virtual one. It is documented for existing B7
workflows, but is no longer recommended for current installations.
KVMFR and IVSHMEM
The shared-memory path between the Windows guest and Linux host. KVMFR is
the recommended Linux kernel module because it permits direct GPU imports
where supported.
LGMP
The protocol used by Looking Glass components over shared memory.
SPICE
An optional fallback transport for video, input, audio and clipboard
services. With the IDD active, Looking Glass normally uses its direct input
path and uses SPICE only for services that are enabled and available.
Recommended setup
-----------------
For a new installation, use:
* the current Looking Glass Client on the Linux host;
* KVMFR shared memory attached to the Windows guest;
* the matching Looking Glass IDD in the Windows guest; and
* SPICE only for the fallback or convenience services you need.
Use matching Looking Glass releases for the current client, IDD and OBS
plugin. The shared-memory protocol changes between releases and incompatible
components will not connect. Legacy Host users must use the complete matching
B7 stack described below.
.. _legacy_host_policy:
Legacy Host Application
-----------------------
The Host Application is a legacy producer. The IDD is recommended because it
does not require a physical monitor or dummy plug and supports current display,
input and scheduling features.
If your workflow specifically requires non-capture mouse input with the Host
Application, B7 is the last recommended release. Use the matching B7 client,
Host Application and B7 documentation together; do not mix B7 components with
current releases.