I run my Pi headless and every now and than I need to access the GUI.
Rather than connecting up a monitor, keyboard and mouse, I use TightVNC.
Below are some quick instructions on how to get this working.
– Install TightVNC
pi@raspberrypi ~ $ sudo apt-get update
pi@raspberrypi ~ $ sudo apt-get install tightvncserver
pi@raspberrypi ~ $ sudo apt-get install tightvncserver
-To start VNC. When running it for the first time you will be asked for a password.
pi@raspberrypi ~ $
vncserver :1 -geometry 1200x768 -depth 24
-To connect to your Pi from another PC, use TightVNC viewer.
-To stop TightVNC on your Pi.
pi@raspberrypi ~ $ vncserver -kill :1