[xubuntu-users] restarting window server or possibly usb service remotely

[Dan Hitt]

Hi Xubunters,

I have an HDMI monitor attached to my xubuntu 16.04 system (running on
a Dell Inspiron desktop box).  I type using a Happy Hacker usb
keyboard (mac style).

Previously i was using ubuntu 15.10.

Occasionally after i lock the screen and come back after a few hours i
cannot get it to respond.

The machine is alive, and i can ssh into from another host.

But wiggling the mouse and pressing keys leaves the monitor pitch black.

So it seems to me that either whatever service listens on usb is out
for the count, or perhaps whatever controls the HDMI is.

I never had this problem with ubuntu so i'm guessing that it must be
pure software.

Since i can get in remotely, i presume there's some service i can send
a signal to make it restart, or at least something that i can inspect
to see what's failing.

Thanks in advance for any info or advice or just what the likely
culprits might be!

dan