====== Downloads, Installation and Updates ======

:!: **IMPORTANT** PIXILAB Blocks is licensed software. By downloading PIXILAB Blocks you agree to be bound by its [[blocks:license|license agreement]]. In order to use Blocks, you must also purchase a license. A Blocks license can be provided as a USB "dongle" or it can be cloud-based (requires internet access). The program will not start without a valid license.

Find download links for PIXILAB Blocks below for supported operating systems. The current version is indicated on the [[blocks:release-notes|release notes]] page.

====MacOS====
This option is supported and recommended for content production and custom development. 

[[blocks:macos|Install Blocks server on MacOS]]


====Windows ====
This option is supported and recommended for content production and custom development.

[[blocks:windows|Install Blocks server on Windows PC]]


==== Linux====
This option is the recommended and supported platform to run Blocks server in an production environment. 

[[blocks:linux|Install, configure and maintain standalone Blocks server running on Linux]]

====Use in Virtualized Environments====

Blocks server software can run in many virtualized environments, making it easier for IT departments to maintain and manage.

:!: These advanced installation methods are //unsupported// and assume that you're comfortable in a terminal window. If not, use one of the supported methods descibed above for installing Blocks.

[[blocks:server:virtualized|Virtualized Server Image]]

For advanced environments there is an unsupported installation script you can use as a starting point for installing Blocks server software. If required, we can provide installation support for such environment as a service.  

[[https://github.com/pixilab/net-blocks|Net blocks installation]]

Finally, if you prefer using  [[https://www.docker.com/|Docker]] rather than a full-blown virtual environment, [[blocks:server:docker|this article]] describes how to do so.
==== Updates ====

Newer version of Blocks are released from time to time. To update your Mac/Windows version, simply download the latest version above and re-install. 

[[https://pixilab.se/outgoing/blocks/PIXILAB_Blocks_Linux.tar.gz|The latest Blocks Server for Linux]]

[[blocks:server:update_blocks|How to update Blocks version on Linux server]]

:!: Some advanced features, such as the Synchronizer and the Locator, may require updates to your Blocks license. If you're unsure whether you need such an update, please contact support@pixilab.se before upgrading.  

See the  [[blocks:release-notes|release notes]] for details, as well as relevant posts on our forum. If you're not yet a forum member, just [[https://pixilab.se/forum/|register here]] and we'll be happy to welcome you on board.

===== Server Configuration File =====

Some fundamental settings of the Blocks server are controlled through a [[blocks:server_configuration_file|configuration file]]. This includes things such as which port number the server listens to, where its data files are located, etc.