===== Linux based standalone Server  =====
For Linux, there's a complete server image, including the operating system, ready to install and run on most PC-style computers. Follow the steps below to provision a new server.

===1. Download===
[[https://pixilab.se/outgoing/blocks/PIXILAB-Blocks-linux-image-221214.zip|Download the server OS image version 221214 for Linux]] 

:!: Windows may not be able to unpack large ZIP files using its built-in functionality. If so, download 7-Zip or WinZip, and use that program to unzip the image file instead.

===2. Install the image to a new computer.===
[[blocks:server:creating_a_server|Create a server with the provided server image.]] 

===3. First start configuration===
[[blocks:server:first_start|Set up your linux server for the first time.]]

===4. Update to most recent Blocks server version===
[[blocks:server:update_blocks|Follow this guide to update the Blocks server version.]]


=====Configure optional server features=====
The server can in addition to Blocks server run optional services, administrative tools and servers such as remote access,  DHCP-server, DNS-server and MQTT broker.

[[blocks:server:advanced_server_configuration|Advanced server configuration]]

===== Remote Management =====
In case you need to manage your Blocks server remotely, over the internet or on the local network there are some options. 

===Anydesk===
We have preinstalled the excellent Anydesk software as part of our server image. [[https://anydesk.com/en|Anydesk]] is a handy remote access program, similar to VNC and TeamViewer, and allows you to

  * Access the desktop of the server, seeing what a local user sees.
  * Connect to the remote Blocks server using a web browser.
  * Access the file system of the remote Blocks server, either through Anydesk's file browser or by directly by accessing the Blocks server's SMB file sharing feature from your laptop.

Learn more about how to use Anydesk for managing a remote Blocks server [[blocks:anydesk|here]].

=== Remote Management using SSH ===
If you prefer (or have to use) a command line for managing Blocks, here's a guide as well as a video showing you how to do this. SSH is a terminal command available on all major operating systems, allowing you to log in to a remote computer, execute commands, copy files back and forth, etc, all using a secure and encrypted connection.

[[blocks:ssh|Guide for remote management using SSH]] 

===Webmin===
A browser interface to manage a  server over the local network using the server management tool Webmin.

[[blocks:server:advanced_server_configuration:webmin|Introducing webmin.]]

===Desktop sharing (VNC)===
Another option to access the desktop over the local network.

[[blocks:server:server_desktop_sharing|Server Desktop Sharing]]


=====Maintain the server=====
To keep the server healthy and secure it is important to perform regular maintenance of both hardware and software. 
===Update Blocks Server===
[[https://pixilab.se/outgoing/blocks/PIXILAB_Blocks_Linux.tar.gz|Download the latest Blocks version for Linux]]

then proceed as described here to update your Linux-based server:

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

===Maintain the OS===
[[blocks:server:tweaks|Keeping your Linux server software up to date.]] 

=====Networking and Security=====

[[blocks:server:network-faq|FAQ: Blocks networking and security considerations ]].



[[blocks:server:publish-on-internet|Example: Publishing an in-house Blocks server on the Internet]]

[[blocks:server:nginx|Overview: NGINX Reverse Proxy]]