Table of Contents

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

Download the Linux server OS image version 241022, based on Blocks 7.

2. Install the image to a new computer.

Create a server with the provided server image.

3. First start configuration

Set up your linux server for the first time.

4. Update to most recent Blocks server version

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.

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. Anydesk is a handy remote access program, similar to VNC and TeamViewer, and allows you to

Learn more about how to use Anydesk for managing a remote Blocks server 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.

Guide for remote management using SSH

Webmin

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

Introducing webmin.

Desktop sharing (VNC)

Another option to access the desktop over the local network.

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

Download the latest Blocks version for Linux

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

How to update Blocks version on Linux server

Maintain the OS

Keeping your Linux server software up to date.

Networking and Security

FAQ: Blocks networking and security considerations .

Example: Publishing an in-house Blocks server on the Internet

Overview: NGINX Reverse Proxy