Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- blocks:downloads [2023-03-15 09:36] – [Remote Management] mattias
+++ blocks:downloads [2025-11-17 09:10] (current) – Removed OVA file link admin
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== 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 have 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.
+:!: **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.
-Here's version 6.0.1 of the PIXILAB Blocks server software.
+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====
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-==== Linux ====
+==== 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 manage.
+:!: This 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.
+[[https://github.com/pixilab/net-blocks|Net blocks installation]]
+The above installation script can be used as a starting point for installing Blocks in a virtual environment. If required, PIXILAB can provide virtual server installation support for a fee.
 ==== Updates ====
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-=== Linux Server Configuration for PIXILAB Player network Boot ===
-If you're using [[blocks:porteus_kiosk|PIXILAB Player]] for your display spots, those can be started from a USB stick. Alternatively, you can configure your Linux-based Blocks server so the players can [[blocks:server:pxe-boot|boot over the network]] instead. Network booting provides the following benefits:
-  * No need to procure, configure, install and keep track of USB memory sticks for all players.
-  * All your players can be updated by replacing the files on your server and restarting the players (which can all be done remotely).
-===== 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, [[blocks:ssh|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.
-===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]]
-===== Server Redundancy =====
-While the Blocks server software is very robust, the complete system can never be more reliable than the hardware it runs on. If your Blocks server dies for some reason, your system will stop functioning. To safeguard agains such major disasters, you can install a //secondary// Blocks server in your system.
-{{ :blocks:server:mirror:mirroring.jpg?nolink |}}
-Specialized [[blocks:server:mirror|mirroring software]] running in the background keeps this second server in lock-step with the primary server – copying all changes across as they happen in real time. Should the main server die, you can immediately switch over to the mirror copy, and be back up and running in a matter of minutes.
-===== PIXILAB Player =====
-[[blocks:player-setup|PIXILAB Player]] is free software for creating a Display Spot using a small PC such as an Intel NUC, or a touch display with a built in computer.