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.
3. First start configuration
4. Update to most recent 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.
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
- 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 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.
Webmin
A browser interface to manage a server over the local network using the server management tool Webmin.
Desktop sharing (VNC)
Another option to access the desktop over the local network.
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: