What is MeshCentral?
MeshCentral is an open-source web server for remote computer management that supports Windows, Linux (including BSD), macOS, and even Android! It has plenty of features:
- Remote control
- Customer File Management
- Command execution (by console or by file)
- Perform actions (Shut down, reboot, send messages, put on standby, etc.)
- Manage services and programs running on the device
- Display device information
Installing MeshCentral
MeshCentral is very easy to install, but there are two methods depending on your needs:
-
Installation via npm
You can install MeshCentral with the npm install meshcentral command. This directly installs the source code, written in Node.js. This method requires Node.js to be installed and the Node.js server to be running at all times. This is ideal if you want to customize your server or benefit from easier updates. -
Using a precompiled version (prebuild)
You can also download a pre-compiled executable file. In this case, Node.js and npm are not required. The MeshCentral server can be launched directly, which greatly simplifies installation, especially on Windows or lightweight machines. Caution: this method is faster but offers slightly less flexibility if you want to modify how MeshCentral works.
Important :
If you are installing via npm, you need to verify that Node.js and npm are installed.
If you are using a prebuild version, this check is not necessary.
2. Node.js Check (npm method only)
If you choose to install via npm, open a terminal and type:
- node -v
- npm -v
These commands should return the installed version numbers to you.
If not, install Node.js from the official website.
Note for Windows:
PowerShell may block the execution of some scripts for security reasons.
To remove this restriction, enter the following command in PowerShell:
Powershell
Command: Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
Then restart PowerShell before continuing with the installation.
MeshCentral Launched
Depending on your installation method:
- If you installed via npm:
Launch MeshCentral with the following command in your terminal:
node meshcentral --cert <IP of your machine>
- If you are using a precompiled version (prebuild):
Run the downloaded executable directly (meshcentral.exe on Windows or ./meshcentral on Linux). You don't need Node.js in this case.
And there you have it! Your server is launched and can be accessed via your IP or simply via https://127.0.0.1/
Configuring and Using MeshCentral
When you first log in to your MeshCentral page, you will need to create your first account which will be the administrator account.
On the main page, you will already have several menus available, but we will focus on adding and managing devices.
Add a device
In this menu, we will be able to add our clients to then manage and control them. First, you will need to create a group and then click on “Add an agent”.
There are several options available to you depending on what you need. In the “Operating System” drop-down pane you can select the operating system of the device you want to add, for Linux you just need to copy and enter on the device a command line to add the device (we recommend doing this via ssh)
For Windows or MacOS, you will have an executable to download and then launch on the device.
Once launched, you would have an interface to install the agent and connect the device to the MeshCentral server.
Once the installation and connection is complete, the device will appear in the list on MeshCentral, click on it to start managing the device.
Device Management
From here we will be able to perform quite a few actions on the selected device.
The “Action” button allows you to turn off, put the agent on standby or reboot, but also to execute commands (just like the available execute button) or uninstall the agent.
The “Message” or “Instant Chat” button allows you to send messages and, in the case of the second option, also receive messages from the user on the device.
The “Desktop” tab allows you to take control of the device (this tab is obviously not available for Linux without a graphical interface), the “Tools” button allows you to manage the services and programs launched on the device.
The last tabs “Terminal”, “Folder” and “Details” allow you to access a terminal, the device file and then its details (CPU and RAM usage, IP, etc.)
Conclusion
Your MeshCentral server is up and running, and you now know the basics of using it. There are plenty of other secondary features available on MeshControl, such as file hosting.
Do you need a machine to create a server?
We supply rugged mini PCs which, thanks to their features, can be suitable for this type of use.
View the products listed in our shop by clicking below:
Our pre-sales team is available to answer your questions and guide you through your projects.
You can contact us directly, we can define a tailor-made solution and equipment with you thanks to our network of partners.
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