Your first remote desktop or SSH connection.
Start with two computers: the device you want to reach and the computer you will connect from. This guide explains the Flashlink account, Node and Master setup, and how the free allowance is counted.
Before you start
You need permission to administer both devices, internet access and installation rights. Flashlink desktop software is available for Windows and Linux. Check the installation options for your intended system in the dashboard; SSH availability depends on a supported Node installation.
Node runs on the remote device. Master runs on the computer you use to reach it. Each Node or Master is one peer. One of each uses two of the five free peers.
1. Create an account and add your peers
Open the dashboard and create an account or sign in. Complete email verification if requested. Add a Master for the computer you work from and a Node for the device you want to reach. Give them names you can recognise.
2. Install Master and Node
Use the installation option for each peer in the dashboard. On Windows, download the matching MSI, install it, open Flashlink Master or Node and paste the activation code provided by the dashboard. Keep activation codes private.
For Linux, use the installation command provided for that peer. Run it on the intended machine and follow the installation instructions. Use the command and code for the correct peer rather than sharing one installation’s credentials across devices.
3. Connect to your Node
Keep Node running and connected on the remote device. Open Master on your other computer and check that the Node is available. Open its remote desktop to work with the graphical interface.
On supported installations, open the Node’s SSH terminal from Master for command-line administration. Flashlink handles SSH setup and short-lived, Node-specific key authorisation. A connected Node and an active authorised Master session are required.
4. Check the workflow you will rely on
Test the desktop or terminal operation you need, then reconnect after restarting the remote device. If colleagues will join, test a shared session: one controller handles input and other connected participants view the session and can request control.
If the device is unavailable, check internet connectivity, that Master and Node are running, that activation completed for the intended peers and that you installed the correct role. Contact support with your operating systems, software version and the error message. Do not include activation codes or credentials.
What does this setup cost?
Five active peers per account are free without a payment card. Masters and Nodes share the allowance, so one Master and four Nodes use all five free slots. An additional active peer costs €1 per month including applicable VAT. An allocated active peer counts while offline until deleted or deactivated.
Additional peers start billing on the first of the next month. See pricing, the FAQ and service terms for details.