Create, download and install the Linux Agent

The Linux Agent provides remote session access to Linux devices. The agent can be created by Technicians from both the Admin Area and the Technician console. After creation, the installer can be downloaded via URL.

-   OS remote access approval behavior

Wayland-based systems (default on modern Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)

  • Screen share requires end-user approval for every session. This is a known limitation.
  • Unattended shell/FTP access is possible.
  • Persistent approved access following the initial approval is currently in development.

X11-based systems

  • Fully unattended access without end-user session approval.

Create the Linux Agent installer (Technician console)

Review the Take Control system requirements to ensure the Linux device operating system is supported.

After logging in to the console:

  1. Select Devices.
  2. Choose the device Group.
  3. Select Add device.
  4. In the Add device dialog enter Computer Name and the customer details.
  5. Amend the Group if needed.
  6. Choose the operating system from the Device Type drop down menu.
    • Linux .rpm for CentOS, Fedora or Red Hat.
    • Linux .deb for Debian or Ubuntu.
  7. Set the agent download Link expiration date or choose Never expires.
  8. Set the Computer Expiration date or choose Never expires.
  9. Select the Number of Installations allowed with this installer.
  10. Choose Generate link to complete the configuration.
    • The Add device dialog displays a PIN code (required for download and installation) and a direct download link.
    • The installer is added to the Installers list in the Admin area.
  11. Select OK to close the dialog.

If you need to access the PIN or download URL again, these can be viewed in the installers LINKS tab in the Admin area Installers view. The PIN is required during the Linux Agent installation.

Create the Linux Agent installer (Admin Area)

After logging in to the Admin area:

  1. Select Management > Installers.
  2. Choose the device Group.
  3. Select Add installer.
  4. In the Add installer dialog enter an installer name.
  5. (Optional) Select Use installer name for device.

    If selected the installer names the device using the installer name. However, if the Agent template is set to Keep Agent Name Synched with the Device Local Name, the Agent template rule is applied.

  6. (Optional) Select Bind installer to end user and choose the end users from the drop down menu.

    If selected, the chosen End users will only be able to access these devices. This does not affect Technician user access.

  7. Choose the operating system from the Operating system drop down menu.
    • Linux .rpm for CentOS, Fedora or Red Hat.
    • Linux .deb for Debian or Ubuntu.
  8. Amend the Group if needed.
  9. Enter the customer details.
  10. Select the Number of Installations allowed with this installer (No limit - 100).
  11. Set the agent download Link expiration date or select Link ever expires.
  12. Choose Save to complete the configuration.
    • The Install Agent dialog displays a PIN Code (required for download and installation) and direct download links.
    • The installer is added to the Installers list.
  13. Select Done to close the Install Agent dialog.

If you need to access the PIN or download URL again, these can be viewed in the installers LINKS tab. The PIN is required during the Linux Agent installation.

Download the Linux Agent

After creating the installer, you will now need to download it directly on the device, or to another device and copy it to where it is needed.

There are two download options, PIN Code and Direct download.

PIN Code

In a browser:

  1. Browse to https://startcontrol.com.
  2.   Select the Linux tab and enter the PIN.
  3.  Choose the download button for the RPM or DEB installer.

    4. The installer automatically downloads to your default downloads folder.

Direct download

In a browser:

  1. Browse to the direct download URL.

    2. The installer automatically downloads to your default downloads folder.

Install the Linux Agent

After downloading or copying the installer to the device:

  1. Open a Terminal.
  2. Navigate to the directory where the installer is located.
  3. Start the installation by issuing the following command:
    • Linux RPM

      • sudo dnf install ./tkc_agent_standalone.rpm

    • Linux DEB

      • sudo apt install ./tkc_agent_standalone.deb

  4. Enter the PIN code when prompted.

After installation is complete the device appears in the Devices list in both the Admin area and the Technician console where a remote support session can be started.

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