MeshCentral — The Complete Guide: Manage and Control Office Computers from the Browser, on Your Own Server
MeshCentral is an open-source (Apache-2.0) Node.js server that you install on an office computer or server. You put a small agent on each managed computer, and from then on you can manage them all from the browser. Self-hosted, there is no device limit, and use is free commercially too.
MeshCentral
Ylian Saint-Hilaire and contributors
A self-hosted web site for remote device management: remote desktop, terminal and file access from the browser.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- A list of every computer — who is online, who is off and what state each is in.
- Remote desktop — work on an office workstation from anywhere.
- Terminal — run commands on the remote machine without taking over the screen.
- File management — upload and download files on the managed computer.
- Many platforms — server and agent for Windows, Linux, macOS and FreeBSD.
Who it suits, and security
MeshCentral suits an office where someone looks after the computers and wants one tool for support and access, with no subscription. There is a public server for trying it, but for real work your own server is better. Setup, HTTPS certificates and security need server administration skills, and the interface is busier than commercial tools. The server controls every computer, so turn on two-factor authentication, keep it updated, and never install an agent sent by someone who phoned you.
Related tools
For simple remote control with a self-hosted relay — RustDesk. For a browser gateway to RDP and VNC with no agents — Apache Guacamole. For a ready-made support service with a limited free plan — Zoho Assist.
RustDesk
RustDesk (Purslane Ltd. and community)
Open-source remote desktop tool, an alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk, with the option to run your own relay server.
Get it from the vendorApache Guacamole
Apache Software Foundation
A remote desktop gateway installed on a server that gives RDP, VNC and SSH access from any browser, with no client install.
Get it from the vendorZoho Assist
Zoho Corporation
Remote support and unattended access from the browser, with a free plan for one technician and five unattended computers.
Get it from the vendor
UltraVNC
UltraVNC team (uvnc)
Feature-rich open-source VNC server and viewer for Windows, with file transfer, chat and an encryption plugin.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
A full management and support tool for every office computer, free and without limits, for anyone willing to set up and maintain a server.