Getting started with Web-based remote access using NoMachine player
Start your journey to the next level of remote computing
Starting from version 7, for those users that have NoMachine installed on the connecting client, it's possible to configure and start web-based remote access sessions directly from inside the NoMachine player. In doing so, NoMachine will open the default browser for you and automatically connect you to the remote desktop or host where you will be able to log in with your usual account credentials. This option changes nothing for those users who do not have NoMachine or Enterprise Client installed on their connecting device, who can continue to connect to the remote server using just the browser. For instructions on how to access your remote desktop using only a browser, please consult our other tutorial 'Getting Started with Web-based remote access'.
using NoMachine player
You need to check these four things first:
- A server product from the NoMachine Enterprise range must be installed on the remote computer you want to connect to.
- You will need to know the IP address or hostname of the server.
- Make sure you have account credentials to log in to your desktop.
- You have installed the free NoMachine product or Enterprise Client on the connecting device.
Step 1: Open NoMachine on the connecting client
- A web-based remote desktop session is created in the same way as a traditional NoMachine connection.
- When a web-based connection file is created, it is stored in the Machines panel together with your traditional NoMachine sessions and computers advertized on the LAN etc.
- Make sure you are in the 'Machines' panel and click 'Add'.
Fig. 1 - Click 'Add' in the Machines panel
Step 2: Configure the web-based connection
- Select HTTPS as the protocol to be used as shown in Fig. 2. NoMachine automatically fills in the port field for you.
- Then insert the IP address or hostname and name details (Fig. 3).
Fig. 2 - Select HTTPS as the protocol
Fig. 3 - Insert the IP address or hostname and name details
Step 3: Ready to connect
- Click 'Connect' to start the connection. NoMachine triggers the default browser to open with your chosen configuration and you will be connected to the server.
- You need credentials for an account on the remote computer you want to connect to. Check with your Administrator what these are if you are not sure.
- Click 'Login'.
Fig. 4 - Insert your account credentials
Step 4: You're in
- Upon connecting, Welcome screens appear which explain all the details and options available during the remote desktop session.
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- Your adventure with NoMachine remote desktop has begun (Fig. 5).
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- Use the key combination Ctrl+Alt+0 or move the mouse cursor to the corner of the screen to show page-peel and run the 'NoMachine Menu' to manage the session and services.
Fig. 5 - Welcome screens guide you through how to use NoMachine
How to access, use and make a copy of a web-based connection
- NoMachine displays any web-based sessions (.nxw files) alongside any traditional player connections (.nxs files) that you have previously configured from the NoMachine UI.
- The next time you need to connect via the browser, you'll find the connection file conveniently in the Machines panel (see Fig. 6). Double-clicking the icon triggers the default browser to open.
Fig. 6 - Your web-based connection is stored in 'Machines'
Step 1: Find the Web-based connection in 'Machines'
- Identify the web session in the 'Machines' panel. If the item list is long, use the search field to filter them.
Step 2: Right click on the web session
- Amongst the options available from the right-click menu (Fig. 7), it's possible to create a copy of the connection, useful when the user wants to make some changes to the configuration but without overwriting the session already created.
- See the next section "How to edit a web-based connection" for details on changing an already configured web connection.
Fig. 7 - Highlight the connection file and right-click with the mouse
Step 3: Create pre-configured connection files for Web-based remote access
- Additionally, it's possible to copy the connection file as a pre-configured link file (Fig. 8) which can be sent to connecting clients that do not have the NoMachine player installed.
- This can be sent via email, for example, or transferred to the user's client device.
- The receiving user can save the file to their computer and start the pre-configured session by simply double-clicking the file to trigger the browser and start the session.
Fig. 8 - Select 'Create a link file' which can be sent to other players
- The link file you send is a system file formatted for the OS on which it was created. Therefore, if you create the link file on macOS, it can be used on Mac systems. If you create it on Windows systems, other Windows systems will be able to use it, and so on.
How to edit a web-based connection using NoMachine player
Step 1: Choose the Web-based connection in 'Machines'
- Editing a web-based session from the Machines panel is extremely straightforward.
- Identify the web session like in Fig. 6. Right click on the icon and select 'Edit connection'.
Fig. 9 - Right click on the web connection and select 'Edit'
Step 2: Enter the 'Edit connection' panel
- From here you can change details such as hostname if appropriate.
- In 'Configuration' it is possible to disable WebRTC for that specific session if it has been enabled on the server. When enabled, it gives the best possible performance when multi-media is being played within the session (Fig. 10).
- It is not possible to change how authentication is configured because this is a setting which is decided on the server by the administrator.
Fig. 10 - Edit connection > Configuration
How to view details of a Web-based connection
- Information about the Web-based remote desktop connection can be viewed in two ways. In the Info panel in 'Edit' you can find details about the NoMachine server you are connecting to and on what system the NoMachine server is installed (Fig. 9).
- An even easier way is to right click the Web session icon in the Machines panel and select 'Connection info'. You will see details about the remote operating system, the NoMachine product installed and session configuration.
Fig. 11 - Right click the connection and select 'Connection info'
