Installation

The Scyld Cloud Workstation server can be installed on the following operating systems:

  • CentOS 7 and 8

  • Ubuntu 16, 18, 20

  • Windows 7, 8, and 10

  • MacOS High Sierra 10.13 to Monterey 12

Required Files

Installation packages and documentation can be downloaded from: https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/download/. CentOS and RHEL users should add the repository as a YUM repo using the OS-specific instructions that follow.

Installation of the Scyld Cloud Workstation server requires the following files:

  • The Scyld Cloud Workstation server installation package for your operating system:

    • CentOS 7: scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1-1.el7.x86_64.rpm

    • CentOS 8: scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1-1.el8.x86_64.rpm

    • Ubuntu 16 and 18: scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.16_amd64.deb

    • Ubuntu 20: scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.20_amd64.deb

    • Windows 7, 8 and 10: Scyld Cloud Workstation-11.3.1.1.msi

    • MacOS High Sierra 10.13 to Monterey 12: scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1.1.pkg

  • One of the following:

    • A trial license file (scyld-cloud-workstation.lic)

    • A floating license file (scyld-flexlm.lic) and the license server (Scyld FlexLM).

Note

CentOS 7 and CentOS 8 customers who have a scw-usb feature in their license file will also want to install kmod-usbip and usbip-utils packages.

Note

If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, download and install the appropriate NVIDIA drivers from http://www.nvidia.com/download/index.aspx

Installing the Server on CentOS 7

Follow the steps below to install Scyld Cloud Workstation, replace the default SSL key and certificate files, and install the license file. After a service restart, you should be able to sign in with standard OS credentials.

  1. Use the wget command to install the Scyld Cloud Workstation YUM repository for CentOS 7.

    % sudo wget https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/scw-el7.repo -P /etc/yum.repos.d
    
  2. Use the yum install command to install scyld-cloud-workstation.

    % sudo yum install -y ./scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1-1.el7.x86_64.rpm
    

    The installer does the following:

    • Installs Scyld Cloud Workstation files to /opt/scyld-cloud-workstation

    • Installs scyld-cloud-workstation.service to /lib/systemd/system/

    • Reloads the systemd manager configuration using systemctl daemon-reload

    • Enables the unit file with systemctl enable scyld-cloud-workstation.service

  3. If your server’s domain has a trusted SSL certificate, open the configuration file (/opt/scyld-cloud-workstation/bin/scyld-cloud-workstation.xml) and set the value of openssl.server.privateKeyFile and openssl.server.certificateFile to its path. Using a trusted SSL certificate is recommended for maximum security.

  4. Install the license.

    • If you have a trial license (scyld-cloud-workstation.lic), copy it into /opt/scyld-cloud-workstation/bin.

    • If you have a floating license (scyld-flexlm.lic), proceed to Flexera License Management for instructions on installing Scyld FlexLM.

  5. Verify that your firewall rules allow traffic over HTTPS (port 443).

  6. ONLY IF you have a scw-usb feature in your license file: use the yum command to install kmod-usbip and usbip-utils. These packages are needed to enable USB forwarding.

    % sudo yum install -y kmod-usbip usbip-utils
    
  7. Use the systemctl restart command to restart the service:

    % sudo systemctl restart scyld-cloud-workstation.service
    

Scyld Cloud Workstation should now be reachable over HTTPS at your server’s hostname or IP address. For advanced configuration options, please see Setup.

Updating the Server on CentOS 7

  1. Use the yum update command to update an existing installation:

    % sudo yum update -y ./scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1-1.el7.x86_64.rpm
    
  2. Use the systemctl restart command to restart the service:

    % sudo systemctl restart scyld-cloud-workstation.service
    

Installing the Server on CentOS 8

Follow the steps below to install Scyld Cloud Workstation, replace the default SSL key and certificate files, install the license file, and change your X server from XWayland to Xorg. After a service restart, you should be able to sign in with standard OS credentials.

  1. Use the wget command to install the Scyld Cloud Workstation YUM repository for CentOS 8.

    % sudo wget https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/scw-el8.repo -P /etc/yum.repos.d
    
  2. Use the yum install command to install scyld-cloud-workstation.

    % sudo yum install -y ./scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1-1.el8.x86_64.rpm
    

    The installer does the following:

    • Installs Scyld Cloud Workstation files to /opt/scyld-cloud-workstation

    • Installs scyld-cloud-workstation.service to /lib/systemd/system/

    • Reloads the systemd manager configuration using systemctl daemon-reload

    • Enables the unit file with systemctl enable scyld-cloud-workstation.service

  3. If you have a trusted SSL certificate for your server’s domain, open the configuration file (/opt/scyld-cloud-workstation/bin/scyld-cloud-workstation.xml) and set the value of openssl.server.privateKeyFile and openssl.server.certificateFile to its path. Using a trusted SSL certificate is recommended for maximum security.

  4. Install the license.

    • If you have a trial license (scyld-cloud-workstation.lic), copy it into /opt/scyld-cloud-workstation/bin.

    • If you have a floating license (scyld-flexlm.lic), proceed to Flexera License Management for instructions on installing Scyld FlexLM.

  5. Verify that your firewall rules allow traffic over HTTPS (port 443).

  6. ONLY IF you have a scw-usb feature in your license file: use the yum command to install kmod-usbip and usbip-utils. These packages are needed to enable USB forwarding.

    % sudo yum install -y kmod-usbip usbip-utils
    
  7. ONLY IF you are using XWayland as your X server (enabled by default in CentOS 8), enable Xorg by following these steps:

    1. Open editor to open: /etc/gdm/custom.conf

    2. Look for the lines below:

      [daemon]
      # Uncoment the line below to force the login screen to use Xorg
      #WaylandEnable=false
      
    3. Uncomment (remove the ‘#’) preceeding the ‘WayLandEnable’ variable.

    4. Save the file and reboot the system. The service will start after the reboot.

  8. Use the systemctl restart command to restart the service:

    % sudo systemctl restart scyld-cloud-workstation.service
    

Scyld Cloud Workstation should now be reachable over HTTPS at your server’s hostname or IP address. For advanced configuration options, please see Setup.

Updating the Server on CentOS 8

  1. Use the yum update command to update an existing installation:

    % sudo yum update -y ./scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1-1.el8.x86_64.rpm
    
  2. Use the systemctl restart command to restart the service:

    % sudo systemctl restart scyld-cloud-workstation.service
    

Installing the Server on Windows

Note

For virt-manager users: virt-manager’s graphical console will no longer work after installing the NVIDIA GRID driver and restarting Windows.

To get the virt-manager graphical console to work again, start the Windows VM in ‘Safe Mode’ by restarting the VM, commanding it to “Force Off”, and restarting the VM again. Select “Safe Mode with Networking” from the menu that appears.

  1. Download Scyld Cloud Workstation-11.3.1.1.msi from https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/download/

  2. Double-click on the Scyld Cloud Workstation-11.3.1.1.msi installer.

  3. Follow the instructions in the GUI. Confirm that you’d like to start Scyld Cloud Workstation as a service to have Scyld Cloud Workstation start automatically.

  4. If your server’s domain has a trusted SSL certificate, open the configuration file (C:\Program Files\Penguin Computing\Scyld Cloud Workstation\scyld-cloud-workstation.xml) and set the value of openssl.server.privateKeyFile and openssl.server.certificateFile to its path. Using a trusted SSL certificate is recommended for maximum security.

  5. Install the license.

    • If you have a trial license (scyld-cloud-workstation.lic), copy it into C:\Program Files\Penguin Computing\Scyld Cloud Workstation.

    • If you have a floating license (scyld-flexlm.lic), proceed to Flexera License Management for instructions on installing Scyld FlexLM.

On some systems (such as those using virt-manager’s graphical console), a reboot may be required after installation to ensure that the NVIDIA GRID card is activated.

Scyld Cloud Workstation is intended to run automatically as a service in Windows. While it is possible to start it up as a normal application, Scyld Cloud Workstation must be run as a service in order to support:

  • Windows sign out and sign in

  • screensavers with passwords

  • Windows User Access Control

If Scyld Cloud Workstation is installed on a Windows VM, you may need to install Screen Capture Recorder to enable audio support. Screen Capture Recorder has been tested in Windows 10 and can be downloaded from the URL below:

https://github.com/rdp/screen-capture-recorder-to-video-windows-free/releases/download/0.12.10/Setup.Screen.Capturer.Recorder.v0.12.10.exe

Scyld Cloud Workstation should now be reachable over HTTPS at your server’s hostname or IP address. For advanced configuration options, please see Setup.

Updating the Server on Windows

  1. Download Scyld Cloud Workstation-11.3.1.1.msi from https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/download/

  2. Double-click on the Scyld Cloud Workstation-11.3.1.1.msi installer.

  3. Follow the instructions in the GUI. Confirm that you’d like to start Scyld Cloud Workstation as a service to have Scyld Cloud Workstation start automatically.

Installing the Server on Ubuntu

Follow the steps below to install Scyld Cloud Workstation, replace the default SSL key and certificate files, and install the license file. After a service restart, you should be able to sign in with standard OS credentials.

  1. Download the debian installer for your Ubuntu version from https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/download/

    • Ubuntu 16 and 18:
      • scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.16_amd64.deb

    • Ubuntu 20:
      • scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.20_amd64.deb

  2. Use the apt install command to install the DEB file (adjust the file path if necessary):

    % ## Ubuntu 16 and 18
    % sudo apt install ./scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.16_amd64.deb
    
    % ## Ubuntu 20
    % sudo apt install ./scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.20_amd64.deb
    

    The installer does the following:

    • Installs Scyld Cloud Workstation files to /opt/scyld-cloud-workstation

    • Installs scyld-cloud-workstation.service to /lib/systemd/system/

    • Reloads systemd manager configuration using systemctl daemon-reload

    • Enables the unit file with systemctl enable scyld-cloud-workstation.service

  3. If your server’s domain has a trusted SSL certificate, open the configuration file (/opt/scyld-cloud-workstation/bin/scyld-cloud-workstation.xml) and set the value of openssl.server.privateKeyFile and openssl.server.certificateFile to its path. Using a trusted SSL certificate is recommended for maximum security.

  4. Install the license.

    • If you have a trial license (scyld-cloud-workstation.lic), copy it into /opt/scyld-cloud-workstation/bin.

    • If you have a floating license (scyld-flexlm.lic), proceed to Flexera License Management for instructions on installing Scyld FlexLM.

  5. Verify that your firewall rules allow traffic over HTTPS (port 443).

  6. Use the systemctl restart command to restart the service:

    % sudo systemctl restart scyld-cloud-workstation.service
    

Scyld Cloud Workstation should now be reachable over HTTPS at your server’s hostname or IP address. For advanced configuration options, please see Setup.

Updating the Server on Ubuntu

  1. Download the debian installer for your Ubuntu version from https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/download/

    • Ubuntu 16 and 18:
      • scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.16_amd64.deb

    • Ubuntu 20:
      • scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.20_amd64.deb

  2. Use the apt install command to update the DEB file (adjust the file path if necessary):

    % ## Ubuntu 16 and 18
    % sudo apt install ./scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.16_amd64.deb
    
    % ## Ubuntu 20
    % sudo apt install ./scyld-cloud-workstation_11.3.1.1-0ubuntu1.20_amd64.deb
    

    The installer does the following:

    • Installs Scyld Cloud Workstation files to /opt/scyld-cloud-workstation

    • Installs scyld-cloud-workstation.service to /lib/systemd/system/

    • Reloads systemd manager configuration using systemctl daemon-reload

    • Enables the unit file with systemctl enable scyld-cloud-workstation.service

  3. Use the systemctl restart command to restart the service:

    % sudo systemctl restart scyld-cloud-workstation.service
    

Installing the Server on MacOS

  1. Download the scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1.1.pkg from https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/download/

  2. Double-click on scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1.1.pkg to launch the installer and follow the GUI instructions.

    MacOS Mojave and later: a series of “Security and Privacy” windows will appear for granting permissions to “Microphone” and “Accessibility”. MacOS Catalina and later will need to grant permissions to “Screen Recording”.

    Perform the following for each “Security and Privacy” window:

    1. Click on the Lock icon to allow changes

    2. Click on the checkbox next to the Scyld Cloud Workstation application

    3. Close the window

  3. If your server’s domain has a trusted SSL certificate, open the configuration file (/Applications/scyld-cloud-workstation.app/Contents/Resources/scyld-cloud-workstation.xml) and set the value of openssl.server.privateKeyFile and openssl.server.certificateFile to its path. Using a trusted SSL certificate is recommended for maximum security.

  4. Install the license.

    • If you have a trial license (scyld-cloud-workstation.lic), copy it into /Applications/scyld-cloud-workstation.app/Contents/Resources.

    • If you have a floating license (scyld-flexlm.lic), proceed to Flexera License Management for instructions on installing Scyld FlexLM.

    Once the license file has been installed, the server will start automatically and be accessible with a web browser or our native client.

  5. Proceed to Install BlackHole for MacOS Audio for information on adding audio support (Optional).

Important

Putting your remote MacOS server to sleep (for example: by closing the lid of the laptop, selecting “Sleep” from the Apple menu, or scheduling sleeps through System Preferences > Energy Saver) will make Scyld Cloud Workstation inaccessible.

Important

Scyld Cloud Workstation prevents Display Sleep from happening in MacOS using an application called caffeinate. This is to prevent the server from going to sleep.

Install BlackHole for MacOS Audio

To add remote audio capture, perform the following steps on your Scyld Cloud Workstation MacOS server:

  1. Download and install BlackHole 0.2.9 from https://existential.audio/blackhole/.

  2. Open the System Preferences > Sound > Output window to make BlackHole 16ch the Sound Output device.

  3. MacOS Mojave and later: Add Scyld Cloud Workstation to the Login Items list for each MacOS user.

  4. Logout of MacOS and log back in.

Start by downloading BlackHole 0.2.9 from https://existential.audio/blackhole/ (note: you may be required to subscribe to their mail list) to your MacOS server. Double-click the installer and follow the GUI instructions.

Next, go to System Preferences > Sound > Output and select BlackHole 16ch as the Sound Output device.

Note

Selecting BlackHole 16ch will disable audio playback on Internal Speakers, but this can be changed back when necessary. To change devices more easily, check the Show volume in menu bar box. You can now click on the volume control and select one from the Output Device list.

MacOS Mojave and later: Add Scyld Cloud Workstation to the Login Items list for each user by doing the following:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.

  2. Click on your username in the list of accounts.

  3. Select the Login Items tab.

  4. Click the Lock icon to make changes.

  5. Click the + button to open a Finder window.

  6. Use the Finder window to go to Applications and add scyld-cloud-workstation.

  7. When you are finished repeating the steps above for each remote user, log out of MacOS and log back in.

The steps above will make audio accessible to clients that connect to your Scyld Cloud Workstation MacOS server and click on the audio icon.

Note

More information about BlackHole can be found at: https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole

Updating the Server on MacOS

  1. Download the scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1.1.pkg from https://updates.penguincomputing.com/scw/download/

  2. Double-click on scyld-cloud-workstation-11.3.1.1.pkg to launch the installer and follow the GUI instructions.

    Note

    If you are updating over an existing Scyld Cloud Workstation installation, your old config file and license files will still be used.

Installing the Client

You can connect to Scyld Cloud Workstation by installing the native client, Scyld Cloud Workstation Client, or using any of these web browsers:

  • Chrome 59+

  • FireFox 56+

  • Internet Explorer 11+

  • Microsoft Edge Legacy 44.17763.1.0+

  • Microsoft Edge 79+

  • Safari 7+

The native client enables more features and enhanced performance. Native client installation packages for each OS can be downloaded from

Note

Chrome provides the best performance of all the web browsers.