HandyCafe Docs
it-admin

Client Installation

HandyCafe Client runs on each customer-facing PC in your internet cafe or gaming center. It connects to the HandyCafe Server over your local network and enforces session control, displays the app menu, and handles the idle screen.

Prerequisites

  • HandyCafe Server is already installed and running on your management PC
  • The client PC meets the system requirements
  • The client PC is on the same LAN as the server
  • You have administrator access on the client PC

Download

Download the latest version of HandyCafe Client from the official HandyCafe website.

Installation Steps

  1. Run the installer. Double-click the downloaded installer file.
  2. Accept the license agreement. Read and accept the terms.
  3. Choose installation directory. The default location works for most setups.
  4. Complete installation. Click Install and wait for the process to finish.
  5. Launch HandyCafe Client. The application starts automatically.

Connecting to the Server

HandyCafe Client connects to the server in one of two ways:

Automatic Discovery (mDNS)

By default, the client uses mDNS to discover the server on the local network automatically. If the server is running and on the same subnet, the client connects within a few seconds.

Manual Connection

If automatic discovery does not work:

  1. On the client idle screen, access the client settings (admin access required).
  2. Enter the server IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
  3. Enter the connection key (must match the key set in Network Settings on the server).
  4. Save and restart the client.

Verifying the Connection

Once connected:

  • The client appears on the server's Admin Panel as an idle PC
  • The client shows the idle screen (lock screen) configured on the server
  • The server can start sessions, take screenshots, and control the client

Client Naming

By default, clients are named based on the hostname of the PC. You can customize display names in two ways:

  1. Auto-naming: In Settings > Clients, set a prefix like "PC #". Clients are named "PC #1", "PC #2", etc.
  2. Manual naming: In Settings > Clients > Client Directory, edit individual client display names.

Deploying to Multiple PCs

For large deployments:

  1. Install the client on one PC and configure it.
  2. Use disk imaging tools to clone the configured PC to other machines.
  3. Alternatively, use the File Sync feature to push configurations from the server.

Note: Each client is identified by its MAC address. If you clone PCs, ensure each has a unique MAC address (which is the case with physical hardware).

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Problem Solution
Client shows "Searching for server" Verify server is running. Check that both PCs are on the same subnet.
Client cannot find server via mDNS Enter the server IP manually. Check that multicast traffic is not blocked.
Client connects then disconnects Verify the connection key matches on both server and client.
Connection is slow or drops Check network cables, switch ports, and bandwidth.
Firewall blocking connection Add exceptions for HandyCafe on both server and client PCs. Open TCP 5001, 5002, 5003 and UDP 5004.

Next Steps