HandyCafe Docs
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Server Installation

HandyCafe Server is the management application that runs on your main PC. It monitors and controls all client PCs and consoles in your internet cafe, gaming center, or esports arena.

Prerequisites

Before installing, verify:

  • Your PC meets the system requirements
  • You have administrator access on the PC
  • Your network is configured (all PCs on the same LAN)
  • Required ports are available: TCP 5001, 5002, 5003 and UDP 5004

Download

Download the latest version of HandyCafe Server 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 Server. The application starts automatically or you can launch it from the Start menu.

First Launch

When you launch HandyCafe Server for the first time, the First Setup Wizard appears. This is a one-time setup to create your administrator account.

  1. Enter an admin username.
  2. Enter a password.
  3. Confirm the password by typing it again.
  4. Click Create.

Important: Store your admin credentials securely. This account has unrestricted access to all HandyCafe features.

After the admin account is created, the main dashboard loads and you are logged in automatically.

See First Setup Wizard for details.

Post-Installation Verification

Verify your installation:

  1. Dashboard loads. You should see the main dashboard with the sidebar navigation.
  2. Note your server IP. Check your server PC's local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100). Client PCs need this if automatic discovery does not work.
  3. Check firewall. The installer attempts to add firewall rules automatically. If clients cannot connect later, verify that ports 5001-5004 are allowed.

Auto-Update

HandyCafe keeps both the server and the client PCs up to date automatically. No manual approval is required.

Server updates. The server checks for a new version once when it starts. If an update is found, a short notice appears in the dashboard. The update then downloads and installs on its own. The application restarts to finish. The check runs only at startup. The server is never forced to restart in the middle of a working session.

Client updates. The server checks for new client software every two hours and distributes it silently to idle PCs. A PC receives the update only when no customer session is active and it is running an older version than the one being distributed. PCs already on the current version are skipped. A brief notice in the dashboard confirms when a client update has been sent to idle PCs.

Next Steps