Getting Started

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First Time Setup

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1. Open PiCUA WebPanel

• Launch PiCUA from your applications menu
• Your browser will open automatically
• You’ll see the PiCUA welcome screen

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2. Connect to a PiKVM Device

1. Enter Device Details:
   • IP Address: Your PiKVM device’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
   • Username: Your PiKVM username (usually admin)
   • Password: Your PiKVM password
2. Click Connect:
   • PiCUA will test the connection
   • You’ll see a success message if everything works

• Click “Demo Mode” to try PiCUA features
• This lets you explore the interface without real hardware

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3. Explore the Interface

• Main Control Panel: Keyboard, mouse, and power controls
• Screen View: Live view of the target computer
• Status Bar: Connection and device information
• Menu: Access to all PiCUA features

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Your First Actions

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Try Basic Controls

1. Move the Mouse:
   • Click anywhere on the screen view
   • The mouse on the target computer will move
2. Type Text:
   • Click the text input field
   • Type something and press Enter
   • Text appears on the target computer
3. Take a Screenshot:
   • Click the camera button
   • Save the image to your computer

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Test Power Control

1. Check Power Status:
   • Look at the power indicator
   • Green = On, Red = Off, Yellow = Unknown
2. Try Power Commands:
   • Click the power button to see options
   • Don’t actually turn off unless you’re sure!

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Understanding the Interface

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Main Areas

• Top Bar: Connection status and device info
• Left Panel: Control buttons and settings
• Center: Live screen view of target computer
• Right Panel: Additional tools and options

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Control Buttons

• Keyboard: Text input and key commands
• Mouse: Movement and clicking controls
• Power: Turn computer on/off/restart
• Screen: Screenshots and screen analysis
• Storage: Virtual drive management

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Safety First

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Before You Start

• Know Your Target: Make sure you’re controlling the right computer
• Save Work: Ensure important work is saved
• Test Small: Try small actions before big ones
• Have a Plan: Know what you want to accomplish

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Safe Practices

• Start with Viewing: Just look at the screen first
• Use Demo Mode: Practice without real hardware
• Read Messages: Pay attention to warnings
• Ask for Help: Don’t guess if unsure

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Common First Tasks

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1. Monitor a Computer

• Connect to a computer
• Watch what’s happening
• Take screenshots for records

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2. Basic Navigation

• Move the mouse around
• Click on different areas
• See how the computer responds

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3. Simple Text Input

• Type in text fields
• Send basic commands
• Practice keyboard control

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Troubleshooting

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Connection Issues

• Check IP Address: Make sure it’s correct
• Verify Credentials: Username and password
• Network Access: Can you reach the device?

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Control Problems

• Mouse Not Moving: Check if PiKVM is working
• Keyboard Not Responding: Try reconnecting
• Screen Not Updating: Refresh the connection

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Next Steps

• UI Walkthrough
• Functions Overview
• Advanced Features

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Need Help?

• Start Simple: Begin with basic viewing
• Practice: Use demo mode to learn
• Community: Ask questions in our Discord
• Documentation: Read other sections of this guide