How it works

At a high level, ShowTrak has two parts: the Server app (your control center) and the Client agent (runs on each managed PC). They communicate over your local network.

Flow at a glance

  1. Client starts and announces itself to the Server.
  2. You adopt the client in the Server UI.
  3. The client sends periodic heartbeats and vitals; you can trigger actions like Wake‑on‑LAN or run scripts from the Server.

Networking

  • The Server hosts a local service that clients connect to. Keep both on the same LAN/VLAN.
  • If you segment networks, allow traffic between Server and Clients (typically TCP/WebSocket for status and file transfer, plus UDP if using OSC).

Discovery

  • New clients show up in the Adoption page automatically. Adoption links the client’s unique ID to your environment.

Reliability

  • If a client goes offline, the Server marks it as offline but retains its info. When it returns, status updates immediately.

Data storage

  • The Server stores configuration (groups, client nicknames), logs, and the script catalog on the Server machine only. See Backups & data for paths and backup/restore.

Remote actions

  • Wake‑on‑LAN: Sends a magic packet to the client’s MAC address.
  • Scripts: The Server catalogs script folders and coordinates execution on selected clients with live progress.
  • Notifications: Optional toasts and sounds for USB connect/disconnect and other events.

Advanced

  • OSC control lets you trigger actions from external tools or cues.

Next steps

  • Continue with Managing clients & groups and Running scripts.