# Copy of Quick Start from macOS or Windows

This guide is intended for people connecting from a machine running Windows or macOS.

{% hint style="info" %}
For people connecting from Linux please follow the [Linux Installation Guide](/installation/connecting-from-linux.md).
{% endhint %}

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 1:</mark> Sign up for a NoPorts free trial

Go to [noports.com](https://my.noports.com/no-ports-invite/30dayfreetrial) and sign up for a subscription or free trial&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
Make note of your atSigns (e.g., @example01\_np, @example02\_np). You'll need them shortly.
{% endhint %}

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 2:</mark> Download the NoPorts desktop application

Download the NoPorts desktop app using one of the links below:

[Link to Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/noports-desktop/id6737338881)

[Link to Windows Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n69scrrgv6r)

{% hint style="info" %}
For people connecting from Linux please follow the [Linux Installation Guide](/installation/connecting-from-linux.md).
{% endhint %}

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 3:</mark> Activate your client atSign (@example01\_np)

{% hint style="warning" %}
In this installation guide, `@example01_np` will represent the client atSign, while `@example02_np` will represent the device atSign.
{% endhint %}

1. Launch the NoPorts desktop app and click **Get Started**.
2. Enter your **client atSign** into the text field (e.g., @example01\_np), leave the root domain as is, and then click **Next**.
3. A **one-time password (OTP)** will be sent to you via email. Enter this OTP into the app and then click **Confirm**.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
For Windows, if the app stalls at "Preparing for activation", verify that your CA certificates are up to date.
{% endhint %}

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 4:</mark> Save a copy of your client atKeys

Your atKeys (cryptographic keys) will be used to pair your atSign with this and other devices in future. You can [learn more about these keys here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRRLCOHP-BY).

1. Click on **Save atKeys**
2. Select a memorable location on your machine and **save** your keys.&#x20;

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 5:</mark> Establish a connection&#x20;

**Connection Options**\
&#x20;You can either connect to your own remote machine or use our hidden test connection page.

* **Remote machine setup:** Activate a second atSign, install NoPorts on the remote machine, and create a connection profile in the desktop app (about 10 minutes).
* **Test connection:** Use the hidden test page for a quicker option.

Select a tab below to continue.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Your Remote Machine" %}

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 5.1:</mark> Activate your device atSign (@example02\_np)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Both the atSigns are activated on the machine you are connecting from. Later, you’ll grant your remote machine access to the keys stored on this machine.
{% endhint %}

1. You'll need to switch atSigns. To sign out from the client atSign, click on **your atSign** at the top right of the screen, then select **Sign Out**.
2. Click **Get Started** and enter your **device atSign** into the text field (e.g., @example02\_np). Leave the root domain as is, and then click **Next**.
3. A **one-time password (OTP)** will be sent to you via email. Enter this OTP into the app and then click **Confirm**.&#x20;

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 5.2:</mark> Save a copy of your device atKeys&#x20;

Your atKeys (cryptographic keys) will be used to pair your atSign with this and other devices in future. You can [learn more about these keys here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRRLCOHP-BY).

1. Click on **Save atKeys**
2. Select a memorable location on your machine and **save** your keys.&#x20;

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 5.3:</mark> Generate a device atSign authorization passcode

Click on **Authenticator** at the top of the screen and then click on **OTP.** You will use this 4 character code in **Step 7**.

### <mark style="color:orange;">Step 5.4:</mark> Switch to the machine you are connecting to

Please select the operating system running on the machine you are connecting to and follow the relevant instructions:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>macOS</strong></td><td><a href="/pages/XkZhWKVdm8V1sAtX9kZJ">/pages/XkZhWKVdm8V1sAtX9kZJ</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Linux</strong></td><td><a href="/pages/NMzUY7wnPIL3c9b4Hehk">/pages/NMzUY7wnPIL3c9b4Hehk</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windows</strong></td><td><a href="/pages/m231xEtORXNWtDxlilfl">/pages/m231xEtORXNWtDxlilfl</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Our Test Page " %}

1. On the Connections tab, you'll see a banner saying "Demo. Click here to load the test profile." Click **Try Now.**
2. Once the profile has been added to your list, click the **Connect Icon ▶️** to establish a connection.
3. Open a web browser and navigate to`http://localhost:8080`.

Congratulations! You're connected to a hidden webpage via NoPorts!&#x20;
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


---

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Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
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```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
