So you’ve discovered the magic of golinks either by using them at a previous company, learning about them through a friend, or stumbling across golinks.io.
So the question now is “How do I install golinks?”
There are many ways to get started with GoLinks, and different ideal solutions depending on your company. The install options range from an easy 1-step install, to a ubiquitous company wide install. So let’s go through the options.
The Browser Extensions
By far the easiest and fastest way to get started is to install the browser extension. We support all the major browsers:
The browser extension is a 1-click setup and can get you started using go/links right away. The browser extension will redirect any go/links that are typed into the address bar or clicked on in the browser window. In addition to golink redirection, you get advanced features such as quick golink creation, omnibox search, and in-page go/link conversion.
The browser extension requires the permission to “Read and write all data on all websites you visit” because it needs to detect go/link text on the page and convert it into a clickable link. Although this permission sounds scary, the extension never reads, sends or stores any of this data anywhere. It simply looks for any text that looks like a go/link and turns that text into a clickable link which saves you a few copy-and-paste keystrokes. This is a common permission that more than 80% of the top 1000 extensions request in order to enhance the user experience in the browser, and this one is no different.
The browser extension integration also allows you to access your links from any device on any network no matter where you are: at the coffee shop, at home, or at the beach!
To get started:
- Install the Browser Extension
- Login or Create an account with your work email.
- Type go/links into your address bar to start using GoLinks.
For admins of Chrome Managed Policies, you can force-install the Chrome Extension to all Managed Devices with the following instructions: https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6306504?hl=en
This will auto install the Chrome extension to all company users using the managed Chrome browser.
The Slack Bot
Another simple solution for getting go/links to resolve within your company is to install the Slack Bot. The GoLinks Slack Bot looks for any text that looks like a go/link and inserts the link into the conversation. Anyone in the Slack channel can click on the go/link that the Bot responded with and be able to access the important link you just mentioned.
In addition to the Bot, you also get access to the slash command /go which allows you to search for golinks directly in your Slack message box.
To get started:
- Install the GoLinks Slack Bot
- Accept the GoLinks Slack Bot permissions.
- Invite the bot to any channel using the slash command: /invite @GoLinks
- Type a go/link in the channel to have it resolved by the bot.
- Type /go searchterm to search for your golinks.
The DNS Entry
Setting up a DNS Entry along with having the browser extension and the GoLinks Slack Bot installed is even better for integration. The more integrations, the better. With a DNS entry, links in the address bar that point to go/links, http://go/links or https://go/links will resolve. This requires a little help from IT to set up but can fill the gap for users that may not have the browser extension installed yet.
This integration option also has the limitation that you need to be on the Corporate Network in order to access the links. No remote access, unless you can remotely access the Corporate Network with a VPN. This is where the Extension and Slack Bot come in handy for accessing go/links.
To get started, reach out to your IT team and let them know the following:
- Add a CNAME entry in the DNS for go
- Point that entry to the following IP address: 52.72.13.96
- Anyone on the network will be able to access go/links in their address bar
Instructions hard to follow? Having trouble contacting IT? Send us a message on our 24/7 support channel and we can work with your IT team to help get your company set up with GoLinks in no time!
The Search Domain
Another option similar to the DNS Entry is the search domain. A search domain allows you to place golinks.io in the domain search list. This integration option is also network specific and requires reaching out to an IT person, but may be a solution if your company doesn’t have a DNS Server setup.
To get started, reach out to your IT Team and let them know the following:
- Locate the search domain setting on each network router
- Add golinks.io to the search domain list
- Anyone connected to the router can type in go/link in their address bar
The /etc/hosts File
This is definitely not the recommended way to get integrated because it will only work for you and your computer, and most of your coworkers will not be able to follow the same instructions… but it is possible. If you know your way around a terminal and know how to exit vim, then you can technically use this integration, but again, there are so many easier ways.
To get started:
- Open your terminal
- Type in sudo vim /etc/hosts
- Add the following entry: 52.72.13.96 go
- Figure out how to get out of vim (hint: Shift+ZZ)
The Auto proxy
If your company uses an EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) or MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution, reach out to our support team, and we can get you set up on an Enterprise account and set you up with an Auto proxy solution that will allow your devices to access your golinks. With the Enterprise account, we can pretty much fulfill any of your big company needs.
Just send us a message, write us an email or give us a call. We’re always here to help.
Get started today at https://www.golinks.io/
Twitter • Linkedin • Instagram • Facebook • Youtube • G2 • GitHub
