# Starting the server {#start-server}

When running Traintastic, the server should be started first.

**Windows:** The Traintastic server can be started using the desktop icon (if installed) or by selecting *Traintastic* -> *Traintastic server* from the Windows start menu.
Traintastic server runs as background process, a Traintastic icon will appear in the system tray next to the clock.
A Windows notification is displayed when it is running in the background.
Traintastic server can be quit by clicking on the Traintastic icon and selecting *Quit* from the popup menu.

![](../../gfx/en-us/start/start-traintastic-server-windows.png "Traintastic server tray icon and notification")

**Linux:** TODO

When Traintastic server is running proceed to [start Traintastic client](start-client.md).
