Often a program is run on a single computer, and all of the information is stored in one central location. However, sometimes it is important to be able to add information in a program from several different computer locations. This is made possible through computer networking.
Computers are linked together using a networking hardware and software purchased separately from this software. The most popular networks connect the computers using a TCP/IP software protocal, and 10/100 Base T networking hardware. A network card is installed in the computer ( or may already be built in ), and a cable connects it to a switching box which may be called a Switch, Hub, or Router. They all do the same job, but have different methods. Some Routers are able to connect to a Cable or DSL modem for high speed access to the internet. Because this software is internet ready, such an installation is very desirable.
In any situation, you will want to have a network specialist provide the assistance in setting up your network.
A network consists of a server, and workstations. The server is the computer on which all of the information (data ) is stored. The workstations are computers which use the information provided by the server, make calculations or enter data, and store all of the results back on the server.
There are two types of networks
Peer-to-peer networking allows each computer to be both a server, and/or a workstation. This means that all computers can be used to enter data, even though one of them works as a server to share that data with all of the others. Peer to peer networks are fine for small installations, with only 2 or 3 computers. Windows '95, '98, and NT all have built in peer-to-peer networking. They will work fine with The Auto Shop Writer in a small network.
When people find that the performance on a peer-to-peer system is too slow, they may need to update to a Client Server. This is the other type of network format, and is used in all large computing applications. In this case, the Server does nothing else except provide the information to the individual workstations.
Networks are a hardware issue, and MasterLink Software is strictly a software publisher. Although our products are fully network compatible, we cannot provide advice on installing or troubleshooting your network problems.
Installation - Server and Client
Network Installation Instructions
The job of installing network hardware is the responsibility of your hardware specialist. The following are the considerations that should be made for EVERY network installation relative to The Auto Shop Writer:
| • | One computer is designated as the "server". It can be a dedicated server, or it can be one computer in a peer to peer network. |
| • | The shared drive MUST be designated by a single letter, ie. N |
| • | On the server, run DataManager to create the data files, and to import the data from a previous version, if available. |
| • | Workstations should be set to access the server upon boot up. This means that in a peer to peer network, the server must be turned on first, and fully operational before turning on the workstations. |
| • | The EMS2004 program should not be accessed across the network, |
| • | You may install a CLIENT copy of the program on each workstation hard drive. This will reduce network traffic and increase performance. Once the software is installed, simply start EMS.EXE ( either by creating a desktop shortcut or from the Start - Programs menu ). On the first startup, you will be prompted to enter a drive and path for the server. Use the Browse option to select the EMS2004 directory on the server, and double click on the icon to display an open folder. Then press OK. If you have problems with this, you may delete the DRVPTH.MEM file on the workstation you have just installed ( it is in the local C:\EMS2004 folder ), and then you will again be prompted for the proper path. |
Network installation requires good hardware. The most frequent problems are the result of faulty wiring, low quality network cards, defective hubs, and other hardware issues. In a network environment, quality equipment is a must !