|
Hardware
& software requirements listed below are general requirements
for the OnSite system. These are basic requirements
for each new installation. For more detailed information
please contact our technical
support.
Workstations
Workstation computer recommended specifications:
| |
1.
1.5 GHz processor or higher (recommended), 166
MHz minimum |
| |
2.
128 MB RAM or higher (recommended), 32 MB minimum |
The
performance of workstations running OnSite is very
dependent upon processor speed. Workstations
can be running any of the Windows family of operating
systems (95, 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP) or Macintosh (see
below).
OnSite
is designed to run on 15" or 17" monitors at 800 x
600 resolution or higher. Smaller monitors will not
show the full screen and will require users to scroll
constantly to see information. Larger monitors will
require you to use zoom tools built into OnSite to
set your system to the proper size.
Server
A server is REQUIRED for all OnSite
systems with three (3) or more users. Server recommended
specifications.
| |
1.
1.0 GHz processor or higher (recommended), 400
MHz minimum. For larger systems (15+ users) a
second processor may be necessary. |
| |
2.
256 MB RAM or higher (recommended), 128 MB minimum |
| |
3.
Fast hard drives with RAID mirroring is recommended |
| |
4.
Tape (or other) automated backup system |
| |
5.
Uninterruptable power supply to protect server
and data during power outages |
Your
server stores all of the data tables being accessed
by users. The OnSite system, without any data, will
take up approximately 50 MB of storage space. In most
cases, these tables do not increase in size rapidly,
unless you are storing design thumbnails, which are
graphic images. Without storing thumbnails, the average
system will take a few years to get to the 1-2 GB
size range. If you are planning on storing design
thumbnails, the rate of growth for the database (the
designs file in particular) will increase and you
should consider buying a larger hard drive.
Your
server should be running Windows NT 4.0 (with latest
service pack), Windows 2000 Server or Windows XP Server.
Your OnSite server should be used for serving OnSite
data ONLY. Using the OnSite server to perform other
tasks (i.e. mail serving, serving of art files) will
decrease OnSite system performance.
Networking
Network wiring should be 10baseT minimum.
Companies with 6 or more users should consider using
100base T, which will give better throughput over the
network and increase overall system performance.
Macintosh
Considerations
OnSite is Macintosh compatible. Companies
with 2 or more users are required to have a Windows
platform server (see above for requirements) for storing
and serving data. Workstations can be either Macintosh
or PC computers.
Hardware
Buying Tips
| |
1.
Purchase hardware from a reputable vendor.
Although a local (to you) vendor is preferred,
some of the larger mail order companies (Dell,
Gateway) have very competitive products, award
winning computers and excellent support. They
come with warranties that will send parts out
to you overnight if needed at no extra charge.
|
| |
2.
Find a local vendor who can help you setup and
maintain your network.
You want a reputable company whom you can build
a relationship with. Setting up and maintaining
a network can be very involved technically.
The same vendor should also be able to give
you some basic training in maintaining your
network as well as providing "house calls" when
necessary. Although we fully support our product
we do not problem solve networking issues.
|
| |
3.
Purchase the best computers you can afford.
Newer model computers will probably fit your needs
for 5+ years. Older computers save money on the
initial investment, but have a shorter useful
life. A slow moving system can be frustrating
and inefficient to your workers daily production.
|
| |
4.
Backup. Backup. Backup.
A 3-6 Gigabyte tape back up unit costs only a
few hundred dollars but can backup your server
overnight. If the hard drive on your server fails
(and they sometimes do!), without a data backup
you can spend literally weeks trying to re-create
lost information. Talk to a hardware professional
about which particular backup solution is best
for your company.
|
|
