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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:
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1.
1.5 GHz processor or higher (recommended),
166 MHz minimum |
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2.
128 MB RAM or higher (recommended) |
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 1024 x 768 resolution
or higher. Smaller
monitors will not
show the full screen
and will require
users to scroll constantly
to see information.
Server
A server is REQUIRED for
all OnSite systems with three (3) or more
users. Server recommended specifications.
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1.
1.0 GHz processor or higher (recommended),
400 MHz minimum. For larger systems (15+
users) a second processor may be necessary. |
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2.
256 MB RAM or higher (recommended), 128
MB minimum |
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3.
Fast hard drives with RAID mirroring
is recommended |
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4.
Tape (or other) automated backup system |
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5.
Uninterruptible 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 2003 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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