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NETWORK.INF |
  
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NETWORK.INF |
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NETWORK.INF
Networking with The Jewelry Shopkeeper:
The standard version of the Jewelry Shopkeeper is designed for use with
a single computer. At some point you may want to update to the Network
Version so you can use the program on two or more computers connected
directly with Network cables within the same building.
For example you may want one computer as a point-of-sale station in the
store front, and another in an office in the back for inventory
processing and management and accounting functions. Alternatively, a
store may require two people to be entering sales and repairs at point-
of-sale computers, another person to be receiving inventory and printing
tags, and simultaneously have yet another person printing sales and
inventory reports. With the purchase of the Network Update, the Jewelry
Shopkeeper has this capability.
The Jewelry Shopkeeper Network Update will convert all files from the
Single-User version to the Network Version, but using the Network
version is exactly the same as using the Single-User version so there is
no re-learning. The price of the 1-5 user Network Update version is
$600.00. To upgrade from a 1-5 version to a 10-user Network Update, the
price is $300.00. (Prices valid through Dec 2007.)
If your copy of the Jewelry Shopkeeper is old, you might want to order a
current version update in addition to a Network Update as the Network
Update price does not include version updates.
Technical Considerations:
Point-of-sale workstations or other Network stations are actual
computers, not dumb terminals or just keyboards and screens. The speed
of each station is dependent on how fast that station is itself and how
fast the main computer is so each computer should be an up-to-date
model.
Provided that your Network is properly configured and fully operational,
the Jewelry Shopkeeper Network Update can be installed on your Network
by simply purchasing the Network Update and typing D:UPDATE with the
update CD in the D: drive. Note, however, that installing and
configuring a Network can be tricky and generally requires the services
of a Network technician.
A properly configured Network is comprised of two or more computers each
with an ethernet Network adapter connected Category-6 (AKA Cat-6 or
Gigabit) cabling. Normally you need a "Switching Hub" to join the
cables although if you have just two computers you can connect them
directly with a "Crossover Cable" which looks identical to a normal
Cat-6 cable but has the wires crossed internally.
** Note: If possible install a gigabit speed network which is 1000Mbps.
This requires slightly more expensive cable and components but it's
so much easier to start with than to overhaul the network later.
This is clearly faster than the older 100Mbps standard and the difference
will become more apparent in coming years as computers get faster and
software becomes bigger.
Wireless networks are discouraged except for those computers which
temporarily cannot be connected with real network cables. You can
have most of your computers on a cable and perhaps just one or two
using the wireless segment. Only consider the faster 54Mbps or 125Mbps
type. They are discouraged because a database program like Shopkeeper
will be susceptible to the slowdowns and interference that a wireless
network experiences.
One of the computers is designated as the "Fileserver" -- this is the
computer where the Jewelry Shopkeeper programs and data are stored. The
other computers are called "Workstations". If the fileserver is configured
to run sharing tasks and run the Jewelry Shopkeeper or other software it
is called a Non-Dedicated Server. The best Network speed and reliability
is obtained if you do not use the Fileserver to run any software -- i.e
you designate a Dedicated Fileserver - This would be recommended if you
have five or more stations.
If you do NOT have a "dedicated server" it is helpful if you designate
the least used computer as the server.
Windows network features must be configured on the fileserver and the
workstations. Windows XP-Pro is sufficient for almost all cases.
For a Network of 12 or more stations you might ask your tech if you need
a special 'Server' version of windows.
While we do have some suggestions, Compulink does not offer support for
configuring Network cabling or network operating system software.