Your host or Server computer
PracticeMaker®5 can run a peer-to-peer environment when there are 4 or less computers using the software (1 host and 3 workstations). This is a very acceptable method of using the software, especially with computers getting faster and faster. The slowest response in this scernario is likely to be seen if you are using the Appointments module because it is so computer intensive when it displays the appointment daily lists. If this is not acceptable you will need to upgrade to our Server software. Though wireless networking with the appropriate 128 bit encryption is "data safe", this has slower data movement and screens will take longer to "draw". However with the faster 54G wireless networks with may likely be less of a problem.

As discussed previously, please remember the following:

• File sharing should NOT be turned on as this can slow down performance, especially in pre-OSX Mac's.
• If you must share files, NEVER create a shared folder or directory that gives users direct access to the PracticeMaker® files.
  
• NEVER copy or backup FileMaker Pro files while either Server or FileMaker Pro is running on that machine. Databases must be closed properly before backup. This means quitting Server on the Mac or terminating FileMaker Pro Server services on Windows NT.

Additionally:

• All updates MUST be done from the host machine. Guest machines can never run updates. 
• Keep all PracticeMaker® files in the same folder or directory (see below).
• Do not change file names except when told to do so. All files must have the .fp5 suffix. In order to view the suffix on a Windows machine you will need to change the settings of the PracticeMaker® directory to allow you to see file extensions. Check your folder View options and consult your operating system's help guide!

Hardware configurations
Hardware is constantly changing, so mentioning specific processors speeds may not be accurate in a few weeks. However, here are basics that must be adhered to for yoru host or true "server" computer.

• Use the fastest single processor machine you can afford. Dual processor is overkill
• The memory minimum is 256 MB of ram.
• The hard drive does not need to be very big (40 gigabits) but it MUST be fast. A 7200 RPM with an 8 megabit cache is the minimum requirement. The ultimate for a larger network is a 10,000 RPM drive and/or ultrawide SCSI.
  
• For Macintosh use either OS 9.1 or the current OSX version.
• For Windows use either 2000 Professional/2000 Professional server or XP Professional (or whatever the professional opersting system name du jour is this week).
• Do not use wireless networking on the this computer. It must be hard wired to your network switch. Workstations can be wired, however.
  

Below we have a copy of what your PracticeMaker5 folder should look like on your host computer. If you are using our Server software, place the PracticeMaker® folder inside the Server folder (the top os OS X and the bottom Windows XP in classic desktop mode).
 


Starting the HOST computer without Server software
The “ Host ” computer is the ONLY computer that should have all PracticeMaker® files installed on it. These files are kept together in the same PracticeMaker® folder (or directory) as described above. To make your life a little simpler, you can place an alias or shortcut to it on your desktop, in the Launcher (MacOS 9), the Dock (in OS X) or Start Menu (Windows). To start PracticeMaker® on your host computer do the following:

• Double-click on 1.Office Startup.fp5
• Enter your FileMaker Pro database password in the dialog box as seen above. This is not the same as your PracticeMaker® password which you will enter in a moment (see below).
• Only a master password can change certain items on several of the screens! There are two levels of passwords:

Basic – which allows data entry and appointments
Administration – which allows all advanced functions and the ability to change user and other passwords

• At the "About" screen click Continue (or just wait and you will be taken to the login screen)
• At the dialog, select your User ID from the pop-up list and then type in your password. By doing this, PracticeMaker® can log just about anything a user does, from deleting an invoice to trying to illegally adjust off inventory. When completed click Logon.
  
  

• At this point all files will open. However, there is a "secret" method to get the dialog above allowing you to open just one database at a time. You could select Single if you are NOT going to be doing extensive work but rather want to do a quick look-up and them quit. We will be happy to tell the office manager how to get this option!
• Once all files are open, workstations can now access the file!

The host computer should, for the most part, not be used as an intensive workstation. Better still, it is best not to use it at all. It should not be used for printing or running reports unless no one else is using the software. This will produce a system that is stable and does not crash. Under NO circumstances should any other programs be used on the Host computer while others are logged on.

Using Server software
Setting up your computer to use our Server software is basically the same as above with the following exceptions:

• Server software on the PC requires any version of Windows that can run "Services". This include NT, 2000 Professional, Professional Server or XP Professional.
• Server software will run on any Macintosh using OS 9.1 or OSX. Do not use Mac OS 9.2.2 as it was really went to run Classic programs only under OSX.
• The PracticeMaker®5 folder is placed inside the same folder as the Server application. On Macintosh this will be the Applications folder in OSX or the Application (Mac OS9) folder in OS9, or in the Program Files/FileMaker directory in Windows.

You will need to refer to the manual that came with your version of Server software to learn how to use it and administer your files. Basically these are the advantages to using Server software:

1. Faster data serving which leads to faster finds, faster screen draws and faster creation of the Appointments module's lists
2. Automated backups that create almost unattended backups to any mounted media
3. Remote administration which allows you to open or close any file, or disconnect any user, from a remote computer. This feature can be setup to require a password.
4. In the event of a power failure or computer crash, the database consistency checks or much, much faster
5. Because the computer it runs on is dedicated there is little chance of crashing.

Any computer that Server is running on, as mentioned above, must be a dedicated computer. In Mac OS9 it runs as an application and MUST be the foremost application AND the only running application. This means that in the upper right hand corner of the computer monitor it must always say FileMaker Pro Server. Also, the server should not be a file server unless it is running a high end server application, such as Windows server or Mac OSX server, can be be set up by your IT professional for such functions.

In Macintosh OSX Server software runs as a daemon, and in Windows in runs as a service.