Networking Basics for Getting
Up and Running
If you have not already decided on a computer network operating system
to use for your business, please read our comments on
network
recommendations and compatibility.
ManageMore Business Software is a traditional windows-based software application. As such, you actually have quite a few options on how to set up the application to work across a computer network of pc's.
Network OS
Compatibility
There are a variety of compatible network options that will run
ManageMore Business Software. Each of these networking solutions
have their advantages and disadvantages in several key areas. See
network comparison chart if you have not yet
decided on a network environment to use.
Windows Peer-to-Peer Network OS
All versions of Microsoft Windows come with a free peer-to-peer networking
solution. This network model is adequate for very small
businesses with low volume transactions only. Peer-to-Peer networks
are considered risky for larger operations (5 or more networked stations)
because of its lack of file integrity and overall slower
performance.
If you are experiencing problems, please review these troubleshooting tips:
1. Disable anti-virus software
applications temporarily to see if your problems go away. If they do, consider making adjustments to your anti-virus application by adding file/folder exclusion rules that prohibit the anti-virus from monitoring ManageMore activity within the ManageMore application and database folder(s).
2. Turn off any data compression settings on your hard drive. This is not common anymore because of very large hard drive capacities, but should be double-checked if you are experiencing problems.
3. Some firewall software applications have been known to cause poor
network performance and also interfere with the proper operation of
ManageMore. Consider temporarily removing the firewall software
from all of your computers to determine if this is the root of the
problem.
4. If you are still having problems... it is always good
practice to make sure that all your workstations/servers are running the latest software edition. using the
latest software drivers for your network cards and the latest service
packs for your operating system. We strongly recommend using quality
network cards (like 3COM or INTEL) to reduce your chances of data
packet loss, corruption, and poor performance.
Windows 2000/2003
Server Editions
Microsoft has dropped support for these operating systems. This means that we cannot guarantee backward compatibility any longer with these operating systems.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (aka Terminal Services)
1. Limit network protocols to TCP/IP. Remove any extra
network protocols (i.e. NETBeui) that may be defined in the Network
settings. Multiple defined protocols on a workstation or server will
most likely cause erratic lock-up issues or slow performance.
2. Turn off any data compression. Any data compression being performed
on an NTFS volume will affect software performance and has even been known for
causing data corruption.
3. If program performance seems unusually slow...
A. Some anti-virus software applications
have been known to cause poor network performance and also interfere
with the proper operation of ManageMore. Consider temporarily
removing the anti-virus program from all of your computers to determine
if this is the root of the problem.
B. Some firewall software applications have been known to cause poor
network performance and also interfere with the proper operation of
ManageMore. Consider temporarily removing the firewall software
from all of your computers to determine if this is the root of the
problem.
C. You may need to check the Browse Master feature which is enabled
by default when using “File and Printer sharing for Microsoft
Networks…”. This setting has been known to occasionally cause poor
network performance. On Most Windows OS, the setting is located
under Network Neighborhood… Properties… File and Printer Sharing for
Microsoft Networks… Properties Button… The Browse Master feature should
be disabled on all computers except the file server.
4. RAM. RAM. and more RAM. It is strongly recommended that you obtain as much RAM as
possible when setting up this type of network. It makes a huge
difference in overall performance. We recommend a minimum of 1
Gig RAM (preferably 2 Gig RAM if more than 20 stations will be
connected to one server).
5. File Access Errors. Under the Windows 2000 Terminal
Services environment, users may experience problem if ManageMore is
accessed over the network or over mapped network drives. The
error message will appear as "File xxxxxx.mdf could not be opened.
Possible data corruption on file (1477)." These known
Microsoft problems were documented in the following KB articles: MS KB
#818528, MS KB #294816, MS KB #299603. This issue affects MS
Windows 2000 SP1 thru SP4. A hotfix is available by Microsoft as
a temporary fix until they resolve the issue. Please visit the
Microsoft KB article for more info on obtaining this patch.
6. If you are still having problems... it is always good
practice to make sure that all your workstations/servers are using the
latest software drivers for your network cards and the latest service
packs for your operating system. We strongly recommend using quality
network cards (like 3COM or INTEL) to reduce your chances of data
packet loss, corruption, and poor performance.
We also recommend you visit Microsoft’s
Web site and read MS KB article Q245607 which contains links to all
types of setup issues for this environment.
Network
Interface Card Issues
The following documentation is for advanced users only. Many
network interface card issues can be avoided if you purchase same brand
network cards and hubs/switches with auto-sensing or auto-negotiation
capabilities.
Network Interface Card Drivers
Always make sure the latest Network Interface Card (NIC) driver is
being used. Current drivers are typically available from the manufacturer
of your NIC card. This is often the source for many network-related
slowdowns, corruption, and erratic performance problems. Do not
rely on the drivers that come with Microsoft Windows as they are often
outdated and unreliable in most cases.
Speed and Duplex Configurations
Improper configuration of NIC link speeds and duplex settings can
cause sluggish network performance, timeout errors and lost network
connections, all of which can in turn lead to data corruption. It is
important that each NIC, including those on the file server(s), are
configured to match the speed and duplex settings used by the ports on
the hubs or switches to which they are connected.
Many NICs, hubs and switches support auto-detection (also called
auto-sensing and auto-negotiation), which automatically detects and
matches the speed and duplex settings configured for the connected hub or
switch port. However, auto-detection may not work correctly when
connecting certain brands of NICs, hubs and switches to certain other
brands. Therefore, it may be necessary to manually configure the NIC to
match the exact speed and duplex settings used by the hub or switch port.
The following articles from Microsoft's Knowledge Base and Novell's
Knowledge Base provide detailed information regarding speed and duplex
settings:
- Microsoft Article
325487 - How to Troubleshoot Network Connectivity Problems
- Microsoft Article
247609 - Poor Performance with Catalyst 2948G LAN Switch
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Networking Basics For Getting Up and Running