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Escape System Manager Computer Requirements

This document describes requirements for the computer used for system management tasks in Escape. This computer, generally used as the workstation for the Escape System Manager, is used for the following:

  • Supplemental System Backups - Escape backups performed by the System Manager, to a local media such as Zip, Jazz, or CD drive.
  • Maintenance Tasks - Tasks required to maintain Escape, or to repair damaged data files.
  • Batch Processes - Processes such as warrant printing, payroll calculations, Escape utilities.
  • Remote Access for Support - IP access to your system for Escape support staff via PC Anywhere.

System Manager Computer Specifications

The computer used by the Escape System Manager for managing and supporting Escape should be among the fastest in your operation, with the following:

  • FAST Pentium II or III processor
  • 128 Mbytes memory
  • 10 Gbyte disk drive
  • CD Writer, Zip Drive
  • 100 Mbit Ethernet to LAN
  • Internet access for email and FTP transfer
  • PC Anywhere software using IP for Escape access

FAST Pentium Processor and Memory

Managing Escape includes a number of tasks that require batch or utility processing of data records within the database. We have found that many of these tasks are very processor intensive. For example, running Escape's FIXACCTS utility that may take several hours on a large system can see a substantial performance gain by running on a computer with a very fast processor. Other tasks that System Managers often run that are processor intensive are the CFIL and CSRT utilities, payroll calculator and contract calculator.

Recommendation: Any Pentium III computer with a minimum 128Mb memory.

Large Disk Drive

We have found that running the CFIL and CSRT utilities on a local drive has an incredible impact on performance of the utilities. Also, there are often times when a local copy of a database is very helpful in testing software or troubleshooting problems. To facilitate these processes, we recommend a large local disk drive on the System Manager's computer.

Recommendation: Any fast EIDE or SCSI disk drive, minimum 10 Gigabytes.

CD Writer

CD Writers are a good tool for doing a supplemental backup of your Escape database. This gives you control over managing off-site backup management, and can be a great way to provide us with a copy of your database to use here at Escape as a support tool. A nice internal CD writer and software costs about $300. Another option, although not as flexible, is a Zip or Jazz drive.

Recommendation: Any name brand CD writer and Adaptec software.

100 Mbit Ethernet

You can only run Escape as fast as your network will run. Your entire network should be fast, but the System Manager's computer should have a 100Mbit connection.

Recommendation: Any brand name 100 Mbit network adapters, hubs, switches.

Internet Access for Email and FTP

Email and FTP are tools we often use to transfer software and data files to and from our customers. You should have internet Email, either through your district or individually.

Recommendation: Fast internet connection, ISDN minimum, for Email and FTP. No restrictions on attachment size.

PC Anywhere

Our best support tool is dial up access to your system. We prefer that you have a dedicated computer with PC Anywhere using IP for access. ADDITIONALLY, you should have PC Anywhere with IP on the System Manager's computer for access when requested. This gives you dial in redundancy with security.

Recommendation: PC Anywhere software set up for IP access by Escape.