Installation - Server and Clients

There are two significant parts to The Auto Shop Writer 9.  Please read the following sections to understand how to properly install the program.

The Server

All data is stored in files on one computer which shall be known as the server.  On the installation CD you will select the installation for the Server and use it only on the main computer.

The initial creation of the files, editing of raw data directly in the files, plus all of your default setup values are handled by the DataManager program which is installed to the server.  You will also use this to update your authorization codes and to download new files from the internet.

The initial installation of your system is in LOCAL SERVER mode.  This means that you may share the data across a network of computers.  We install the software to be shared by up to five computers.  You will need to contact MasterLink Software about using LOCAL SERVER with more than five computers.  In LOCAL SERVER mode, the data is stored on the server, but processing, and even some file services, are handled at the workstations.  This will not cause concern in small workgroups, but can be problematic with larger installations.

A preferred option is CLIENT SERVER.  Using this system, separate data server software is installed on your server computer, and handles all processing on that machine.  This provides increased reliability and improved performance ( speed ) at the workstation. MasterLink Software has written ASW 9 to be used with the Advantage Database Server.  Licenses may be purchased directly from MasterLink, and the cost depends on the number of workstations to be served.

The Client

The actual input, viewing, and reporting of all information is handled on workstations using software known as the Client.  You will install a copy of the client software on each workstation from the CD.   The ASW9  program is run locally on each computer, and is set to interact with the data on the server.