The performance and reliability of MLS 2026 is heavily dependent upon the quality of the hardware and network infrastructure used by your business.

Although MLS 2026 will operate on a wide range of Windows based computers, the following recommendations are intended to provide stable, efficient, multi-user operation for a professional business environment.

Server

One computer in your system will hold the primary MLS 2026 data files and function as the server.

In smaller shops, the server may also be used as a workstation. However, in larger or busier environments, it is strongly recommended that the server be dedicated primarily to handling the database and network operations.

Recommended Server Configuration

•Windows 11 Professional

•Intel i7 equivalent processor or better

•Minimum 16 GB RAM

•1 TB SSD storage or larger

•Gigabit Ethernet network connection ( 1 GB minimum )

•Reliable battery backup / UPS protection strongly recommended

Solid State Drives ( SSD ) dramatically improve:

•startup speed

•indexing operations

•backups

•workstation response time

•multi-user performance

Traditional mechanical hard drives are not recommended for modern installations.

Workstations ( Client Computers )

Each workstation connected to MLS 2026 should use:

•Windows 11 Professional

•Minimum 16 GB RAM

•Minimum 256 GB SSD storage

•Gigabit Ethernet connection when possible

Wide screen monitors significantly improve productivity because MLS 2026 displays large amounts of information simultaneously.

For best results, we recommend:

•24" or larger monitors

•dual monitor setups where practical

•high resolution displays

Notebook computers work very well with MLS 2026 and are especially useful for:

•portable estimating

•counter operations

•service write-up stations

•shop floor mobility

Network Considerations

The network is the communication backbone of MLS 2026.

For optimum multi-user performance:

•use Gigabit networking equipment

•use quality switches and routers

•use wired Ethernet whenever possible

Wireless networking should primarily be reserved for:

•notebook computers

•tablets

•temporary workstations

•portable service stations

Important Note About WiFi

MLS 2026 will operate across wireless connections, but performance will typically be slower and less reliable than wired Ethernet connections.

Whenever possible:

Use Ethernet connections for all primary workstations.

Stable networking is particularly important for:

•workorder processing

•accounting operations

•inventory access

•indexing

•backups

•multi-user synchronization

Printers

Modern printers are generally inexpensive and highly reliable.

For daily shop operations, we strongly recommend:

•black-and-white laser printers

•network-capable printers

•printers with readily available toner supplies

MLS 2026 supports:

•invoice printing

•color graphics

•watermarks

•logos

•formatted reports

•labels

•postcards

•marketing output

Any printer properly installed and functioning within Windows should operate correctly with MLS 2026.

Apple Computers

MLS 2026 is designed primarily for the Windows operating system.

Because some Windows-specific technologies are required, MLS 2026 does not currently operate as a native macOS application.

However, Apple computers can successfully run MLS 2026 using virtualization software such as:

Parallels Desktop

Using this method:

•Windows is installed inside a virtual machine

•MLS 2026 operates inside Windows

•the application can appear integrated directly into macOS using Coherence Mode

This approach works well on:

•Intel-based Mac systems

•Apple Silicon systems ( M-series processors )

Android Devices & Chromebooks

MLS 2026 is not supported on:

•Android operating systems

•ChromeOS devices

•Chromebooks

Due to operating system limitations, compatibility restrictions, and security considerations, these platforms are not suitable for running MLS 2026.

General Recommendations

The recommendations listed above are intended to provide:

•stable operation

•good multi-user performance

•fast response times

•long-term reliability

MLS 2026 may operate on:

•older hardware

•lower specifications

•older Windows environments

However, reduced hardware capability will usually result in:

•slower performance

•delayed screen updates

•longer indexing times

•slower reporting

•reduced multi-user responsiveness

Investing in reliable hardware and networking infrastructure will improve:

•productivity

•user satisfaction

•operational stability

•long-term business efficiency

In most cases, the time saved by properly configured hardware quickly outweighs the cost of the equipment itself.

Hardware Considerations