OPERATING SYSTEMS SUPPORTED

• XP Professional with the most recent service pack/patches
• XP Home with the most recent service pack/patches (not as a server, but can be used for workstations)
• Windows 2003 Server with the most recent service pack/patches applied
• Vista Business with the most recent service pack/patches applied
• Vista Home Basic with the most recent service pack/patches applied (not as a server, but can be used for workstations)
• All Windows 7 editions are supported. However, Windows 7 Professional or higher edition is recommended for business network.
• Windows 2008 Server with the most recent service pack/patches applied

Note:

• Vista – SQL Express SP1 and SQL Express Advanced SP2 patches need to be installed on systems running Vista Home Basic and above
• Novell or Linux as a file server is supported.
• Commander no longer supports MySQL Database
• Prerequisite: All systems must have .Net Framework v1.1, v2.0, v3.0, v3.5 SP1, and v4.0 installed
• Prerequisite: Microsoft IIS 5, 6, or 7 must be properly installed for Web Access server

OPERATING SYSTEMS NOT SUPPORTED

Windows 95, 98, Windows NT4, Windows ME, and Windows 2000

COMMUNICATIONS SERVER
The communications server sends alpha-numeric messages and/or e-mails to various devices. In the past, the only types of devices used in the Real Estate industry were alphanumeric pagers. In that scenario all that was needed was a simple modem with access to a phone line. With the advent of SMS and e-mail enabled devices (PCS phones, blackberry, etc.) many Real Estate Professionals prefer to receive their messages on their e-mail enabled devices.

The most time-consuming aspect of dial-up paging is completing a successful handshake with the modems on the side of the paging companies. In cases where the paging company's modems are still operating at 300-2400 baud, the process can take several minutes.

A dedicated communications server is encouraged because dial-up paging is very sensitive. Offices with high message volumes (1000+ messages per day) going through dial-up pagers must have at least 1 dedicated paging computer. If volumes exceed 1,000 message daily and the majority of the devices are going through dial-up modems, it is recommended to run multiple copies of the communications server to balance the message load. Multiple sessions can run on the same computer, but would connect through separate modems and phone lines to speed up the process.

THE PAGING MODEM
The most popular modem is a US Robotics external which is a “plug and play” for Commander. The modem driver has to allow programs to talk to the COM port directly. Some modem drivers do not allow direct communication to the COM port which will make it more difficult to configure. Sometimes WinModems are challenging to configure, or if the ability to communicate directly to the COM port (which is sometimes referred to as DOS compatibility) has not been turned on. If this is the kind of driver and modem you have installers have to know how to turn on this feature, if available.

The only modems we know of that have problems are ESSES56T-PL data fax modem and A-Open FM 56

NETWORK CONSIDERATIONS
quick!Office Commander defaults to use Microsoft SQL 2005 Express for it's database. This free version of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express is automatically installed when you install the program as a Server. 

Please ensure you are using good equipment and networks as follows:

• Engage a qualified, preferably certified network installer. MSCE (Microsoft Certified System Engineers) are trained and experienced in implementing stable networks.
• Network cables should be properly tested (eg: Fluke LAN cable meter or other approved method).
• Treat network cables with respect. They conduct our important information from computer to computer. Please don't staple them, overheat them, or otherwise mistreat them. Damage to network cables can lead to damage to the information they conduct.
• Buy the highest quality and reputed to be stable networking products, which your networking specialist will know about. Do not save money on these products because they are too important to the smooth operation of your mission critical front desk.
• All your equipment, including Ethernet hubs, routers and modems should be connected to a good UPS, which is a battery backup with good surge protection.
• Don't stick your expensive equipment in a small space without ventilation. It will overheat and become unreliable.
• Don't stick your server beside your photocopier machine, which draws enormous amounts of energy. Servers should be on dedicated plugs which electricians usually install with an orange plug.

quick!Office Commander is a multi-user program. It is not a client/server program. Access must be local. An external location must access the program through Terminal Server or Citrix, which is really running the program locally.
The clients are thick-client and therefore do the work and processing at the client side. The application is on the client side while database access is on the server containing the database. Acceptable speed using an SQL 2005 Express database depends on both the number of concurrent users and how active they are, as well as network speed and activity overall.

CONNECTING BRANCH OFFICES USING TERMINAL SERVICES
Warning: connecting branch locations using a high speed DSL Internet connection for each branch with workstations logging into one common domain will not work. It's like an extremely SLOW LAN. To get the speed required you need to use Terminal Services. We repeat - the program must not be run over the DSL without Terminal Services.

ENTERPRISE CLASS DATABASES
Microsoft SQL 2005 Express is free from Microsoft. When you install Commander, the database will automatically be installed for you. If your office goes beyond 25 concurrent users, you need to consider a more robust database server like Microsoft SQL Server 2005 standard edition or higher