Network Setup

Ease-E-Club

Client Management Software by Computerease

Network Setup

Using Two or More Computers:

In terms of setup and processing, this is the ultimate in convenience. Two separate computers with separate monitors, keyboards & peripherals are attached together via a Network Cable. An additional ADD-ON software license fee is required for the Fitness Club Software, as found on our posted price list, to make the software a 2 user system. The computer used for Sign-In can be a “bare-bones” used system with very little, if any disk space requirements. Minimum requirements are Windows XP, with a Gigabit Network Card. The main Fitness Club Software would be installed on the other computer and the Sign-In computer would link to it via a “Peer to Peer” network configuration. If network speed is too slow we recommend the Fitness Software be installed on the Sign-In computer and the other computer be linked via “Peer to Peer”. This is the configuration we recommend if dual processing/tasking becomes an issue.

The two computers act independently, but work from the same database of information. The Sign-In screen is dedicated to one of the computers and is always ready for client sign-in. Other tasks can be performed on the other computer with no conflicts with the sign-in computer and no need to switch focus back & forth. Another advantage is that the two systems can be located further apart; hundreds of feet if required.

A Network Card is required in each computer and enough network cable to link the two machines.

We never recommend a WIRELESS Network for our application. Wireless may be good for Internet access but not for a Business application.

Network Setup Procedure:

Install the Fitness Software on the Main system only and see that it is working properly. Test this by clicking on the Icon on the Desktop and the Fitness Application should start up and display the Main Menu.

DO NOT INSTALL THE FITNESS APPLICAION ON ANY OTHER COMPUTER. The application and data base must be on ONE computer only.

ALL COMPUTERS MUST BE ASSIGNED TO THE SAME WORKGROUP. Right Click on My Computer or Computer and select Properties. Under Computer Name check that the computer is assigned to a workgroup. This may be something like "MSHOME" or "WORKGROUP".

The Second computer must be linked to the main system with a Network “Cross-Over” cable or through a Router/Switch. A Peer-To-Peer network connection will work for this purpose, or any standard network environment such as Windows, NT, Microsoft or Novell. Plug the Network cable into the network card of the Main computer and the other end into the network card of the “Second” Computer or Router. If you are using a “Router” between the two computers, a standard “Patch” cable is needed instead of the Cross-Over cable.

On the Main computer, where the Fitness application is installed, "Share" the Folder "(C:\Health)" for both READ and WRITE to other network users.

Windows XP: Press the “Start” button on the desktop; Select "Explore"; find the Local Drive (C:) ; Find the “C:\Health” folder and “Right Click” the Health folder; Click on “Properties” and select “Sharing & Security”. Select the “Sharing” tab. DO NOT DRAG THE FOLDER TO SHARED DOCUMENTS. Click on “If you understand the risk but still want to share the root of the drive, click here”. Check “Share this folder with the Network”. Also check “Allow network users to change my files”. This will enable sharing for both READ and WRITE access.

Vista/Windows 7/8: Press the “Start” button on the desktop; Select "Explore"; find the Local Drive (C:) ; Find the “C:\Health” folder and “Right Click” the Health folder; Click on “Properties” and select “Share…”. Select the “Choose people to share with” or “Change sharing permissions”. The “Choose people to share with” screen will be displayed. Click the DOWN ARROW at the end of the blank field and choose “Everyone (All users in this list)”. Press the “Add” button to add this share to the list. From the list highlight the “Everyone” line and click on the type of sharing. Change this to “Co-Owner”. Press the “Share” button at the bottom. A new screen will display when the folder is shared. Press the “Done” button.

On the Second computer, Map the main computer as a new Drive letter (We recommend Drive Letter "M:"), using Network Neighborhood or My Network Places.

Windows XP: Press the Start button and select “My Computer”; Click on the “Tools” menu at the top and select “Map Network Drive”.

Procedure: Select Drive letter “M:”; Click on the “Browse” button. Under “Microsoft Windows Network” find the Main computer. If you do not see the Main computer, either the network cable is not working, the Network Cards are not working or you have some other configuration issue and you will need a computer technician to help with the setup. Click on the Main computer and select the Drive “ComputerName (C:)”. Find the “C:\Health\” folder and Click “OK”. The path to this drive and folder will be displayed in the Folder field. On the “Map Network Drive” window, check “Reconnect at logon”. Click the “Finish” button.

Vista/Windows 7/8: Press the Start button; select “Network”; Find the main computer name to connect with; select Drive “C:” on that computer. The the “C:\Health\” folder; right click and select “Map Network Drive”. Select Drive letter “M” and click Finish.

Now create a Fitness Icon on the Second computer Desktop, like the one on the main computer except the Drive letter changes to whatever you previously mapped. (eg. "M:\Pvxwin32.exe HEALTHPFX"; Start In "M:"). Create this Icon by Right Clicking on any free space on the Desktop. Select “New”; Shortcut. In the field “Type the location of the item:” enter “M:\Pvxwin32.exe HEALTHPFX” (without the quotes). Click the “Next” button. In the field called “Type name of this shortcut:”, enter “Fitness”. Click the “Finish” button. The new Icon will appear on the desktop.

Now test the Icon and it should work the same as on the main computer.

If you want JUST the Sign In screen to display on the System without displaying the Main Menu, change the command line of the shortcut icon to read “M:\Pvxwin32.exe –ID=TA HEALTHPFX”. The addition of the “ –ID=TA” tells the system to launch just the Sign In screen.

NOTE: If you have any Internet security installed, such a Norton’s, you must configure it to allow network access from the other computer. This may involve assigning static IP addresses on both computers and then telling Norton’s to allow these IP addresses to have access.

If performance is too slow over the network this may be enhanced by installing the main data base on the Sign-In computer instead of the administrative computer. This is usually not an issue.

Client/Server Setup

USE THIS PROCEDURE ONLY IF THE NORMAL NETWORK SETUP IS TOO SLOW such as in a “Wireless” environment.

Use this also if you are working over a VPN setup or WAN:

You will need a network technician to setup and configure a WAN (Wide Area network) for your main system. The main system MUST also have a STATIC IP address that can be referenced from the remote sites via VPN. All VPN and network setup should be done by a qualified third party technician. Each remote site MUST be set up with a client product called WINDX; please see attached help file.

For security reasons ALL network and VPN setup is your the client responsibility.

Instructions on how to set up Client/Server environment for the Fitness Club Software.

If you are unfamiliar with the terms contained in this document, please have a network professional provide assistance.

We recommend that the Fitness Application be installed ONLY on the Sign-In computer to maximize response time and install the Windx software on the other computer(s).

You MUST have at least a TWO user license for this to work. The “Host” process will use ONE user slot and each work station will also use ONE user slot. This means that if you are switching to the Client/Server environment you may need to purchase an additional add-on user license (Currently $125.00).

1. Using your Internet browser go to the Internet site http://www.pvxplus.com/pgsrvr.pvp?pg=dl_pxp1310 and download the "PxPlus WindX Plug-in for Windows" file at the bottom of the page to a temporary folder on the remote client work station.

2. Install the Windx Plugin by double clicking this exe file. Follow the steps through the entire installation and note the folder location where the software is installed.

3. Set up a Work-Station shortcut ICON as follows by right clicking on any free space on the desktop and selecting New; Shortcut :

Command:

C:\INSTALL DIRECTORY\pxplus.exe *plus\cs\client -ID=T1 -ARG 000.000.000.000;4093 "HEALTHPFX -DR=C:\HEALTH"

Start In Folder: C:\INSTALL_DIRECTORY

(Note: INSTALL DIRECTORY=where windx was installed in step 2)

(Where 000.000.000.000 is the IP address of the Server Computer)

(IMPORTANT: All spaces as indicated in the Target Line command MUST be entered.)

For ssl implementation use: C:\INSTALL DIRECTORY\pxplus.exe *plus/cs/client -ID=T1 -arg 000.000.000.000;4093;SECURE

4. On the computer that has the Fitness application files installed, create a shortcut icon to launch a HOST process to communicate with the remote work station.

Command: C:\Health\Pvxwin32.exe *plus\cs\host –ARG 4093

IMPORTANT: DO NOT COPY AND PASTE THIS COMMAND LINE; TYPE IT FROM THE KEYBOARD.

(NOTE: Must be a SPACE between “.exe” and “*plus”; and a SPACE between “cs\host” and “-ARG”; and a SPACE between “-ARG” and “4093”)

(This may be added to the STARTUP directory so this gets started each time the server computer is re-started)

Start In: C:\health

This process can also be started as a SERVICE… see the following section…

For ssl implementation use: C:\Health\Pvxwin32.exe *plus/cs/host -arg 4093\;SECURE=/plus10/cert.pem

The host process on the server MUST be running at all times. This can be started manually when the Server is re-started or put into the start up folder to automatically start.

Error 0 starting application on the work station:

If the firewall/network, and the network type are set as the default, “Public”, change this to “Private” on the main machine, otherwise an error=0 may occur. This will turn off network discovery and cause the Error #0 issue.

Another cause for an ERR=0 on the work station is the Firewall Settings on the server:

1) Open up Windows Firewall on the Server. (Left Click Start, Type "Firewall"; Select Windows Firewall.)
2) Left click on Advanced Settings
3) Left click on Inbound Rules
4) Look for all instances of PxPlus that do not have a green check mark
- Left Click on PxPlus and on the right hand side box click on Properties
- Half way down click on Allow the Connections and click on OK

Procedure to start the host process as a service:

1. Close out of the Fitness application on all work stations.

2. Go to the Server and stop the existing "Host" process if it is running.

3. Go to the "Run…" option and type in "C:\Health\Pvxwin32.exe". This will bring up Providex/PvxPlus console screen.

4. The prompt on the left side of the screen should be "->"

5. Type: RUN "*plus/cs/service" (and press the enter key.) (You need the quotes after the RUN )

6. The message: "Service not currently installed. Do you want to install the service?" will appear.

7. Answer "Y"

8. Starting directory: C:\Health

9. Press the <Enter> key

10. Port to user: 4093

11. Press the <Enter> key

12. Forced Prog:

13. Press the <Enter> key

14. The "->" will appear.

15. Type "BYE" (without the quotes)

16. The Host service should now be listed in the Services list.

17. Go to Windows Control Panel; Administrative Tools; Services (On a 64 bit system run " C:\Windows\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe")

18. Find the Providex Service and change the Start Up Type to AUTOMATIC

19. Start the service.

This can be tested by going to one of the work stations and starting up the software.

Windows Server 2008:

Windows server 2008 blocks all incoming ports by default. Therefore you must create a firewall rule to allow WindX inbound on port number 4093 or whatever port you are using.

If the size of the window on the remote work station is too small add the following lines to the "C:\pvx\pvx.ini" file.

[Font]

Name=Courier New

Points=16

Charset=0

Bold=0

VPN Setup:

Computerease cannot provide direct assistance in setting up a VPN internet connection but we can recommend an independent consultant.

Contact Information:

Mike Voltz

Email: mvoltz@comcast.net

He is available after 6:00PM Central Time and weekends

His rate is $75.00/hour.

Computerease does NOT guarantee his work and any billing arrangements should be made directly.

File Copy over VPN:

Once a VPN connection has been established it is technically on the same network as the host PC so files can be copied, modified or deleted. File sharing has to be enabled on the host machine and proper share and file permissions need to be configured. Then you can simply map a network drive using a UNC path (example: \\hostname\sharename) just as you would on any network.

DeskTop Sharing Software:

If you are using Teamviewer, GoToMyPC, VNC or some other type of “Desktop Sharing” utility this is not VPN and you should not need Windx at the remote site. We do not recommend this type of connection, but it may work depending on the speed of your connection and the options available within the sharing utility.

The procedure for this type of connection is as follows:

1. Install Windx on a second work station at the server location. Set up the shortcut as instructed in the Network help file. Make sure this is working locally and you can access the Ease-E-Club application at appropriate speed. If the speed is slow, switch to a wired network.

2. At the remote location use Teamviewer to connect to the “second work station” and run the Ease-E-Club application from that desktop.

I don’t know all the options available with DeskTop sharing software, but printing to a local printer at the remote location may not be possible.

Running dual monitors at the remote location will not work properly. Each monitor at the remote location must be attached to a separate computer.

You also may have problems running a scanner at the remote location and forcing the scanned number to appear on our sign in screen.

Using A Single Monitor Configuration:

This is the least expensive configuration and a good starting point for many facilities wishing to reduce costs or just keep things as simple as possible. This is also preferred by sites that have the monitor facing a staff person when the client signs in. If the client needs to view the monitor during sign in, the computer screen and keypad/keyboard should be placed in a position where clients can easily enter their client number or scan their bar-coded card. The monitor can be placed on a high counter or desk, facing the facility entrance. If a staff client needs to enter client data or run reports the monitor can be turned or swiveled on its' base so the employee can see the screen.

If you are using a scanner we recommend a SERIAL connection so that clients can sign in while staff are doing other work on the computer. The Sign In occurs in the background.

If you are using a USB scanner the Sign In screen MUST be IN-FOCUS for the clinet to record their visit. If the Sign In screen is NOT the Active Window the Client will not be able to record thei visit.

If you are using a USB scanner and are posting data or performing some other Fitness Club Software function and a client arrives, simply "Right-Click" the mouse and a POPUP menu will appear on the screen. Select the "Sign-In" option and the Sign-In Screen will appear on the monitor. Swivel the monitor toward the client so they can sign in. After the sign in is complete, exit the Sign In screen by pressing the "Esc" key in the upper left keyboard. You will be returned to exactly where you left off your data entry.

An alternative to the "Right-Click" procedure is:

Start up the Fitness Software and select the Sign-In button. Use the Windows Minimize (“_”) box in the upper right corner of the screen to minimize this session. Now, start a second session of the Fitness Software and access any option you require. To switch to the Sign-In screen use the ALT-TAB key combination. This method allows you to quickly switch back and forth from the Sign-In to another function without having to return to the main menu. If you are entering client data or measurements and a client arrives to sign in, a quick ATL-TAB will switch to the Sign-In screen, then when complete another ATL-TAB will return you to where you left off. Be sure to leave the Sign-In screen active when the system is unattended.

Using a Dual Monitor Configuration:

A dual monitor system means you have two monitors plugged into the same computer. This allows you to run the Sign-In screen on one monitor and do other tasks on the other monitor.

BOTH MONITORS MUST BE SET AT THE SAME RESOLUTION

A switch in the System Control file; Sign-In Tab called “Switch Screen in Dual Monitor Mode” should be checked if you want the Sign-In screen to display on the second monitor.

We recommend a “Serial Scanner” or “Serial Keypad”for this type of setup. The sign in screen will run on the 2^nd monitor and sign in clients without interrupting the main monitor. With a Serial scanner, the Sign In screen does NOT need to have focus to work properly.

If you are using a “USB or Keyboard Wedge” Scanner, you may will need to switch focus to the sign in monitor when the client wants to sign in. When clients sign in on one monitor, the other monitor becomes temporarily disabled while this process is happening. This is a function of the Windows operating system that may be inconvenient at best. A header “pre-amble” can be programmed into the USB scanner to tell the system to switch to the sign in screen when a keytag is scanned but switching to a SERAIL connection is what we recommend.

We DO NOT recommend a USB Numeric Keypad in a dual monitor setup. We only recommend a Serial Numeric Keypad with a Dual Monitor setup.

To run a Dual Monitor system you will need a special dual monitor “Video Card” for your computer. Several are available on the market and the ATI cards work well for this purpose. Most new PC’s that run WINXP or above, will accept a dual monitor video card. More detailed information is available at the end of this document.

Sign In screen not switching to second monitor of dual monitor setup:

If the Sign In screen is not automatically switching to the second monitor when started this may be a problem in the Desktop Video settings.

1: Exit the Fitness Software and Exit the Sign In screen also.

2. On any free space on the desktop, right click the mouse and select Properties at the bottom.

3. Select the Settings Tab at the top.

4. You should see 2 square blue boxes; the one on the left should be "1" and the one on the right should be "2".

5. If you see the square boxes labeled as "2" on the left and "1" on the right; use your mouse to move these so they show "1" and "2" (with the "1" being on the left and the "2" being on the right)

6. If the boxes are positioned correctly then the problem is with another setting in the dual monitor video card software and you may need a hardware technician to correct this.

SWITCHING TO SIGN IN MONITOR:

If you are using a USB scanner it is not pre-programmed with the “FUNCTION KEY 12 OR 9”, you MUST have the Sign In screen active when the client tries to sign in or the visit WILL NOT be recorded. Do this by touching the second monitor window with the mouse, or using “ALT+TAB” key to switch focus between windows.

If you are in another fitness option such as the client File and want to switch back to the Sign In screen to allow a client to record a visit, RIGHT CLICK the mouse and select “Sign In”. Focus will switch to the Sign In Monitor. You must wait for the Sign In process to complete. After complete, you can click back into the client file and continue where you left off.

Messages for Sign Screen Displaying on Main Monitor instead of Second monitor:

Windows and/or the video card software are probably confused as to where the sign in screen is located.

The upper left corner of the Sign In screen MUST be clearly on the Second Monitor or Windows will think the window’s home is the Main Monitor and will put all messages on the Main Monitor.

Position the Sign in screen on the Second Monitor so the left top corner is clearly on the monitor (NOT overlapping the Main Monitor). Then go to the System Control; Sign In tab; press the “Screen Position” button; Then the “Record Position” button. Save and exit the System Control file and re-start the application.

Terminate the Sign In screen and start it up again. It should start up in the exact position where you previously placed it.

Dual Monitor Video Card Settings:

If the messages generated from the Sign In screen DO NOT appear on the correct monitor, this is because a setting in your video card is not correct.

Most ATI cards I have seen come with “HydraVision”. Right click on the task bar ATI icon and select “HydraVision; HydraVision Properties”. If you do not see HydraVision load the Desktop Manager that comes with the ATI card. If you don’t have Desktop manager you need to get an ATI card that supports it.

In the HydraVision properties under the DeskTop Management tab CHECK “Enable dialog repositioning”; then select “Show on app’s monitor”.

Vista and Windows 7 Security:

User Account Control (UAC) was new in Vista , and modified somewhat in Windows 7.

Its purpose is to improve security by preventing programs from installing things without your explicit permission. In Windows 7, you access it through Control Panel => Action Center . Its most visible sign is various installation and configuration operations causing Windows to ask you if you really want to do this (sometimes dimming the rest of the screen first).

If you run any process "as administrator", such as by right-clicking on a desktop item and selecting "Run as administrator", you are not prompted.

But note: this is different from running as an administrative user. They really should have given it a different name. I refer to it as "running elevated".

Another aspect to this is that Windows now no longer wants programs to store data in the "Program Files" tree. Traditionally, this was a place programs stored their INI files, etc. - anything associated strictly with that program. Now MS wants that to be stored under APPDATA% (for an individual user), or under %ALLUSERSPROFILE% (for "all users").

And if a program tries to save in "Program Files", it will appear to work, but the file will be virtualized to another location. When you browse to the directory where it should be, a "Compatibility Files" item at the top will take you to the actual directory.

A similar thing happens in the registry -- entries get virtualized. These are harder to find and deal with.

It gets especially messy if the same file name or registry key exists in both places, virtualized and real. Then which one takes precedence?

If you have a Serial Scanner please see the help file on Serial Scanner setup and testing.