| Disclaimer: The suggested hardware specifications below are based on the premise that an existing file server (Windows 2000 Server or Novell 4.11) is in place for your business and will remain separate from the web server constructed with specifications below.
Please contact Software Creations to discuss your current hardware setup and/or salon configuration BEFORE purchasing to see if a different configuration is needed for your business.
If you wish to combine your file server and the web server together, please call us for recommendations. If your salon has an unusual configuration or you only need 1 (one) computer for your entire salon (called a standalone) then please do not consult this document for your hardware needs. Please call us directly for hardware requirements for the following: standalones, large salon configurations, or salons with multiple locations.
Variations on these recommendations will depend on customer usage, number of clients, database sizes, and/or hardware limitations.
Note: The file server MUST be able to handle the extra load requested by the web server. If your salon gets a significant increase in Internet visitors and/or client workstations, the file server will need to be modified for greater cached performance, load balancing, and file handling. Multiple web servers may need to be utililized to manage high traffic salons.
The security of the web server is solely the responsibility of the customer as Software Creations can not ensure that you will be updated at all times against any and all possible attacks and viruses associated with being connected to the internet. A hardware firewall is the best solution for customers who would like to be secure but not have to pay an employee to monitor this constantly.
Constant backups are recommended to repair any damage that may occur to your files. Software Creations cannot be held responsible for data loss. Some method of backup will allow Software Creations to assist you in disaster recovery. A UPS will also divert many causes of data loss as well.
Software Creations in no way supports Windows ME in any of its products. In the Windows XP Family of products, XP Home is not supported except where it pertains to a Virtual Booking session. If you wish to use XP to run Virtual Salon or FTA Gold, XP Professional is required.
Virtual Salon requires a W3C standards compliant browser with DOM Level 2+ and JavaScript enabled.
(Note: Internet Explorer 5.5+, while not fully standards compliant, is preferred. Virtual Salon is not supported on non-standard browsers such as Web TV, AOL customized browsers & corporate customized browsers, Opera operating in emulation modes, etc... However, Virtual Bookings is designed to be as compatible with these products where possible.)
End Disclaimer.
The following pages are general guidelines for hardware required by Virtual Salon, Chain Link/Salon and/or Virtual Salon with Virtual Bookings.
Web Server:
The Web server is a computer that will act as a server to run the programs and store information associated with Virtual Salon. Most salons choose to keep this separate from their file server. However, they can be combined into one machine provided that machine is able to support intensive applications and still be able to function as a file server. If the web server will be connected to the Internet, it is a standard practice to have a file server separated from the web server for security and performance reasons.
| Processor |
IBM Compatible 2 GHZ AMD or Pentium or better depending on the size of the network. (Dual processor recommended) (CONSULT Software Creations BEFORE your purchase) |
| Operating System |
Windows 2000 or 2003 Server Operating System (Advanced Server is not required except where load balancing and/or clustering is required by the size of the salon.) |
| Memory |
1+ GB Memory (DDR recommended)On motherboard: Extra L2 Cache is recommended (Consult SCI) |
| Hard Drives |
Minimum 10 Gig Free Hard Drive Space for programs and generated user files.More hard drive space will be needed if web server will act as the file server also.(SATA, SCSI, and/or RAID recommended - External storage unit recommended if clustering). Data should be on a different drive from the OS. |
| Network Setup |
Ethernet Card(s) using 100 mbps (Connects to existing hub, switch, or multi-port router depending on # of clients - switches recommended over hubs)Router with Firewall (or utilize ipSec or NAT software on server - Hardware Firewalls are recommended) |
| Internet/Intranet Connection |
High Speed Internet Connection With Static IP - DSL minimum, fractional T1 (512k U/D) minimum if connecting multi locations. Connection to the Internet is only required for the Virtual Bookings module and Software Creations support staff. |
| Monitor |
Color Monitor (Minimum 17" with 15" viewable if server is to be used as a workstation or standalone) |
| Modem |
56K Modem is required for emergency support or those customers who will not have a permanent connection to the internet. |
| Peripherals |
CDROM, Floppy Drive, Mouse, Keyboard |
| Optional Peripherals |
Compatible WebCam to capture employee/client photographs (which can be installed on a computer near where clients will be checking out)UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) (Required) |
| Extra Required Programs |
PCAnywhere 10.5 or above. Internet explorer 6.0 or above. All current service packs for Windows 2000/2003 Server (ALERT: contact SCI about KB 885834 hotfix/patch) |
| Extra Programs Desired |
Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Some type of imaging program to edit employee/client photographs if needed. |
| Backup Options |
Mirroring Not Required - PreferenceTape Backup Not required, but recommended.Other Options Back up through the network to a storage device, i.e. Tape Drive on file server or CD Writer. SOME TYPE OF BACKUP MUST BE UTILIZED FOR YOUR SAFETY |
Client Computer:
The client/workstations only require browsers, an intranet/internet connection, and associated hardware.
*** WINDOWS ME is not compatible with any software created by Software Creations ***
|
POS Station |
Non-POS Station |
| Processor |
IBM Compatible 1.5+ GHZ AMD or Pentium |
IBM Compatible 1.0+ GHZ AMD or Pentium |
| Operating System |
Windows 2000/XP Professional |
Windows 2000/XP Professional |
| Memory |
512+ MB Memory |
256+ MB Memory |
| Hard Drive Space |
Enough Drive space to hold browser cache and POS Station specific files. |
None required. |
| Network Setup |
Ethernet Card(s) using 10/100 mbps |
Ethernet Card(s) using 10/100 mbps |
| Intranet Connection |
Connects to existing network |
Connects to existing network |
| Monitor |
Color Monitor (MINIMUM 17" with 15" viewable)Touch screen optional but recommended. |
Color Monitor (MINIMUM 17" with 15" viewable)Touch screen optional but recommended. |
| Modem |
No modem required but PC should be accessible through your intranet |
No modem required but PC should be accessible through your intranet |
| Peripherals |
CDROM, Floppy Drive, Mouse, Keyboard |
CDROM, Floppy Drive, Mouse, Keyboard |
POS Peripherals
These are all optional components |
Cash Drawer w/ Receipt Printer InterfaceReceipt Printer - Serial or Parallel(Highly Recommended: ParallelEpson TM II 88 or TM III 88 thermal)Bar Code Scanner - Keyboard wedge interface required.(Recommended: Metrologic MS9520 Voyager - Keyboard wedge interface)Programmable Magnetic Stripe Reader - Keyboard Wedge or Built-In.(Tracks 1&2 Seperator and Headers and Terminators must be programmable) |
|
| Optional Peripherals |
Report Printer - Parallel laser or ink jetWeb Cam for Client/Staff photos. |
Report Printer - Parallel laser or ink jetWeb Cam for Client/Staff photos. |
| Extra Required Programs |
Internet explorer 6.0 or above. All current service packs for Operating System.Macromedia Flash 5.0 or better. |
Internet explorer 6.0 or above. All current service packs for Operating System.Macromedia Flash 5.0 or better. |
If workstations will be running both Gold AND Virtual, a parallel receipt printer is almost necessary for POS stations.
| Clients using Virtual Bookings at home should have as a minimum:(Below is for the VIRTUAL BOOKINGS MODULE ONLY)DOM Compliant browser with JavaScript and optional Flash installed |
Windows:
Internet explorer 6.0 or better
Netscape 6.0 or better
Mozilla 1.2 or better |
Macintosh:
Internet Explorer 6.0 or better
Netscape 6.0 or better
Mozilla 1.2 or better |
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