* Click for server requirements

Small Store & Office Hardware Requirements - This system guide is for small offices with a local area network (LAN). A local area network consists of computers connected together at one location sharing data files, printers and hardware resources. A LAN will require a Ethernet distribution hub to patch client computers in. The computers can be networked peer to peer with NETBUI or TCP/IP protocols for small offices. The newest computer can become the "data server" and the drive with the EZ-Zone program needs to have share privileges so that the other machines can access the .exe file. See the EZ-Zone software help menus for more information. *EZ-Zone Software does not require a special server computer to network on a small LAN. Although larger databases (50mg or larger) will require a server for speed purposes.
Local Area Network (LAN) Four Station Peer to Peer - The Ethernet hub connects the computer stations together to allow data and hardware resources to be shared. Ethernet hubs are now available in wireless format as well, eliminating the need for wires.
Make one computer the "server". It must run at all times. Network sharing can be set up on the "C" drive of the serving computer.
Drag and drop the *.exe file to the desk top of the other computers.

A separate program CD-Rom must be installed on the client computers, so that the proper control libraries are installed.
Standard Printers - can be used in a variety of formats. Tractor style work well for single and multiple label printing. Laser and bubble jet printers work well for volume reports and invoicing. The printer(s) can be connected to the parallel port on one computer and be shared by all computers on the LAN.
Barcode scanners - are easily connected using a key board wedge. Simple connect the scanner between your keyboard and computer.
Receipt Printers - must be compatible to the program being used. Call for details or read the help menu for specifications. Receipt printers are connected to the parallel port. All programs will print receipt on 8.5 " by 11".
Standard Printers - can be used in a variety of formats. Tractor style work well for label making. Laser printers work well for volume reports. All printers can be connected to the parallel port.
Cash drawers for POS systems - are connected directly to your receipt printer and when a receipt is made the cash drawer kicks open.
Computer specifications - Minimum specifications.
  • 2.0 GHz CPU 
  • 512 MB Ram
  • 80 GB hard drive
  • Keyboard, mouse (optical mouse controls work the best)
  • Color monitor - screen resolution 800 x 600
  • Ethernet network card  (on network for multiple users)  
  • 56 K fax modem (for inventory ordering and report sending)
  • For data serving, use UPS (universal power supply - 20 minute battery back up)
  • Laser or bubble-jet printer (for printing standard reports)
  • Ethernet hub and wire to attach other computers
  • Internet account with a mail account to use e-mail tools
  • 2nd printer port  (for label printing - optional)
  • Tractor feed printer (for labels - optional)
  • BACK UP - VERY IMPORTANT; Use one of the following:
    1. CD-Rom read-write
    2. USB Memory stick
    3. Zip Drive 100 Mb
    4. Tape back up
    5. External hard drive

    * Make a back up of your EZ-Zone Software nightly and remove from your premise, in the event that you have data corruption, you can install your back-up. Using computers that are not reliable can cause conflicts in your database. If you are not sure if your computer is capable of serving database software, contact our support with the specifications of your computer.
Computer specifications - Specifications for a new computer.
  • 1.6 GHz Dual Core CPU 
  • 1 Gigabytes ECC Ram (for servers add 100 MB per user) ECC stands for error correcting code memory 
  • 250 GB hard drive
  • Keyboard, optical mouse with wheel
  • Color monitor - screen resolution 800 x 600
  • 56 K Fax Modem (for inventory ordering and report sending)
  • Laser printer for quick printing
  • Ethernet network card  (on network for multiple users) 
  • Ethernet hub and wire to attach other computers
  • Additional Ethernet network card for high speed internet or use central Ethernet hub with router for sharing
  • Internet account with a mail account to use e-mail tools
  • Laser Printer 
  • 2nd printer port  (for label printing - optional)
  • Tractor feed printer (for labels - optional)
  • Sound card and speakers
  • For data serving, use UPS (universal power supply - 20 minute battery back up)
  • BACK UP - VERY IMPORTANT; Use one of the following:
    1. CD-Rom read-write
    2. USB Memory stick
    3. Zip Drive 100 Mb
    4. Tape back up
    5. External hard drive

    * Make a back up of your EZ-Zone Software nightly and remove from your premise.
Additional Special Software Requirements -  Operating System
EZ-ZONE software requires the following Microsoft operating systems:
  • Windows 2003 Server
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP Home, Professional (service pack 2)
  • Windows 2000 (service pack 6)
  • Windows NT 4.0 service pack 6A
Use Outlook Express as your default mail client to make use of the e-mail tools (SMTP).
FAX Software Requirements
The ability to send and receive faxes from a desktop computer is quite simple. All reports that are printed can be faxed. We recommend Winfax Pro 10.0 or for faxing and e-mailing. Microsoft XP has fax software included.
Wide Area Networking (WAN) - Large Chain or Franchise with Multiple Geographic Locations Interconnected
When constructing a WAN it is recommended to hire a professional within your community that can build and service a WAN for your needs.  See Server Requirements for more information.

EZ-Zone Software will function over a WAN well with the technology built into Microsoft XP. Use "Remote Desktop Web Connection". Connect to a computer's desktop from a remote location, and run applications as if you were sitting at its console. Installation instructions are located on the help menu of XP. DSL internet connection and the use of a server will be required.
Make one computer the "server". It must run at all times. Network sharing can be set up on the "C" drive of the serving computer. Computer file security is very important.
Use a router to connect and create a hardware security firewall.
The Internet service provider will need to give you an IP address so that the other computers can be connected.

The program must be installed on the client computers, so that the proper control libraries are installed
Create a short cut to the *.exe file from the server to the desk top of the other computers.
A separate program CD-Rom must be installed on the client computers, so that the proper control libraries are installed.
Remote Desktop Web Connection on Microsoft XP
Remote Desktop Web Connection is a Web application that consists of an ActiveX control, sample ASP pages, and other files. When deployed on a Web server, Remote Desktop Web Connection allows users to create a connection with the remote desktop of another computer inside Internet Explorer, even if the Remote Desktop Connection program, formerly known as the Terminal Server client, is not installed on the user's computer.
Remote Desktop Web Connection offers the following:
  • Simple, straightforward deployment of the client portion of Terminal Server or Remote Desktop applications. With Remote Desktop Web Connection, deploying a terminal server connection can be as easy as sending a URL.
  • Support for roaming users. Users who are away from their computers can use Remote Desktop Web Connection to gain secure access to their primary workstation or favorite terminal server from any computer running Windows and Internet Explorer.
  • A lowest common denominator cross-platform system. Remote Desktop Web Connection may meet the needs of organizations that want identical clients on all platforms.
  • Delivery of extranet applications. Corporations that want to deploy terminal server or Remote Desktop connections to vendors, suppliers, or customers can use Remote Desktop Web Connection to distribute them easily, inexpensively, and efficiently over the Internet.
Setting up Remote Desktop Web Connection
  • Remote Desktop Web Connection is an optional World Wide Web Service component of Internet Information Services, which is included by default in Windows XP Professional and Windows 2000 . Remote Desktop Web Connection is not installed by default, but must be installed using Add or Remove Programs.
  • When you install Remote Desktop Web Connection, the files are copied by default to the %systemroot%\Web\Tsweb directory of your webserver. The included sample default.htm and connect.asp page can be used as is, or you can modify them to meet the needs of your application.
  • On the client side, Remote Desktop Web Connection requires that the computer have a TCP/IP connection to the Internet or network, and be running Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.
To install Remote Desktop Web Connection using Windows XP Professional
  1. Open Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.
  2. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
  3. Select Internet Information Services, and then click Details.
  4. In the Subcomponents of Internet Information Services list, select World Wide Web Service, and then click Details.
  5. In the Subcomponents for World Wide Web Service list, click the Remote Desktop Web Connection check box, and then click OK.
  6. In the Windows Components Wizard, click Next.
  7. Open Internet Services Manager.
  8. Expand the folder hierarchy until you reach the local computer name\Web Sites\Default Web Site\tsweb folder.
  9. Right-click the tsweb folder and then click Properties.
  10. Click the Directory Security tab on the Properties dialog box.
  11. In Anonymous access and authentication control, click Edit....
  12. Check the Anonymous access check box on the Authentication Methods dialog box, and then click OK twice.

 Notes

  • To open Internet Services Manager, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Internet Services Manager.
  • Internet Information Services is not installed on Windows XP Professional by default.
  • You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.
  • To open a Control Panel item, click Start, click Control Panel, and then click the appropriate icon.
For information on using Remote Desktop Web Connection from the client computer, see XP Help for more information -To connect to another computer using Remote Desktop Web Connection.
* Disclaimer - EZ-Zone Software Ltd. does not imply any warranties or accuracy to the above information. Use of a professional network and professional hardware consultants is highly recommended.*

** Microsoft, Outlook Express, Windows NT 4.0, 2000 Professional, Vista and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation**