System Requirements

ALLIANCE™ Windows Suite Technical Specifications- The release of our ALLIANCE™ Windows Suite is complete! As you plan your installation of the ALLIANCE™ Windows Suite, we recommend a thoughtful needs assessment of all hardware. The Suite is available in a single-user license format for “stand-alone” PC’s and in a multi-user license format for networks. We currently support both conventional client/sever networks AND low-end, peer-to-peer networks. Whether your needs require a single- or multi-user license, your PC workstation specifications are crucial to the proper operation of the Windows-based applications.

For example, if you are a user that requires intense data manipulation (e.g. posting; running comprehensive searches; etc.), your workstation will require extra computer processor performance as well as additional memory resources. Workstations used for inquiry only (e.g. looking up names and addresses) can be less powerful. The general rule when purchasing workstations, we recommend purchasing as much “processor power” and as much “memory” as practical.

If you plan to use an older PC with these Windows applications, you will likely need an aggressive memory upgrade. This will eliminate disk swapping. This performance-killer occurs when the computer uses the hard drive to temporarily store the excessive memory that an application takes up, often at the cost of speed and system stability. More memory is always better!

General System Requirements- Please use these recommendations for hardware & software operating requirements for the ALLIANCE™ Windows Suite:

Hard Drive Space The ALLIANCE™ applications can accommodate an unlimited amount of data. It is the size of your hard drive that limits how much data you can store. Consult your USS Representative for assistance in determining hard drive space required for your system. Also note that “Hard Disk Space” listed above is “free” space for operating and NOT “total” disk space. These amounts can vary drastically depending on the ALLIANCE™ applications on your system. This “free” disk space is essential for stable & peek performance of your server or PC.

Printers Greater support for laser and inkjet printing is inherent to the Windows application environment. While 24-pin Dot Matrix printers will operate within this environment, we do NOT recommend their use!

Communication Broadband Internet connection is the recommended means for remote support. A broadband Internet connection also allows you to communicate with us via e-mail and take better advantage of our emerging ALLIANCE™ Internet support services, including downloading the latest applications and sending in data files if needed. USS uses software that allows remote control between your system & the USS Support system.

If you are using a phone line or dial-up Internet connection for your remote support connection, we recommend at least 56k baud modem and a license for PC Anywhere communication software is required.

Other Considerations A data back-up device is mandated by our Software Maintenance Agreement, so please consult your USS Representative for assistance in choosing a reliable back-up device and back-up software. A CD drive is required for proper support and installation of software. A SVGA monitor and 8MB video card are also highly recommended. A sound card is also a good idea as it is very useful for training CDs, Internet applications, etc.

Small networks Clients often use the built-in networking capabilities in Windows 2000/XP Pro and run cables to connect several computers together. This is called a “peer-to-peer” network. Computers were designed with this peer-to-peer networking capability primarily to allow basic print and file sharing. To improve “peer-to-peer” network performance, devote a workstation to act as a dedicated server -- that is a stand-alone computer serving the needs of other workstations on the network. TCP/IP network protocol and certified category 5 twisted pair cabling are required.

Larger Networks We recommend Windows 2000 / 2003 Server, with a SQL Server Database, for networks of five (5) workstations or larger. For optimum performance, it is recommended that all networks should have a dedicated server -- that is a stand-alone computer designed to server specifications and not used as a workstation. Please note: The requirements for the network server will increase as the number of users increases. TCP/IP network protocol and certified category 5 twisted pair cabling are required.

Network & System Settings You can improve performance by optimizing your network protocols and settings and workstation configuration to take advantage of ALLIANCE™ client experience. Here is our “Top 10” list of settings to check or adjust for improved performance:

Consider a professional system assessment prior to installing the ALLIANCE™ Windows Suite on your network. In most offices, the ALLIANCE™ Windows Suite are the most extensive applications in operation, storing critical information and placing far more demands on the workstations and network than other office tasks, such as routine word processing. Our staff can test your network and certify the cabling to ensure that it is working properly. The USS Networking staff & ALLIANCE™ Support Team are readily available to assist with these assessments.