If you want to install Spectra on a network in order to use the software on more than one computer, make sure your network is properly set up and then follow the steps below. You will be installing the Spectra program on each of your workstations and your data files only on your server. If you do not have a dedicated file server, you can choose a designated workstation to work as your file server.
StudioPlus
does not provide technical support for networking. We recommend
using a local network hardware provider to assist and help maintain
your network.
About Wireless Networks: Technology is advancing all of the time, but
the farther a computer is located from the wireless access point
(WAP), the slower the network connection will be. Wireless networking
is also subject to interference from cell phones, wireless phones,
microwaves, and other wireless devices. These can hamper (or even
cut off) the network database connection, leading to poor performance
at best and corruption of the database at worst.
If
you are using Spectra on a network, these are the optimal operating
systems:
- Workstations:
Windows 7 (Professional or
Ultimate), Windows 8, or Windows 10 - Dedicated
File Server*: Windows Server 2008 or Server 2012
*A dedicated file server is not
required to run any of the single studio versions of Spectra on
a network (Express, Standard or Professional). The only version
that requires a dedicated file server is the multi-location Spectra
Enterprise.
Spectra does
not support the following operating
systems:
- Windows ME
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows NT
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
If you are using one of these operating
systems on any of your network computers OR on your dedicated
file server, your Spectra data may become corrupt!
In addition, for optimal performance
on a network, please avoid
using the following operating systems:
- Windows 7 Home Basic or Home Premium
STEP 1 – Setting Up a Shared Folder #
The first step is to set up a shared folder, one that all your workstations
can access and write data to. You will need to do this whether or not you are using a dedicated file server. This shared folder is where your Spectra data files will be stored so each computer can access the same data files.
-
Decide which computer you will be using to
store your data files. If you have a dedicated server for your network,
use that. If not, choose one central workstation for your data storage.
For
better administration we recommend you map to the same shared
drive from all your workstations. Use the same drive letter for
the shared folder where the data files will be stored. Even the
computer where the files reside should use a drive mapping of
the same drive letter (not the “C:” drive; although
the files may be on the “C:” drive, you will still need
a separate mapping in order to be consistent on all the computers).
NOTE: If
you are using the Spectra digital imaging features this is a system
requirement.
-
Locate your shared folder or create a shared folder
on a networked drive on the computer you have chosen. -
Then create a sub-folder for Spectra called “SpectraData.”
STEP 2 – Installing Spectra on Your First Computer #
-
On your first computer, go through the basic
installation process. See also: Basic Installation -
When choosing the type of installation you must
select the Network – First Workstation option for the
software you have purchased. -
Type in the multi-user product code(s) for the
software you have purchased. If you have not purchased multi-user
codes you cannot install Spectra onto your network. Then register
your software. -
The installation will ask you where you want to
put the data files. Select the shared folder and the “SpectraData”
sub-folder you created in step 1. -
Complete the installation process.
STEP 3 – Installing Spectra on Remaining Computers #
-
Go through the normal installation process on
each of your computers. -
When choosing the type of installation, select
theNetwork – Workstation
Add-On option. -
The installation will ask you where the data files
are located. Select the shared folder and the “SpectraData” sub-folder
you created in step 1. -
Compete the installation process on each computer.
