Most Windows instances of A-Shell are installed into relatively small local area networks, with or without a central file server. If this is your situation, then you're in the right place. If your network situation is more complex, see Windows Performance.
Note that "server" as used in the following discussion does not mean "dedicated Windows Small Business Server" or any other centralized computer upon which the other computers in the network are dependent. It simply means "the place where A-Shell data files and programs are located." This CAN be a dedicated file server, but it can also be just one of the regular PCs on the network that has been designated as the location of the A-Shell data and programs.
The objectives in a typical Windows installation of A-Shell are simple and straightforward:
| • | Have a shortcut or start-menu item on each PC so that the user can quickly and easily get A-Shell running |
| • | Load application data and programs on a server so they are accessible by all PCs running A-Shell |
| • | Create an environment for easy, manageable and coherent A-Shell updates in the future |
The shortcut that executes A-Shell can retrieve the A-Shell program from either the local PC or the server. Which is better? Well, that depends.
| • | Do you have an old / tired / slow network, such that you do everything possible to minimize "get from server" calls? Then putting A-Shell on the local PCs makes more sense. |
| • | Do you have a modern, 100-MB (or faster) network where everything is always loaded off the server? Then put A-Shell on the server too. |
| • | When it comes time to update A-Shell, do you want each individual PC user to update at her convenience, and to make her own decision to update? If yes, then install A-Shell on the individual PCs. |
| • | Do you want to control future updates of A-Shell from a central location—which requires making everybody on the network stop using A-Shell so you can update? If yes, then put A-Shell on the server. |
As you can see, there are variables involved—and there is no right or wrong way to do this.
Subtopics
•Recommended Steps
•Alternative Steps
