Knowledge Base Article

Print this page      Email this page

How to maintain PLATO Pathways system

Details

Resolution

Here are some tips for maintaining your PLATO Pathways computer lab:

Pathways Version: Upgrade to the latest version of PLATO Pathways, and upgrade again when future versions are made available. If you have a software support contract with PLATO Learning, Inc., upgrades are sent upon your request, and at no charge. You can use the Upgrade Request form to order the latest upgrade.

Service Packs: Install current service packs for your servers, workstations, and network clients, and keep your service packs up to date.

Dedicated File Server: Dedicating a file server for PLATO Pathways will greatly enhance the performance of Pathways on a network. This is especially important on large network configurations where the existing server is running multiple applications.

System Backup: Backing up your network server on a regular basis is absolutely essential. If your hardware or software fails, having a recent backup available will greatly increase your chances of being able to restore your system, and the time and effort required to do so will be minimized.

Wide Area Networks (WANs):A WAN is a special network configuration where separate locations are interconnected by either T-1 connections or fiber optics. Implementations of WANs may vary and are dependent on the capacity of the interconnecting lines. If you're interested in installing PLATO on a WAN, contact your Account Manager to help you determine if PLATO can be installed in this environment.

Security Software: Numerous vendors provide software to prevent users from changing workstation configurations or accidentally deleting files, such as Fortres, produced by Fortres Grand Corporation. If you have questions related to configuration settings for your security application, contact PLATO Support Services or the vendor of the security application.

Antivirus Software: Antivirus software, such as McAfee VirusScan? and Norton AntiVirus, is needed because of the increasing number of viruses that appear every day. Documentation related to configuration settings can be found in the following article - Antivirus software is affecting Pathways performance or causing database errors.

Network Configuration: The ideal hardware configuration for your network changes as new technology becomes available and relates directly to your use of the network. The following guidelines should positively affect your network performance:

• The faster the processor at the server and workstation, the better the performance.
  
• More memory the workstations and file server will result in better performance.
  
• The faster the network, the better the performance.
  
• Network traffic can affect the performance of PLATO Pathways. Network traffic should be analyzed before installing Pathways. Techniques such as adding switches, network routers, or faster network cards should be investigated to optimize performance.
  
• The server should not be slower than the fastest workstation.
  
• Installing the same network cards, sound cards, and video cards in all workstations will minimize network problems and reduce your need for technical support.
  
• The required server disk space varies, depending on the courseware installed and number of learners you have. The more learners you have, the more disk space you'll need. Allow a minimum of .5 MB and maximum of 1.5 MB of disk space for each learner. If you have 100 learners, you'll need a minimum of 50 MB to a maximum of 150 MB of free disk space for their data.
  
• Unreliable power or electric circuits with too many workstations can cause network problems.

Other Applications: Let us know if you are using other software on the server or workstations. These other applications include security software, virus protection, and Internet gateways. Networks are more sophisticated, now incorporating fiber optics, T-1 and 56KB line connections, and a variety of protocols (ethernet, token ring, etc.). Bring to our attention any deviations to the minimum hardware standards before you install PLATO Pathways.

Pre-Sale Technical Assistance: PLATO Learning is available to provide technical consulting before you purchase your PLATO hardware or software. This includes everything from Field Engineering telephone calls to onsite evaluation. Up-front planning can alleviate many problems and reduce the amount of follow-up and post-sale support issues that may arise. Contact your Account Manager to learn about available options.

Install a Lab Telephone: Install a telephone near the computers in the lab for phone support from PLATO Support Services. With a lab phone available you will be able to troubleshoot more effectively and efficiently.

Use the PLATO Support Center: The Internet is a very effective tool to use for troubleshooting. Unless a troubleshooting issue is urgent and requires a phone call (your lab is "down" or your server crashed), the first place you should go for help is the PLATO Support Center.

Develop Standard Operating Procedures: Every lab should have documented policies and procedures for the following:

• Keeping service packs for workstations, servers, and network clients up to date
  
• Performing routine backups
  
• Maintaining workstations (such as how and when to run Scan Disk and Disk Defragmenter, updating drivers and service packs)
  
• Running Pathways utilities

Check Your Lab Environment: Eliminate potential electrical power problems (such as brownouts or too many computers on a given circuit) and make sure LAN cables are installed where users won't accidentally kick or step on them.

Use Field Engineering Services: PLATO Learning, Inc. has a staff of trained network technicians. If you expect to re-configure a site, change workstations, or want to discuss long-term plans for network expansion, ask PLATO Learning for assistance. You can also schedule a field engineer to perform installations and upgrades, or tune your network. Call your account manager or 800.44.PLATO for more information about rates and services available.

Use Your Contract Training Days: The key to a well-run network is trained personnel. Make sure that your staff members understand how to use and troubleshoot your PLATO Pathways system. Call your Account Manager or 800.44.PLATO for more information about training.