Network Hardware
Network environments and Argus - The overall performance of the system will depend on several variables, including the network environment and hardware. We inform clients of the hardware and network needs of Argus, but it is ultimately the client's responsibility to configure, install, and support a suitable networking environment on adequate hardware.
Networks - We recommend a 100 Megabit network running on Category 5 wire or fiber optic cable. The network hubs must be able to maintain this transfer speed. Network installations of Argus make use of TCP/IP protocols to communicate between the database server and the client workstations. A file server is not required but may be employed. Argus database servers can coexist with most file servers on the same network. File servers and database servers need not be hosted on the same computer. We have found that using Windows NT/95 as the file server and Sybase SQL Adaptive Anywhere as the database server on the same machine yields satisfactory results. Please call our technical staff to discuss the specifics of your current configuration or proposed configuration if it differs.
Hardware - Argus can run on a wide range of computers. We recommend using non-proprietary hardware to ensure against obsolescence, and to make Argus a truly open system. Institutions will frequently dedicate a server to Argus, but this is not essential. If you have a network server, this computer can often function as the Argus server as well, avoiding the purchase of a separate machine. We strongly recommend against using your server as a work station. If it is necessary to do so, please contact our technical staff for additional information.
Minimum hardware Requirements - Consider the following specifications the minimum necessary to run Argus. Whenever possible, they should be exceeded. Although it is not necessary to purchase cutting-edge technology, buying hardware that is only one or two steps behind the peak of the development curve will usually allow an institution to optimize its investment. We take advantage of growth in technology to keep pace with market demands and to provide our clients with additional features. It is the client's responsibility to ensure that their hardware is up to date and can support the most recent versions of the software. Standard business practice allows for the replacement of all computers every three years.
Client workstation requirements - Windows-compatible personal computer · 300 MHz Pentium processor · Video adapter supporting 24-bit color at 800 x 600 pixels· 64 MB of RAM · Windows 2000 or Windows XP · 50 Mbytes of hard-disk workspace for Argus client software · Network interface card ·Optional Modem with dedicated phone line (only necessary on one work station) for dial in access by Questor requires LapLink Pro or pcAnywhere software installed on the client workstation with a modem · TCP/IP networking software installed.
Database server requirements - Windows-compatible personal computer · 300 MHz Pentium processor · 128 MB of RAM · 4 GB hard disk drive · SVGA monitor · CD-ROM drive · tape backup unit · network interface card · TCP/IP networking software installed If an institution can afford to purchase more than the minimum we highly recommend doing so.
Other considerations - If your hardware does not meet the requirements listed here, please call us to discuss your current environment. Server sizing must take into account all applications being run. These recommendations assume a dedicated Argus server. If you are implementing any Argus modules (e.g. QScan, Bar Coding) or running other software packages on your network, these factors will have an impact on your hardware configuration.
Single-user Systems
For a single-user system Argus does not require a network.
Windows-compatible personal computer · Pentium family processor with 300 MHz clock speed or higher· color video adapter/monitor supporting 24-bit color at 800 x 600 pixels· 32 MB of RAM or more· Windows 2000 or XP· 2GB hard disk drive · 8x CD-ROM drive · tape backup unit · optional modem with dedicated phone line for Questor dial in - requires Laplink or pcAnywhere software installed.
Other Considerations - If your hardware does not meet the requirements listed here, please call our technical staff to discuss your current environment. If you are implementing any additional Argus modules (e.g. QScan32, Bar Coding) or running other software packages on your system, these factors will have an impact on your hardware configuration.
Relational Database Management Software
Argus is compatible with all the following types of relational database management software:
A "small footprint" database that is simple to configure and maintain, SQL Anywhere Studiois a robust and inexpensive platform chosen by large and small organizations that do not employ an on-site database administrator.
Despite its low price and ease of use, SQL Anywhere Studio can manage up to 12 gigabytes of hard-disk space, sufficient to accommodate hundreds of thousands of item and transaction records.
Whether or not a technical administrator maintains the database, Argus requires oversight by a "system administrator" who has been trained by Questor in all Argus functions.
Like competing products from Oracle and Microsoft, this large-scale SQL database requires installation and maintenance by a trained and certified database administrator.Oracle Workgroup Server
Oracle Enterprise Server
