SurfDirector v2.0 SURFDIRECTOR

version 2.1

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SurfDirector FAQ

FEATURES
Can the client run as a service?
What versions of windows does it support?
Can I use DHCP names rather than IP addresses?
Can the student application run on the same machine as the teacher?
Does it work on Macintosh?

CONFIGURATION
Do I have to start the applications in a certain order?
How much disk space and RAM does it take?
I can't connect to a machine that I know I should. What's wrong?
How can I configure the application so the users cannot stop or see it?

DISTRIBUTION
Do I need to install the client application on every computer in my network?
Does it run on Novell Networks?
Do the machines all have to be on the same subnet?
Will it flood my network?

OTHER
How much does it cost?
How much are upgrades?
Can I try a demo?

 

Q: Can the client run as a service?
A: No. Unfortunately, there is no service version available because of the complexity of user security related to services. These applications are designed to start as an administrative user, but not have visibility into the memory spaces of other users, which defeats the ability to see browsers.

Q: What versions of windows does it support?
A: The student application works on 98, ME, NT4, 2000 and XP. The teacher application works on 2000 and XP. It can run on 98 and ME, but has some quirky issues with the IP stack.

Q: Can I use DHCP names rather than IP addresses?
A: Yes. Simply use the machine name rather than the IP address. A good way to test if this would work for you is to ping the address at a DOS prompt. If you are unfamiliar with ping, just type "ping [machine name]" at a DOS prompt.

Q: Can the student program run on the same machine as the teacher's machine?
A: Yes. Both can all run on one machine without an issue.

Q: Does it work on Macintosh?
A: No. A version for Mac has not yet been developed.

Q: Do I have to start the applications in a certain order?
A: No. No specific order is necessary.

Q: How much disk space and RAM does it take?
A: The student program takes about 500K of disk space and 4Megs of RAM. The teacher program takes about 1Meg of disk space 11Megs of RAM (up to 20Megs maximum).

Q: I can't connect to a machine that I know I should. What's wrong?
A: When you attempt a connection, an error message should be visible. If the message reports that the machine is unreachable, it means that the student machine cannot communicate with the teacher. If the message reports that the machine is not could not be authorized, it means that the authorization code entered on the teacher machine does not match the one entered for the client.

Q: Do I need to install the client application on every computer in my network?
A: You can, if you like. The simplest way to distribute it is not to install it on each computer, but to make a shortcut to a network location. The network location must have both the application (sdclient.exe) and a configuration file (sdclient.config).

Q: How can I configure the application so the users cannot stop or see it?
A: You can do two things. First, change the values in sdclient.config (a file that should be in the same directory with the client application) values of "ShowMenu" and "ShowIcon" to FALSE. Second, the StickyApp32.dll file should also be in the client directory with your student installation, This library allows the application to be seen, but not stopped, through the Task Manager.

Q: Does it run on Novell Networks?
A: Yes, since it works on TCP/IP, it works on Novell.

Q: Do the machines all have to be on the same subnet?
A: No. SurfDirector works on TCP/IP, meaning that it could work across continents on the internet as well as across subnets of your network.

Q: Will it flood my network?
A: No. The typical message length is less than 20 bytes and happens less than one message per second. Since most networks operate at 10Megabits per second, you could pass more than one million messages per second without flooding your network.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: The cost is $499 per teacher machine. You can install as many clients as you wish.

Q: How much are upgrades?
A: Upgrades within a single major version number (or purchases within the same year) are FREE.

Q: Can I try a demo?
A: Yes. We highly recommend trying the demo before you buy, to make absolutely sure you will be delighted with the product.

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