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Docutek FAQ

 

This F.A.Q. is intended to provide some basic information about the technical specifications of a Docutek ERes or Docutek VRLplus system. If you would like answers to specific questions, please contact the Docutek Support team for more information.

»Are the Docutek ERes and Docutek VRLplus access statistics kept on a central server or on the server of each customer?
»What software do we need on our server to allow for installation, maintenance and upgrades?
»What kind of hardware and software are needed to use a Docutek system as an administrator or patron / student?
»Should we protect the server with a firewall or does the software have built-in protection?
»What are the hardware and software requirements for the Docutek server?
»What browser cookie settings should I have set to view documents within Docutek ERes?


Are the Docutek ERes and Docutek VRLplus access statistics kept on a central server or on the server of each customer?
Our systems store all statistical information in a special database that resides on the customer's server. There are many reports that are generated upon request that can provide you with valuable information about how your system is being used. Here is a sample of some of the reports that can be generated:
  • Docutek ERes system usage, either for the entire system or by individual course Web sites
  • Document usage, by course Web site and document
  • Number of Docutek VRLplus sessions, by librarian name, date, session duration, etc.
  • Electronic Document Delivery (EDDplus) usage, by number of requests, documents delivered, date, etc.
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What software do we need on our server to allow for the installation, maintenance and upgrades?
As part of your installation and maintenance contract, the Docutek Support Team will need to remotely access your server on periodic basis. There are several 3rd party software products available for download that will allow us to do this; . we have found the Terminal Services connection in Windows 2000 Server to be the fastest and most reliable, followed by Microsoft NetMeeting (Win2000 and Win2003). Below is a listing of all the remote access methods Docutek currently supports:
  • Microsoft Terminal Services (Windows 2000 Server only)
  • Microsoft NetMeeting
  • Symantec pcAnywhere
  • Remotely Anywhere
  • AT&T WinVNC

The Docutek Support Team will use one of the above methods to both install your software and provide you with necessary maintenance and upgrades. All of this is included in your license agreement at the time of purchase. Most customers choose to let us have access to their servers on a 24x7 basis, but some choose to provide access upon request only...both are acceptable for our support needs.

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What kind of hardware and software are needed to use a Docutek system as an administrator or patron/student?
The only requirement to use Docutek's software - for all users - is a PC, Machintosh or UNIX computer with an internet connection and a Web browser. We do recommend that you use the latest supported releases of either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, no matter which operating system you have. We have found the most stable browser to be Internet Explorer 6.x followed by the FireFox (Mozilla) 1.x release.

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Should we protect the server with a firewall or does the software have built-in protection?
While Docutek ERes and Docutek VRLplus does a good job of protecting your data from access within the application itself, it may be a good idea to protect your server with a firewall. In general, high speed servers with quick, always-on internet connections are a tempting target for hacker attacks. It is a good idea to limit port access on your server to reduce the number of open doors that could let malicious users in. If you are interested in getting more information about setting up a Docutek system in a firewall environment, please contact the Docutek Support Team.

Periodic monitoring of your server, its network activity, and the Microsoft security Website is as important for system security as having a firewall. Often there are signs something is wrong with the server before any major damage has occurred, and recognizing these signs can result in big savings in terms of time and aggravation. . You should be sure to check your Web and FTP logs periodically to look for strange behavior. It is also recommended that you apply the latest security patches, critical updates, and service packs when the become available to reduce the number of known security holes in the operating system and IIS.

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What are the hardware and software requirements for the Docutek server?
Our systems can be run on relatively inexpensive computers. A typical one costs anywhere from $1500 to perhaps $10,000, depending on how much power, disk drive space, and memory is required.. With hardware prices always falling, most institutions choose a machine that is more powerful than necessary to extend the "lifespan" of the server.

Currently, we recommend a Pentium III, Pentium 4, Xeon or AMD processor, with at least 512MB of RAM and no less than 9GB of additional storage space. Many customers opt for redundant RAID 5 disk arrays, load-balanced network cards, dual processors and dual power supplies to increase both server speed and robustness. Ultimately, the hardware selection will be best judged by your institution's IT staff since metrics such as student enrollment (FTE) and the number of items to be placed on reserve will vary greatly from school to school. The Docutek Support Team would be happy to discuss hardware options tailored to your specfic needs.

Docutek recommends that those purchasing new hardware for one of our products use the Windows2000 or Windows2003 Server platform. Following Microsoft's lead, Docutek will no longer support new installations on the Windows NT platform. The Docutek Support Team will be glad to review any hardware and software combinations that you are considering for your server.

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What browser cookie settings should I have set to view documents within Docutek ERes?
The Docutek ERes system uses session cookies to track information associated with your activity during a session. This is to ensure that only authorized users view the material. This information is temporary and is discarded the instant that your session terminates. The following describes the settings that are necessary for you to be able to access documents within the Docutek ERes system. Click here for information about the specific browser that you are using.


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