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System Requirements
OfficeMate Software Solutions suggests using Dell and IBM computers. The following sections explain the system terminology and describe the software, hardware, and network system specifications that are required when using OfficeMate and ExamWRITER:
System Terminology
| client or workstation | A computer that is connected to the server and relies on the server for data files and network connections. |
|---|---|
| dedicated server network | A network in which one computer is designated as the server and only handles network administration tasks. Other computers, or clients, are dependent on the server for network connections. A dedicated server is recommended for large networks with more than three users. Dedicated server networks are fast and can handle multiple users. |
| network | A physically interconnected group of computers running software that allows them to share files and resources. |
| peer-to-peer network | A network in which all of the computers can be used as clients and servers. Typically data files are stored on just one of the computers (the server) and the other computers communicate with it to retrieve and store data. Peer-to-peer networks are suitable for small networks with up to three computers; a dedicated server is required for large networks. |
| printer server | A computer (either a client or a server) that has a printer physically attached to it. Other workstations may print to the printer via the network, but print jobs are controlled by the print server. |
| server | A computer running administrative software that controls access to the network and its resources. The server acts as the network’s file cabinet, providing data files to other computers on the network. |
Software Specifications
| Software | Recommendation | Minimum Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows® XP Professional or Windows® Vista SP1 (Business Edition, Enterprise Edition, or Ultimate Edition) (workstations); Windows® 2003 Server (servers) | Windows® 2000 Professional | Install the latest service pack and critical updates for your operating system. Windows® Vista Home, Windows® XP Home, and Windows® XP Media Center Edition are not recommended for office environments. For information about the differences between Windows® XP Home Edition and Professional Edition, click here. Ensure that your computer is certified for the operating system that you are using. For information about the OfficeMate Suite and Windows® Vista, click here. |
| PC Processor | Intel® Pentium® D, 3.0 GHz | Intel® Pentium® 4, 2.0 GHz | OfficeMate and ExamWRITER are compatible with all x86 processors, including x64 and dual-core processors. |
| Server Processor | Intel® Xeon® 3000 | Intel® CoreTM Duo | If you are using Microsoft Exchange Server, ensure that you are using 1–2 GB RAM. |
Hardware Specifications
Notes:
- OfficeMate Software Solutions highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. OfficeMate does not provide support for your computer systems.
- Our hardware specifications are intended as general guidelines for routine single and multi-user installations. These requirements do not include specifications for Microsoft Terminal Server installations. Microsoft Terminal Server has unique hardware, network, installation, and configuration requirements and it must be installed and configured by technicians with Terminal Server expertise; OfficeMate Software Solutions does not provide this expertise. If you are remotely accessing your computers using Terminal Server or Remote Desktop, your OfficeMate Suite software must be licensed for 16+ computers. If your software is not licensed for 16+ computers, contact Sales at 1.800.269.3666 or sales@officemate.net.
| Hardware | Recommendation | Minimum Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM on Workstations | 1 GB or higher | 512 MB | Memory has a significant impact on your system performance. Using 512 MB or higher RAM in each computer will noticeably improve performance. |
| RAM on Servers | More than 1 GB or higher, depending on how many workstations and services the server is hosting | 1 GB or higher | Memory has a significant impact on your system performance. Using 1 GB or higher RAM in the server will noticeably improve performance. |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB or higher with at least 2 GB free 7200/10k RPM is recommended for servers. |
40 GB or higher with at least 2 GB free | OfficeMate will occupy approximately 60 MB of hard drive space and ExamWRITER will occupy approximately 30 MB of hard drive space; these figures do not include patient data. |
| Monitor | 17-inch | 15-inch | Flat LCD screens are recommended with a minimum resolution of 1024x768 pixels. |
| Monitor and Video Adapter | 1024 x 768 pixels | 1024 x 768 pixels | OfficeMate and ExamWRITER require 64k colors. |
| Printer | HP LaserJet Dymo LabelWriter 400 for label printing in OfficeMate |
HP LaserJet Dymo LabelWriter 400 for label printing in OfficeMate |
Multi-function, bubble jet, and ink jet printers may not operate properly and are not recommended. |
| Scanner | OfficeMate does not recommend a specific scanner brand or model; you can use any scanner that can create an electronic document with the OfficeMate & ExamWRITER eDocuments feature. For more information on scanners, see our Knowledge Base article #10958, or consult your hardware technician. | ||
| Fax Modem and Internet Connection | 3Com, US Robotics External 56k (fax modem) High-speed Internet DSL, cable, or T1 connection | 3Com, US Robotics External 56k (fax modem) High-speed Internet DSL, cable, or T1 connection | High-speed DSL or cable modems are recommended for Internet access and OfficeMate training and support. If your electronic claims clearinghouse requires a phone line modem, you will need a separate Internet connection and fax modem. |
| Backup Media | Separate high-density removable storage media (i.e., CD-R, CD-RW, Zip disk, Jaz disk) for each day of the week. Offsite storage back up with OfficeMate iBackup Powered by DataHEALTH is also recommended. | High-density removable storage media (i.e., CD-R, CD- RW, Zip disk, Jaz disk) | OfficeMate suggests using CD-RW media to manually back up your office and patient data and OfficeMate iBackup Powered by DataHEALTH to automatically back up, confirm, and protect your office and patient data. For data only backups, 100/250 MB Zip disks are acceptable. If you are a Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP user, you can use the included backup utility. After-market programs such as Backup Exec offer extended back up scheduling options. Although OfficeMate recommends the backup software listed above, it does not provide support for any backup software. |
| Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) | UPS on each workstation and file server | UPS on file server | Electric power is not always delivered to your outlets in perfect condition. Fluctuations can impact your computer’s performance. A total loss of power can damage your data if your system was running at the time of a power loss. A UPS with line conditioning capabilities can help control the level of power coming to your system. In the event of a power loss, a UPS contains a backup battery to keep your computer running long enough to safely shut it down. |
Network Specifications
The recommended network configuration uses a dedicated Windows® 2003 Server operating system with Windows® XP Professional installed on each computer. The OfficeMate Suite can be used with Windows® peer-to-peer networks for configurations of three or fewer computers, but for networks with more than three computers, a dedicated file server is strongly recommended. Only use TCP/IP when configuring your network.
Note: OfficeMate Software Solutions highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. OfficeMate does not provide support for networks.
| Network Item | Recommendation | Minimum Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cables | Category 5 Twisted Pair and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Ethernet | Category 5 Twisted Pair and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Ethernet | |
| Cards | 3Com or Intel 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet | 3Com or Intel 10/100 Mbps Ethernet | |
| Switches | 1000 Mbps transfer rates | 100 Mbps transfer rates | OfficeMate Software Solutions does not recommend using hubs. |
| Wireless | 802.11G Purchase your wireless access port and wireless network card from the same manufacturer. Enable wireless security. |
802.11G Purchase your wireless access port and wireless network card from the same manufacturer. Enable wireless security. |
Wireless networks offer significantly lower performance and reliability than wired networks; therefore, OfficeMate recommends hard-wired networks in environments where high performance is necessary. |
| Remote Access | GoToMyPC | GoToMyPC is HIPAA compliant. For more information on using GoToMyPC for remote access, go to www.gotomypc.com. |

