admin:server_installation

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admin:server_installation [2023/08/11 01:46] – [Initial server hardware setup] Mark Gloveradmin:server_installation [2024/04/25 06:42] (current) – [Recommended hardware] Mark Glover
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 ==== Recommended hardware ==== ==== Recommended hardware ====
  
-[[https://4d.com|4D]] is the database underlying mSupply software.  4D has [[https://us.4d.com/product-download/4D-v19-LTS|recommendations for hardware]]. +Refer to [[setting_up_msupply:requirements#windows_and_mac_hardware_requirements|Windows and Mac hardware requirements]] for details of server hardware requirements.
-<WRAP center round important 60%> +
-Based on decades of experience with mSupply in demanding field environments, the single biggest cause of problems around mSupply usage is power failures.  Even if the system was working perfectly during the initial install, UPS batteries fail, and then the ICT equipment is no longer protected from power failure.  Losing access to mSupply during power cuts is bad enough.  But the real danger is ungraceful shutdown of the mSupply server resulting in corruption of the mSupply data file as well as other software and hardware.  It is often possible to fully restore a corrupted mSupply database, but not always.  In a synced system it can be almost impossible to fix all discrepancies between servers caused by such a data corruption.  The key to a reliable mSupply ICT installation is mSupply servers that are resilient to power cuts.  The solution:  Laptop computers. +
-  * Laptop batteries have a much longer life than typical UPS batteries +
-  * Laptops are inherently better at shutting down gracefully when the laptop batteries have drained +
-In certain environments, it may be important to make sure that the laptop server is secured with a locking cable. +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
- +
-The following table lists our current minimum recommended hardware for a locally installed mSupply server.  mSupply satellite servers in a synced system do not require the same level of data redundancy (RAID array, etc.) as the central server. +
- +
-^ Item ^ Recommendation ^ +
-| OS | 64-bit Windows 2016 /2019 or Win 10 Pro with latest service packs | +
-| Processor | For server Quad core minimum is recommended. Consider adding more cores for 15 users or more   | +
-| Memory | ECC memory Minimum 8Gb +1Gb per user over 8 users | +
-| Hard disks | 4 total:  3 Hard drives to run RAID 1 (or 5) Array + Hot Spare. 1 separate Hard disk for primary back up | +
-| Network card | Gigabit | +
-| RAID controller | RAID 1: Onboard RAID controller is fine | +
-| Power supply | Dual hot-swap power supply is best, single power supply acceptable with good power quality | +
- +
-Indicative pricing before local taxes: USD3,000 to USD5,000. +
- +
-For a Terminal server, the general specification changes in that +
-  * More RAM is needed. +
-  * Hard disks are less important, as no data is stored on the server (unless you are using the same server for both hosting the mSupply server and hosting the terminal sessions). +
-  * An additional Gigabit Ethernet port could be useful +
- +
-Pricing should be similar. +
- +
-<WRAP center round alert 90%> +
-If you are running a server that is not in a datacentre with proper power protection: Beware of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive|Solid State Drives]] (SSDs) without Power Loss Protection! +
- +
-At least one country using mSupply on servers in health facilities with SSDs installed has had the bitter experience of the SSDs failing after ungraceful shutdowns due to failing UPSes. +
- +
-The vast majority of ICT documentation on the internet is written from and for locations enjoying relatively stable power supplies.  When the above-mentioned experience happened, there was precious little information available for facilities suffering from the sort of chronic power supply issues which the majority of mSupply users experience.  Now there is more literature - refer here :  [[http://www.storagesearch.com/ssd-power-going-down.html|Surviving SSD sudden power loss]] +
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- +
-</WRAP>+
  
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   * RAID 1 volume with Spare (3 disks total)   * RAID 1 volume with Spare (3 disks total)
   * Separate backups volume   * Separate backups volume
-  * OS install with correct region, and keyboard - refer Set correct regional settings including keyboard, copy to 'New user accounts' below.+  * OS install with correct region, and keyboard - refer [[admin:server_installation#region_language|Region / Language]] below.
   * Administrator account called Sussol (mSupply server will operate from this account.   * Administrator account called Sussol (mSupply server will operate from this account.
  
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 ---- ----
  
 +
 +=== Decimal Symbol ===
 +
 +The PC can sometimes have the incorrect decimal symbol (e.g. $2,000,00 instead of $2,000.00).
 +
 +You can update the decimal symbol through your regional settings. Start by opening **Control Panel** and choose **Change date, time or number formats** (as shown below).
 +
 +{{ :admin:screenshot_2024-03-27_at_4.47.18 pm.png?600 |}}
 +
 +You will have the **Region** window appear. Click **Additional settings...** in the bottom right.
 +
 +{{ :admin:screenshot_2024-03-27_at_4.48.29 pm.png?400 |}}
 +
 +You will now see the **Customise Format** window. Select the **Decimal symbol** drop-down list, and select the desired decimal symbol - for most countries, the default is a full stop.
 +
 +{{ :admin:screenshot_2024-03-27_at_4.48.44 pm.png?400 |}}
 +
 +Click **Apply** to save these changes!
 +
 +----
  
 === Hibernation / sleep === === Hibernation / sleep ===
  • Last modified: 2023/08/11 01:46
  • by Mark Glover