• To install PPpro on a network
  
• Linking the Data Tables
  
• Important notes
  
• Linking Two Computers
  

Podiatry Practice Pro (PPpro) will work well on any Local Area Network, including wireless connections, on up to 25 computers. This illustration shows the ideal client server set up:

Figure 3 - This illustration shows the ideal client server set up:

You need the installation file 'ClientPPpro.exe' from PodiatrySoftware.co.uk. In order to carry out network installation.

1. Make sure that all computers are connected to the network and switched on.

2. Install 'PPpro' first on the Server by putting in the PPpro disk and starting the 'Pppro.exe' file. When the Login screen appears: User Id = admin Password = pass

3. Ensure that the 'Pppro' folder on the 'server' is shared. You may need help from your network administrator for that.

The Pppro folder is located within the Program Files folder on the C drive.

4. Install 'ClientPppro' on the clients (one at a time) but when the Login screen appears don't log in until you've clicked 'Table Links' and followed the instructions below.

Figure 4 - The Login Screen

In the Login screen Click 'Table Links'

When asked if you want to locate and reconnect the tables click 'Yes'

When asked if you want to specify a different location click 'Yes'

A browser will appear. Browse your network to locate and select the file 'Tables' within the PPpro folder on your main computer/ server and then click 'Open'.

PPpro will link the tables and display a message 'All tables were successfully reconnected"

When that has been done on all of the client computers you are ready to login and run Podiatry Practice Pro.

The server version of PPpro should not be used to attach diagrams, linked files or digital images to the patient record. These files should only be attached using a client machine in order to ensure the integrity of the link to the patient record on the server. Linked files and diagrams can only be viewed on client machines. If you try to view then on the server you will get an error message but do not worry as no damage will have been done.

Patient 'text' data can be entered and viewed on the server so that the receptionist can enter new patient details as patients phone for appointments.

Please do not try to run PPpro using any method other than above as it may cause data corruption. PPpro can be run using most 'Remote Desktop' programs however we have not tested all programs available therefore podiatrysoftware.co.uk do not take responsibility for any problem that may occur due to accessing PPpro in this way.

PPpro works well on two computers which are linked using a 'crossover' cable. Ideally the 'main' computer should be the receptionist's computer as above. This works well in clinics where there is one clinic and a receptionist.

In situations where there are two clinicians working and there is no reception or 'server' on the network, one computer will have to act as the 'main/server' computer and one as a 'client'. As above, the server should not be used to attach diagrams or link files and photos therefore these will be viewable only on one computer. All other data can be accessed and edited on both computers. This can work reasonably well but ideally you need a 'true' server/client setup (three computers - one server, two clients).