Landscape Contractor Tools Tips & Tricks

Networking 101 - Do's and Don'ts

Don't - Make this mistake!

Any computer can act as a server and almost any server can be used double duty, i.e. as both a server and as a workstation. Big Mistake. We DO NOT support either concept. The primary function of a server is data integrity. The functionality provided by server software far outweighs the purchase price. Data integrity in a multi-user application is of prime importance. Something must manage the distribution of data and the inherent complexities of maintaining database integrity. We will be happy to configure your system, a free service for potential clients, just give us a call.

Do -

Server software was once the domain of the very large company. Not any longer. One of the best kept secrets is Microsoft's Home Server, allowing up to 10 users and costing about $125.00. The next step up is Microsoft's Small Business Server, starting about $600.00 in the retail box.

Because Microsoft's Home Server covers such a high percentage of potential users I will explain more about that specific product. Many Hardware companies , including HP and ACER offer pre-configured servers bundled with Microsoft Home Server from $475.00 - $650.00, excluding shipping charges. What a deal.

This product can even be configured to run sans monitor and keyboard, via client administration software provided by Microsoft, thus further reducing both the footprint and purchase price considerably.

Technically, Microsoft Home Server is based on Server 2008, a very robust and well respected operating system. This product is feature rich and many "extras" are pre-bundled within.
This product will provide the small business with a professionally configured network and a slew of built-in features. Two of the more important features are built-in automated backups and remote access. Both of these features are extremely important. You can find out more about Windows Home Server by visiting the following web site:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/discover.mspx

As each network is unique each deserves special consideration. We will be happy to configure your system and provide you a list of components and the best place to purchase, a free service for potential clients, just give us a call.

Roaming Internet Access... What is it?

A concept who's time as come. Roaming Internet access is exactly that. A service that you can purchase that allows you to make an Internet connection just about anywhere. You purchase this service and the provider gives you a USB device that plugs into your notebook, load the software and start roaming. The service is quite common now throughout the US and is provided by most major Internet service providers including AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. Another interesting provider is CLEAR, however it may not be available in all areas, but this holds true for all of the providers.

Many of the providers offer a "system" where as the service can be
used in the home or office for multiple computers and on the road,
thus eliminating the need for multiple service providers.

Two questions when investigating these services are cost and coverage. Make sure you understand both before entering into any contract. If you are on the fringe of the coverage area and do most of your business outside of the area it doesn't make much sense.

Also, see the section on remote access as there is direct tie-in between these two subjects.

Mobile Computing and Remote Access...

The most basic approach is for the 1 man operation. In this case simply purchase a notebook and use it as your primary device. Today's notebook's are as powerful and capable as a desktop. As a 1 man operation the need to share data is limited, so install Landscape Contractor Tools on your notebook and simply take it with you. No need for Internet access. The only issue is how to print at a customer site. There are portable printers such as the HP OfficeJet H470, Canon iP100 Mobile printer, Canon BJC80 Mobile printer, or the Pentax PocketJet 3 Plus to name a few. If your customer has a wireless connection and printer you can print to his printer. Or with a roaming Internet connection you could send an estimate across the table via eMail.

More complex issues must be addressed where multiple office PC's are required and 1 or more require mobile access. First you must select basic networking software/hardware for the internal LAN. Your choice depends on the size of the organization. For the smaller organization you might select Microsoft Home Networking and for the larger Microsoft Small Business Server. MS Home Server can support up to 10 users.

Network OS software will provide you with data integrity and remote access features required for mobile computing. The 2 products identified work a little differently but both will do the job. The remaining product required is roaming internet access. See another FAQ in this section titled "Roaming Internet Access" for further clarification on this subject.

We would be happy to guide you through the design and product selection process, just give us a call.

Yard Sales on a Tablet PC...

This FAQ relates mainly to the garden center and sales in the yard. Many times the products are just to large to be carried to the check out station. Many times check out stations are located inside and it's just not practical to bring a wagon full of plants inside.

Our approach to this issue is based on the tablet PC with a wireless connection. We have designed a program whereas the sales staff can quickly and accurately record the contents of a customer's wagon or their other large selections and that information is available immediately at the check out station. The customer need only go in and tell the check out clerk their name and there purchases are automatically recorded in their order, correctly priced with the correct quantities. The POS program can then produce a load ticket for the yard crew to inspect the goods after they are paid for. A very accurate and very easy solution to this common problem.

For more information on tablet PC's follow this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tablet_PC

Printing at a customer site...

The issue is how to print at a customer site. If your customer has a wireless connection and printer you can print to his printer. Or with a roaming Internet connection you could send an estimate across the table via eMail.

There are portable printers such as the HP OfficeJet H470, Canon iP100 Mobile printer, Canon BJC80 Mobile printer, or the Pentax PocketJet 3 Plus to name a few.

The most practical solution in today's world is a notebook with a roaming Internet connection and simply send the estimate across the room as an attachment to an eMail. After all, how many potential accounts don't have eMail in this day and age.

This solution is clean, simple and effective.