Operating Systems and Computers
For Acme Workstations and Servers
Windows 10 and 11 LTSB or Pro in 32 or 64 bit. The Home versions of the Windows Operating Systems do not allow sufficient security to be fully PCI compliant; therefore, the Home versions are not recommended.
For Acme Servers
Windows Server 2008 or newer. 32 or 64 bit.
These are pretty acceptable Computer MINIMUMS for workstations:
~ 32 bit OS, 2 Gb Ram.
~ 64 bit OS, 4 GB ram.
Peer to peer networking is acceptable for 3-5 workstations, over that if you have high transaction volume you should probably have a dedicated server with faster hard drives, fault tolerance, more RAM, etc.
File Servers can be Windows 2008 or newer.
If you use a workstation operating system on your file server (i.e. Peer to peer) and have more than 3-5 Acme users do not let someone use it as their main workstation for non-Acme programs. You may be better off moving the Acme data to your your main POS station since it is single use.
Thoughts on file servers:
~Fast connection between server and workstation via 1 GBPS switch.
~Fast P4 or equivalent minimum.
~Fast hard drive(s). Raid if possible.
~4GB ram for every 5-6 users at minimum. Assumes you are not serving other applications.
Programs
Working with Spreadsheets
We recommend LibreOffice, free spreadsheet software. Some processes use Excel automation, making it necessary to have Excel installed on the computer. These can be worked around via other means.
Network
LAN - Local Area Network
1Gbps wired connection is ideal. 100 Mbps wired or Wireless G is minimum. Network should have minimum of about 40 Mbps "Good-put".
If performance issues are encountered compare use of local data, to that of data accessed across the network.
Make sure computer and NIC is set to not sleep or save power, since it will not recover fast enough for your retail environment.
WIFI - Wireless Network
Use of th eAcme Mobile App requies a WIFI connection to the same network as the Acme Data Server.
WAN - Wide Area Network
For multi-store deployments we handle data flow between stores via our servers.
Internet
Electronic payment processing requires very little bandwidth, so the lowest speed connection will suffice.
Off premise backup or integrated e-commerce sites require 3-5 MBPS upload speed.
Network Ports
These are typical and flexible, we chan change them if need be...
Card Processing: 9000, 9001
Mobile App: 9000, 9024
Electronic Payments
For Processing Electronic Payments within Acme
All current Microsoft critical updates, latest Microsoft Browser, .NET framework 3.5 SP1 or later.
An internet connection is required for electronic payment processing. Speed is not an issue. Offline processing of credit cards is available for a nominal fee. Inquire for details.
You may also want to consider second internet connection to Cellular or second provider if you are in an area prone to outage.
Miscellaneous
For HT630 Hand Held Data Collection Devices
32 and 64 bit versions off all operating systems Acme is compatible with.
Download PTComm from our online Support Center
Do not install JobGen Plus / PTComm combo from Unitech CD or web site.
Related Thoughts
We can manage anti-virus, firewall and Windows Updates for you as part of our Worry Free IT support package. This is highly recommended. If you manage your own make sure anti-virus software is not configured to scan all file types or network drives. Each machine should have its own AV software and take care of its own drives.
Have a good battery backup / power conditioner (battery backup/surge protector) on each computer as well as the network switch or hub.
Shut off “fast user switching” so you don’t accidentally leave someone logged into Acme and switch Windows users, tying up the system.
