Question Tools: FAQ: Minimum Specification

Minimum Specification

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network allows an organization to use the internet as if it is a private intranet. Each connected computer has a box that encrypts all of the data being transmitted and decrypts all of the data received (sometimes the computer does this, sometimes the box with the network connection). The organization gets an extensive, flexible network reaching offices and homes at very low cost, while the IT department can retain some control and security.

Why does a server have to be on the inside of the VPN?

The server can sit outside a VPN, but if it does then all content on the network will probably travel across one point — through the organization's firewall out onto the internet. This is a potential bottleneck. It can be a bit like trying to get 1,000 people through a single doorway — it's possible but slow. For the server to be sited within a VPN does not mean that it has to be in any particular physical place, just that it needs to have a VPN box (router) to allow it to communicate with other computers on the VPN.

Server for NetSeries

Network connection of at least 40Kbit per connected/simultaneous user (a standard 100Mbit connection can handle roughly 2,500 users providing there are no network bottlenecks).

Windows 2000, XP or Vista.

Firewall if appropriate (the Windows XP Firewall with file sharing turned off and the web serving port (80) open is adequate, although more care is needed with the Vista Firewall where both the QTNet.exe program and the port need to be approved).

At least 512Mb RAM, although 1Mb is recommended.

At least 50Mb of free hard disk space (1 Gb recommended) is required — more if the numbers of users or amount of content is large. A single disk with regular back ups is a good approach, although disk mirroring can also help.

Network

The network has to allow 40Kbit of data transfer per connected user. This figure can be higher if sound or video is used (or particularly large graphics).

The server usually needs to be within a VPN if one is commonly used.

Client for Delivery

Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or Vista

Network connection of at least 40Kbs (i.e. a normal 56K modem or better)

Modern web browser — i.e. one of the following:

Internet Explorer 5.0 or above,
Netscape Navigator 7.1 or above,
AOL browser 1.0 or above,
Opera 7.23 or above,
Mozilla 1.6 or above,
FireFox 1.0 or above (also works well on the Apple Mac)

There are no hard disk or RAM requirements because if the PC can run a modern browser adequately then there is evidently enough memory and hard disk space.

Creation / Editing

Staff using Question Tools Editor Suite software will need

A PC running Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or Vista.

At least 10Mb or free RAM.

At least 20Mb of free disk space.

A network connection so that they can connect to the server and upload their content.