Networking PPSS

'Networking' is the connecting of 2 or more computers.

Computers are networked for 2 primary reasons:

  1. Transfer PPSS data from one PC to another

  2. Run PPSS on more than one PC

Transfer PPSS Data

If you only wish to transfer PPSS data from one PC to another, perform data backup on the primary computer, then do one of the following:

  1. Copy the data to a storage device (floppy disk, flash drive, mass storage device, etc.). Connect the storage device to the secondary computer and perform data restore.

  2. Compress the backup data folder and email the data folder (to yourself). Open the email using the secondary computer and save the file to the Desktop, then perform data restore.

  3. Send the data folder to the secondary PC over a wireless network (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared) or a cabled network (Ethernet, DCC, USB) and perform data restore.

Transfer Data Using a Flash Drive

A 'flash drive; is a small external storage device that utilizes a USB (Uniform Serial Bus) port on your PCs.

Flash drives are handy for other tasks. (You can, for example, save pictures on a flash drive and view those pictures on another computer.)  They are under $10 so purchase one with 2 gigs or more of storage space.

Just copy the PPSS data backup folder onto the flash drive, insert the flash drive into the other computer and perform data restore.

Email the Data Files

Right click on the backup data folder and select Send To. Choose 'compressed zip file' (or something similar). Type in a name like bcssdata-mystore-1-1-09. Windows will compress (reduce file size) and copy the data into another folder with a .zip extension. (The folder name will be bcssdata-mystore-1-1-09.zip.) Just send an email to yourself (or anyone) and attach the zip file.

On the secondary computer, download the email, open the attachment and unzip the contents of the zip file to the Desktop, then perform data restore.

Network PPSS for Data Transfer Only

Wireless Transfer

The easiest and fastest way to transfer data from one PC to another is via a wireless connection (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infrared). The latest laptops have Wi-Fi enabled. Most modern computers have Bluetooth. Please refer to wireless.

Cabled Transfer

As the name implies, cables can be used to connect 2 or more computers together.

Please note: A cabled Ethernet network is the only type of network that supports the use of PPSS for operational purposes. Please see Run PPSS on a Network.

For data transfer using cabled networks, 2 methods may be used:

  1. Null modem serial cable (or parallel peripheral cable)

  2. Special-purpose USB cables

Procedures for Connecting 2 Computers

Your computer's version of Windows is one of many. Each computer includes specific instructions for networking it successfully. Please go to Start > Help and search for networking. Microsoft has provided complete details and links where needed to complete a network setup, including a network wizard which will make auto-adjustments as needed for security.

Serial and parallel connections may be used to connect 2 and only 2 PCs. The Direct Cable Connection (DCC) provides lower performance but offers the same basic functionality as Ethernet cables. DCC is not suitable for networking PPSS. It is sufficient for copying PPSS files from one PC to another. This may be a preferable method if the cables are already available and speed isn't important.

USB - Do not use ordinary USB cables to connect computers. Electrical damage is probable. Use special USB cables designed for direct connection.

This option is preferable if computers lack Ethernet network adapters but it is not an acceptable configuration for using PPSS on a network. It is suitable for transferring data only.

For support please Email the Help Desk