Knowledge Base Home Multiple computers and networks

CattleMax has networking functionality built in. Computers are on a network when the same file can be accessed on multiple computers at the same time. A network can either be used via network wires/cables, or with a wireless network setup.

CattleMax purchases include a license for one computer. Additional computers for the same operation are $50 per computer.

CattleMax Networking Overview and Terminology

- CattleMax has 2 main components: 1) the application (which is the actual software) and 2) the herd file
- The application is installed from the CD or downloaded from the website.
- The herd file can be created from within CattleMax.
- A workstation is a computer on which the application is installed and the software is used.
- A server is a computer on which the data file is located.
- In some cases, a computer can act as both a workstation and a server.
- Licenses are only needed for workstations and not required for a server, unless the server is also acting as a workstation.

Performance Tips
- When a user on any workstation opens a CattleMax herd file, the open process is much quicker if any other users on the network exit to the CattleMax main screen instead of staying in a cattle records screen.
- The faster the network, the greater the performance.

Technical Summary

- Install the CattleMax application on to each workstation. To ensure the optimal performance, ensure that the CattleMax application is installed on to the local computer rather than on the network. You will have the opportunity later to create your data file on the network.
- Open CattleMax CS. Click on Settings and then click on Registration (Serial Number) and enter the ranch name and serial number if needed.
- On the computer that the CattleMax herd file will be located, share a folder and ensure that read/write permission is granted for the user accounts that will be accessing the machine. Note both sets of permissions must be set to read/write: share permissions and local file permissions.
- If you already have a CattleMax herd file, copy it to the shared location at this time.
- At the first workstation, map a network drive to the shared location. Next, Create the herd file (File > New) or open an existing herd file (File > Open) on the first workstation.
- For each additional workstation, map the network drive and open the CattleMax herd file