Network Traffic / Local EXE - AND DLLs? 1

[kazl]

Hi All

On a multi-user system in VFP6 with 2 to 20 users, sometimes the operation pauses during a screen refresh or it stops responding to the keyboard. This usually lasts for 30-60 secs and then it carries on.

I think the problems are due to network traffic and the volume of data, with the server just catching up with data requests

The users run a shared EXE file (1.3mb) from the server.

I've read the threads about shared EXE files and want to change to use a local EXE file for each user. The tips I've read have been really helpful and I'll use a "loader" program such as the one posted by Dave Rosenkranz in thread184-435683

The question, finally, is should I also create the VFP6*.DLL files on each PC?

I could set these up using the loader if I keep renamed copies on the server. Can anyone tell me whether it will make much difference or if there is any kind of problem (or licensing rules) with doing this?

Any thoughts & opinions would be appreciated. TIA

Kaz

 

[ramani]

Hi Kaz

These could be of help/interest to you..

1. An Application starter (with auto copy from server into local station).
faq184-4492

2. How do I create a custom SetUP for my application?
faq184-4429

Does it make a difference in speed ?..

Even for two users and the application kept in server vs. local unit, the performance difference will be there, but depending on the network trafic (it includes the other application and printer sharing as well and their related teafic) the yardstick will vary. But whatever the small differences, once we get into a habbit of making a saving could make a difference at the end on an overall performance of user units. So going with a distributed setup is what I recommend.

Regarding license issue, the run-time libraries distribution is free. And irrespective of the way you run, the runtime files need to be distributed to each workstation for a good performance. Dont go with the idea of keeping these run-time files in the server.




____________________________________________
ramani - (Subramanian.G)

http://winnersoft.coolfreepages.com/

When you ask VFP questions, please add VFP version.

 

[DSummZZZ]

The .EXE and .DLLs are loaded into memory at execution time, so the pauses are most likely from another source.
If you haven't already, try changing anti-virus settings to exclude scanning the .DBF's, .CDX's and so on.


-Dave S.-

Even more Fox stuff at:

http://www.davesummers.net/foxprolinks.htm

 

[kazl]

Ramani

Thank you for the pointers. Your FAQ184-4492 was one of the first that I read this morning. Very helpful - have a star!

I will make my starter/loader program check for and set up VFP6R.DLL and VFP6RENU.DLL within the Program Files folder (once only) and then automatically collect EXE file updates from the server into the same local folder.

That's great, I'll try it out for New Year. Thanks.

Merry Xmas / Happy Holidays

Kaz

 

[kazl]

Dave

Thanks for your reply.

The problem is that every workstation freezes at the same time, for 30 secs or so and then everything continues. There's not always file opening going on so it's not anti-virus, though I had never thought of that.

I will try running with the EXE & DLLs held locally.

Merry Xmas / Happy Holidays

Kaz