TypingMaster Pro
Network Installation and
Administration Manual
Version
7.0; Copyright TypingMaster, Inc.
Contents
1. Introduction
Welcome to
TypingMaster Pro.
This
powerful typing tutor enables easy instruction of the touch typing technique
to a large amount of users in multiple groups.
The purpose
of this manual is to guide you in the installation of the program on your
local area network (LAN). It also explains the basic features of TypingMaster
User Manager program (hereinafter TypingMaster Manager) which enables easy
control and editing of users in TypingMaster.
TypingMaster
can store personal study data for thousands of users recognizing any user on
any workstation in the network. The Manager also helps you to easily manage
user records as groups and follow progress and test scores using a variety of
reports, no matter how big and varied your groups are. You can also arrange
fully customized typing tests for individual users or entire groups using
texts of your own choice.
In the
installation section of the manual (chapters 2 and 3), a short summary of the
chapter is presented at the beginning of each chapter. The summary is
followed by detailed instructions explaining the procedure. In the TypingMaster
Manager section (chapter 4) all the main features of TypingMaster Manager are
introduced along with some useful tips.
Please read
this manual carefully before installing the program. This will help you avoid
unnecessary problems during the installation and use of the program.
2. Installation
This part of
the manual describes how to install TypingMaster Pro and get it running
smoothly on the server and all the workstations.
2.1 Overview of the
Installation Process
Here is a
brief summary of the main stages of the installation:
1. A
computer is selected to act as a server for TypingMaster Pro. This computer
will host all the user information. Usually this computer is school file
server.
2.
TypingMaster is installed through administrator's computer to server (or
directly on the server).
3. The
Licenses are entered to TypingMaster Pro and common settings to all
workstations are set.
4. The
installation is completed on all the workstations connected to the server
(optional).
2.2 Server Installation
2.2.1 Preparations
To start the
installation for TypingMaster Pro, you must have the setup package for
TypingMaster Pro. Please consult the TypingMaster Pro User Manual for detailed
instructions on how to download the setup package. If you have purchased the
program as a CD shipment, the CD contains the setup package and no
downloading is needed.
Before you
start installing TypingMaster Pro on the network, you have to make sure that:
- A shared folder for the
installation of TypingMaster Pro is available on the computer that acts
as a server (usually the school file server). All the workstations must
have access to this folder. The folder can be e.g.
\\server\applications\typingmaster.
- The person performing the
installation has full rights to the shared folder. If you are not sure
whether you have the necessary rights, consult the network administrator
of your organization for more details.
2.2.2 Installing
TypingMaster Pro on your Server
In this
chapter we will go through the installation of TypingMaster. The installation
is quite straightforward and adheres to the usual procedures common to all
installations of Windows programs.
NOTE:
We recommend that you install TypingMaster Pro on your file server from the
administrator's computer. This way the installation utility copies the
program to the file server while creating the shortcuts to TypingMaster Pro
and TypingMaster Manager on the administrator's computer where the actual
course and user administration is done.
Summary:
After
reading the license agreement and agreeing to it, select the directory where
the program is to be installed. You can enter the direct path to the remote
server folder or you can click Browse button to locate the mapped network
directory. Then select School/Company install to ensure that all the
necessary network tools are installed. Next, choose "Teacher led
training" course type to allow administrator fully control the learning
goals. Finally, after selecting the folder name that will appear in the Start
menu, the settings are reviewed and the program files are copied to the
selected directory.
NOTE:
The server installation of TypingMaster Pro is supported on Windows
NT/2000/2003 Server, Citrix and Netware Server Operating Systems.
The
server installation is NOT supported on Windows 9x/Me operating
systems, because of their limited network capabilities and lack of file
security. The server side must be on a real File Server.
However,
you can launch the installation from a course administrator's computer with
Windows 9x/Me if the program itself is installed on a file server in the
network.
Details:
To begin the
server installation on the administrator's computer:
1. Start the
TypingMaster Pro setup program by double clicking on the file
typingmaster.exe (or similar).
2. Click on 'Next' and
read the License Agreement. Check 'I accept the agreement' to accept the
terms of the agreement and click 'Next'.
3. If previous
TypingMaster 2002/Pro version is already installed on your server, you should
install to same folder in order to keep the user data.
4. Choose the
destination directory for the installation. This is the directory
TypingMaster Pro will be installed to.
The default folder 'C:\Program Files\TypingMaster\' is not usually used
with the network installation.
Select a a shared folder either on the course administrator's computer or
network file server for the server installation of TypingMaster. To do that,
click on "Browse" and choose the appropriate folder.
In the 'Choose Directory' window, select the drive you want to install
TypingMaster Pro on from the 'Drives:' pulldown menu. Then select a folder
from 'Directories:' by double clicking on the folder. Then enter a name for
the folder you want to install TypingMaster Pro on in the 'Path:' area (e.g.
TMPro, shown above).
A window opens asking if you want to create this directory. Select 'Yes'. Now
you will see the folder you created in the 'Destination Directory' area.
Select 'Next' to proceed.
NOTE: You can also install
TypingMaster to a remote file server in your organization's network. In this
case, you can run the installation from the administrator's computer and
enter a UNC network path for the server in the "Choose Directory"
The UNC path is in format \\SERVERNAME\FOLDER,
for example \\FILESERVER\APPS\TMPro.
You can also select 'Browse' and choose the
folder from your network file server. Click 'Next' to proceed.
5. Now you can select
the type of setup for TypingMaster Pro.
Select the 'School / Company Install' installation and press 'Next'. If you
want to view and choose the components that you want to install on your
system choose Custom.
To make sure that all the network tools are installed, choose 'School /
Company Install'. If you want users to have access to TypingMaster Satellite,
use Custom setup and check both 'Teacher tools' and the 'TypingMaster
Satellite' box. Press 'Next' after your selections. The "Standard install"
option should never be chosen if you are installing on school network.
NOTE: TypingMaster Pro
supports the Satellite optionally in a networked environment, but usually
this additional tool is not required by schools.
Please note that the Satellite in itself
does not fulfill high-security requirements. Although these requirements can
be achieved with the appropriate Windows NT/2000/2003/XP file security
permissions, Satellite is not recommended in environments where security is
of utmost importance. Please read the security statement for Satellite on our web pages. Detailed information on Satellite
can be found in the TypingMaster Pro User Manual.
6. Next select the
preferred 'Course Type' option and press 'Next'. There are two options:
Teacher Led Training: This course type
lets you control the course content in more detail allowing you set exact
pass limits in the lessons as well as offering a slightly more thorough
approach with additional exercises and longer lesson duration. This is
recommended for K-12 schools and for instructors that wish to carefully
monitor and control users' progress.
Independent Study: This course type gives each user
control over their own study goals and also offering dynamic lesson duration
based on users' speed and accuracy progress. This is recommend for businesses
and higher education institutions where users are not being led by an
instructor.
7. Setup will now add
the TypingMaster Pro program folder to the Start menu. If you are satisfied
with the name of the Program Folder just click 'Next' twice and the program
files will be copied to the folder you specified.
If you want to change the name of the Start menu folder, simply type in a new
name after the 'Program Folders:' prompt.
You have now
completed the server installation of TypingMaster Pro. It is recommended that
you give the program a trial run to make sure everything is working properly.
Just click on 'Start > Programs > TypingMaster > TypingMaster Pro'
to start the program. In the same Start menu folder you will find the program
manuals.
NOTE: If you choose Custom install type an extra screen will
appear after the Course Type selection. This allows you to install only the
components you wish. This is only for advanced users familiar with the
various components. Some common reasons for choosing this option is that you
would like to include the Satellite (not included by default in the
School/Company install) or you wish not to install the Study Material Editor.
2.2.3 Setting the
Installation Folder Security Properties
IMPORTANT!
If
you are unfamiliar with changing file permissions, please consult your
network administrator before making any changes. Changes to the sharing of
files and folders may compromise the security of the network and leave it
vulnerable to outside attacks.
If you have
not already set the TypingMaster Pro folder (or the parent folder) as shared
you must do it now before installing TypingMaster to workstations.
NOTE:
Windows NT/2000/2003/XP Servers require you to set both Sharing Permissions
and File Security Permissions: When you create a new shared folder, the
Everyone group is automatically assigned only the Read permission, which is
the most restrictive and always applies. When the share permission is set to
Everyone = Read and the Security File Permissions would allow users to make
required changes to DATABASE sub folder, the share permission applies, and
the user is not allowed to change their data. This common configuration
problem prevents users accessing TypingMaster (error #1551 Access Denied is
shown).
Follow these
steps to complete basic installation:
1. From the
Server: Browse to the installation folder on the server and right click on
the folder icon and choose Properties.
2. Select
the Sharing Tab: Select "Share This Folder" and choose a short and
easy to remember name for sharing (e.g. TYPINGMASTER).
3. In the
Sharing Tab: click the "Permissions" button. Confirm that the
"Everyone" group has "Full Control" permissions. (Note,
this selection is required!)
4. Choose
the Security Tab to adjust File Security Permissions:
If you trust
your users not to tamper with the program files, you can set the whole
TypingMaster Pro folder and all subfolders to be shared with Full Control
(read/write) permissions.
If you wish
to prevent users from tampering with your TypingMaster Pro program files
and/or typing texts, you must set the following File Permissions for your
users: (The examples apply to Windows NT/2000/2003/XP, other operating
systems may slightly differ.)
- Sharing permissions: change
- Security (file) permissions:
TypingMaster folder: read
TypingMaster\database: change
TypingMaster\texts: read (if you want to give your users the option to alter
and change typing test texts set the value to change).
NOTE: You can also limit the use of TypingMaster Manager to
only the administrator. This way no one else is allowed to change the
TypingMaster settings and user information. To do this, deny users access to
file 'manager.exe
2.2.4 Inserting
Licenses
Before
installing TypingMaster Pro to the workstations the licenses that you have
purchased need to be inserted. You also have to specify those settings that
apply to all workstation installations.
To insert
licenses to your server:
1. Go to 'Start >
Programs > TypingMaster > TypingMaster Manager'
2. Select the Licenses
tab and click on 'View/Add Licenses'.
3. Enter your License ID
and Product Key (either sent to you by email or with the installation CD) in
the appropriate fields in the License window that opens
NOTE: If you get an error message saying that your License ID
or Product Key was inserted incorrectly, please check that the ID and Key
were entered exactly as they were in the email. Also note that the different
product versions have different licenses: For example TypingMaster Pro 7
requires an updated license (TypingMaster Pro 6.30 or TypingMaster 2002
license needs to be upgraded).
Now the
licenses are installed on your server. The Licenses menu will show
information on your newly inserted license.
2.2.5 Configuring the
Installation Settings
NOTE: TypingMaster Pro is ready for use with the default
settings. However, Installation Settings need to be configured if you want to
install Satellite or change the installation directory.
To configure
the settings common to all workstation installations of TypingMaster Pro:
1. Start TypingMaster
Manager
2. Select the 'Common
Settings' tab.
Here you can configure the basic policy for users and the workstation
installations. Scroll down the menu to Installation Settings if you want to
change the installation directory (default c:\typingmaster) or install
Satellite. To find out more about the Common Settings and how they affect
user settings, go to chapter 4.2.
3. After changing the
settings, click on 'Ok'.
4. Close TypingMaster
Manager.
Now you have
completed the preparations for workstation installations.
2.2.6 Installing
TypingMaster on Terminal Server/Citrix
The
installation into Terminal Server is quite straightforward and adheres to the
usual procedures common to all installations of Windows programs.
TypingMaster automatically detects the Terminal services and works in
optimized mode. The amount of screen colors is dropped for the optimized
speed. The installation with Concurrent licenses is recommended since it
makes the terminals to reserve licenses in the most flexible way. Notice that
more than 256 colors are recommended for Terminal Sessions.
To complete
installation on Terminal Server, complete steps 2.2.1-2.2.5 on the server and
after this, just make a shortcut pointing into TypingMaster.exe available to
all terminal server users (see 2.3.3).
To complete
installation on cluster of terminal servers, complete steps 2.2.1-2.2.5 on
the main server and after this, complete netsetup on rest of the servers in
order to save bandwidth. Now all clients can still access the software easily
and database is located on main server. Finally you need to make a shortcut
pointing into TypingMaster.exe available to all terminal server users
(2.3.3).
2.3
Workstation Installation
2.3.1 Overview
There are
two ways of installing TypingMaster Pro to a remote workstation.
Using
Netsetup:
You can
install TypingMaster to a workstation using the Netsetup program included
that installs the TypingMaster executables to the workstation. This program
will access the user information on the server (or administrator's computer).
This method is recommended if network is slow (it does not overload the
network or the server). It also gives the administrator more control in
defining the workstations that can have TypingMaster Pro on them. Its also
possible later to Upgrade Workstations automatically (see section 4.1.4)
Using a
Shortcut:
If you have
fast network (or limited hard drive space on your workstations), you can also
run the application directly from the server. However, this method has some
disadvantages.
First of
all, the load on the server and the network will be substantial, especially
when many people are using the program at the same time. To be able to use
the program installed by using a shortcut, you will need a powerful server
with a fast hard disk and a very fast network (100MB recommended).
Second,
there is no way of controlling which workstations are allowed to use
TypingMaster unless it is set in the sharing permissions of the network. Once
a program is launched from a workstation one license is used. This makes the
maintenance of licenses quite difficult.
However this
form of install does have the advantage of not requiring to install on to
each computer, this allows updates to easily be added. Also this is type of
install is recommended for schools and companies using concurrent licenses
across many machines. This limits the amount of installations needed.
2.3.2 Installation with
Netsetup
Summary:
In this
method of installation, the program Netsetup.exe from the server's
TypingMaster directory is run on each workstation. Netsetup will
automatically install TypingMaster in the folder set in the server's 'Common
Settings' and creates the shortcut to Start Menu / Programs.
Details:
To install
TypingMaster Pro on your workstation using the Netsetup program manually (or
alternatively use your SMS network management software to perform remote
installation):
1. Go (physically) to
the workstation where you want to install TypingMaster Pro.
2. Go to 'Start >
Run...' and execute the file '\\server\programs\tmpro\netsetup.exe' (or
equivalent).
TypingMaster is now installed on your workstation to the directory you specified
in 'Common Settings' (Default setting is C:\TypingMaster). If you do not know
the path to the file netsetup.exe on your server, follow these instructions
to run Netsetup:
1. Double-click on the
'Network Neighborhood' icon in the desktop.
2. From the list of
computers connected to your network, find the name of the server and
double-click it.
3. Double-click on the
TypingMaster Pro installation folder on the server.
4. Find the file
'netsetup.exe' and double-click it. This will install TypingMaster on the
workstation in the directory you specified in the Common Settings of
TypingMaster Manager.
TypingMaster
Pro is now installed on the workstation and it is ready for use. To install
TypingMaster Pro to other computers, just repeat the steps above on each
workstation.
2.3.3 Installation
Using a Shortcut
Summary:
This chapter
will demonstrate how to install TypingMaster Pro on workstations so that the
program is run directly from the server. To do this you have to create a
shortcut in the workstation that will point to the TypingMaster Pro program
file (TypingMaster.exe) on the server.
NOTE: To be able to use
the shortcut installation the setting 'Strict License Monitoring' must be
turned off in the Common
Settings.
Also
note that each time TypingMaster Pro is started from a new workstation, one
workstation license is used. This can lead to a shortage of workstation
licenses when workstation licenses are being used. In that case, workstations
have to be manually removed in the User Manager. The easier solution is to
purchase concurrent licenses instead.
Details:
If you do
not know how to create a shortcut from your server, follow these
instructions:
1. Go (physically) to
the workstation where you want to install TypingMaster Pro.
2. Double click on the
'Network Neighborhood' icon in the desktop.
3. From the list of
computers connected to your network find the name of the server and
double-click it.
4. Double click on the
TypingMaster Pro folder in the server.
5. Find the file named
'TypingMaster.exe'. This is the file that is executed when TypingMaster Pro
is started. Select this file.
6. Drag the file to the
desktop.
7. A new icon named
'Shortcut to TypingMaster' is created on the desktop. This is a shortcut to
the file on the server.
8. If you want you can
change the name of the shortcut, select the shortcut and press 'F2' or
right-click on it and select 'Rename'. Type in a new name (e.g. TypingMaster
Pro) and press 'Enter'.
Now you have
created a shortcut from the workstation to TypingMaster Pro on the server.
Each time this new icon is double-clicked the program on the server will
start.
To create
shortcuts on other workstations just repeat the steps above on each
workstation.
3.
Uninstallation
This chapter
covers the uninstallation of TypingMaster Pro from workstations and the
server. Uninstallation procedure varies depending on how it was originally
installed.
3.1 Workstations
Installed with Netsetup
Summary:
First, the
TypingMaster installation folder is removed from the workstation and the
entry from Start-menu is removed. Then the server is removed from TypingMaster
Manager to free up a license.
Details:
To uninstall
workstations that have been installed using Netsetup.exe follow these
instructions:
1. Delete the
TypingMaster folder from the workstation. This is the folder that you
specified in the server installation's 'Common Settings'.
2. Delete the shortcut to TypingMaster Pro from the Start -menu
(and Desktop).
If you are unfamiliar with editing the Start -menu, follow these
instructions:
1. Right-click on the 'Start' button and select 'Open'
2. In the window that opens, double-click on the 'Programs' folder.
3. Find the file 'TypingMaster Pro'. Select this file and press the
'Delete' key. When the 'Confirm File Delete' window appears, select 'Yes'.
3. Finally, you will have to remove the workstation from the list
of workstations in TypingMaster Manager in order to free up the license that
this workstation has used.
To do this:
1. Go to the server. Start the TypingMaster Manager from 'Start
> Programs > TypingMaster > TypingMaster Manager'
2. Select the 'Licenses' tab.
| 
