Software Specs
Software and Hardware Specs
AMTS LLC software is mathematically intensive. Thus, the newer the processor and the higher the amount of RAM within a system, the faster the system will perform. If your computer is greater than two years old, you should think about upgrading to a new system to take full advantage of AMTS and other modern software.
Specifications common to all AMTS LLC software:
• Microsoft Windows
• Vista
• XP SP2 or later
• 98 SE with Microsoft updates for certain database drivers and installation routines.
• 32 or 64 bit processor
• any Intel or AMD processor made since 2005 is adequate
• Microsoft .NET framework ver. 2.x or later
• Hard drive with at least 200 mb free for program installation and long term file storage
• RAM varies by Operating System.
• In general, whatever Microsoft recommends as a minimum for RAM should be doubled to ensure acceptable operating speed. This recommendation is for all software, not just AMTS products.
• Fast internet connection to download program updates
• Printer:
• any printer supported by Windows is supported by AMTS products
• Access to email is highly recommended for communication with AMTS as well as downloading feed analysis files from participating laboratories.
For AMTS.MMS, a 7,200 or 10,000 RPM hard drive is recommended coupled with at least 2 Gb RAM (preferably 4 Gb).
General Information for the IT Professional
AMTS LLC software is designed to run on a client computer. All installation files and supporting data files are stored locally.
By default, data files are stored under My Documents/AMTS/product name/Current Farms (or Current Repositories). This path can be changed under View/Settings within .Cattle versions.
.Changing the default path typically works (e.g. changing to a network drive mapped as U:/); however, there have been instances where this change does not function properly. Typically this is because Windows adds an additional / to the mapped drive (e.g. U://My Documents vs. U:/My Documents). To work around this issue, go into View/Settings and change the file path to include both /
A better method is use a synchronization method where My Documents is automatically synchronized with the server.
Installation of AMTS products requires full administrative privileges. If security limitations force installation through an Administrative User, AMTS needs to be adjusted for the end user. This has been a particular issue with Novel based security systems where the Administrator installs AMTS software from their account. When the normal user logs on, AMTS can not find Feed Library or data files as they are stored under the Administrators My Documents. Thus, in this setting, the Administrator must copy the AMTS folder in the Administrators My Documents to the normal users My Documents.
Data files are password protected Access database files with a different file extension. If the administrator looks under My Documents, they will see several folders under the AMTS/product name/ path. Several are for internal use by AMTS products. The critical folders are:
•Current Farms
•this folder contains the active data files.
•when a farm is opened, a copy of the data file is created and renamed with the current date and time. The original file is then moved to the farms backup folder.
•Farms Backup
•in this folder, there will be a folder for each farm. Within the Farm (client) folder, will be copies of all data files listed by date and time when created. This files are archives. The user can go into this folder at any time and open an archive.
•If disk space becomes an issue, these files can be safely deleted (but the user will lose historical data)
•Typical file size is less than 400 kb. Thus, 1 Gb of disk space can contain 2,621 files.
•Feed Libraries
•All active feed libraries are stored in this folder.
•When a new feed library is sent to a user, they can simply copy and paste the new library within this folder.
•Feed libraries are Access database files. Some are password protected either by one assigned by AMTS staff or one self assigned by an AMTS product. A self assigned password is encrypted.
•Feed Analysis
•Certain laboratories have implemented an AMTS standard based upon XML for sending feed analysis. Once the feed analysis is imported into an AMTS data file, there is no need to keep these files. This folder is designed as a ‘holding area’ for feed analysis when downloaded from either the web or an email message.
Routine backing up of the Current Farms and Farms Backup folder is recommended. Additionally, the User Feed Library.mdb should be backed up routinely as the user can add/remove feeds from the library.
Depending upon the level of AMTS integration within a installation, some files are date stamped. For example, a company using both MMS and .Cattle can create a time stamped feed library within MMS for use by .Cattle. This date stamp represents an expiration date. If a users computer is not using the correct date and time, they may have issues with implementation.
AMTS LLC uses a software licensing key. Upon installation, a registration screen appears at program startup with an Activation Request Code. By default, the program will operate normally for 30 days. This key is computer dependent. The request code must be sent AMTS and a key code will be returned. The key that is returned is time sensitive and must be used within 10 days of issue. After 10 days, a new request must be sent. Thirty days prior to key expiration, the key request will begin to be shown. The same process as a new user applies.
The license model AMTS LLC uses allows one AMTS user to install the software on up to two computers for their use (e.g. a desktop and a notebook). A registration key must be generated for EACH computer.
We highly recommend a anti-spyware product be used at all times. There are several spyware/spamware programs that do something to the Microsoft .NET ver. 2 framework. We do not know what spyware does this, but we have found that performing a full system sweep with a product such as Spy Sweeper corrects the problem. Sometimes a removal and reinstallation of the .NET framework is required after running Spy Sweeper.
We do NOT recommend any Norton or McAfee product. Our experience shows that these systems are very resource intensive and do NOT catch many of the spyware/spamware currently in circulation.
Any product names mentioned on this page are copyright their respective owner. AMTS LLC does not guarantee any of these statements (or third party software), nor do any of these statements represent an endorsement of any product. Rather, this information is provided based upon AMTS LLC experience.
Please feel free to direct any questions to our Support desk at support@agmodelsystems.com.