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University of Wyoming

FairPlus!
Distributed Data Processing

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Distributed Data processing allows multiple computers to be used anywhere in a fair.  One computer is designated as the primary or master computer.  The master computer has full access to the FairPlus! program.  Up to 99 remote or slave computers can be used to enter methods, premiums, departments, divisions, classes, exhibitors, and posting information.  The remote computers do not have access to the financial data.

It is important to plan how to set up the primary and remote computers before the distributed data processing utility is configured.  Decide which computer is the primary computer.  Only one system can be used as the primary computer.  It must be designated as machine number 1.  All the remote computers are set up using machine numbers 2 through 99.  It is important the computer numbers be assigned and that they are not duplicated.  For example, if two computers are designated as computer number 4, it causes fatal errors with the data.  Also, decide on machine names for the remote computers that describe where the systems are being used.  As an example, use the name "Beef Shows" for a computer being used for those shows.

  Do not restore information from another system using the Backup utility because it corrupts the data.  Be sure to use only the exchange files to move data between the primary and remote computers.

Synchronize System Dates

Distributed data processing uses time stamping to keep track of the data to be added to the primary and remote computers.  Changes are marked with the time of the change.  The program uses the most current record by reviewing the time stamps when the data is loaded.  In order for this to work correctly, it is important the system date and time is coordinated or synchronized between each computer.  It works best to have the computers close to one another when this is done.

Who Am I?

  1. Click Go to > Main > Who Am I?  See Figure 1.  Click the image to enlarge it.

Figure 1. Who Am I?

Figure 1.  Who Am I?
  1. Display this screen for each computer being used in distributed data processing.
  2. This is a display-only screen.  Compare the data and system time for each computer.

  Be sure that the am or pm is correct for each computer.  Data will be lost if one computer is using am and another computer is using pm.

Change Date and System Time

  1. Close the FairPlus! program.
  2. Right-click the time located in the lower, right-hand corner of the Windows screen.  System Date
  3. Left-click Adjust Date/Time.  The Date/Time Properties window displays.
  4. Make adjustments as needed.

Setup

Review the setup page for the steps in setting up data distributed processing.

Data Exchange File

The data exchange file is the method used to move information between computers.

  1. Click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Create.  The Create Data Distribution File screen displays.
  2. Click Clear and create new file.  This is the preferred method of creating a file over appending the data to an existing file.
  3. Click all exhibitors for item entry in selected departments.
  4. Click Build by Department.
  5. Click the All button to select all the departments.
  6. Click Create/Append Exchange File button.
  7. Click Exit when the process is complete.

Copy the Data Exchange File

  1. Click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Exchange > Copy Files to USB Flash Disk.  The Sending Data Distribution File screen displays.
  2. Insert the USB flash drive.
  3. Click the Check USB Flash Disk button.  The program searches for a valid USB flash disk.  The other buttons in the section are active when the disk passes the test.
  4. Click the List Files button to be sure the disk does not have files on it.  Files display in the Files Found section.
  5. Click the Clear USB Flash Disk button to delete files on the disk.  The progress bar shows 100% when completed.
  6. Click the Copy Data Exchange File button.  Wait for the progress bar to show 100% and the hourglass cursor to clear.  The exchange file is copied to the USB disk.

Load the Data Exchange File

After copying the exchange file, take the USB flash disk to the slave computer to load the data.

  1. On the remote or slave computer, click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Exchange > Copy files from USB Flash Disk.  The Receive Data Distribution File screen displays.
  2. Insert the USB flash disk.
  3. Click Search for USB Flash Disk and Files.  The file name and machine description display in the Select Exchange Files to Load list.
  4. Highlight the file.
  5. Click the Exchange (Load) Selected Files button.  The data exchange file is copied to the hard drive.  The progress bar shows 100% when completed.
  6. Click the Return button.

  Loading the file does not add the data to the program.  Be sure to process the file after it is loaded.

Process the Data Exchange File

Processing the file actually adds the data to the program.

  1. Click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Process.
  2. Highlight the exchange file.
  3. Click No to delete the file after processing.
  4. Click the Process Files button.  The progress bar displays 100% when completed.
  5. Click Exit.
  6. Click Update Disk on the toolbar to ensure the newly loaded data is saved to the hard drive.

Ed.  06/05/06

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Updated on 07/11/2006