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University of Wyoming

FairPlus!
Distributed Data Processing Setup

[pdf version]

The distributed data processing setup includes synchronizing time, setting the machine ID, selecting an exchange method, initializing time stamps, and checking the time stamps.

Synchronize Time and Set Machine ID

  • Close the FairPlus! program.
  • Synchronize system dates and times between the master and slave computers.
    • Check the master computer to be sure it has the current date and time.
    • Compare the date and time on the slave computers.
    • Make adjustments on their dates and times as needed.
  • Open the FairPlus! program.
  • On the master computer, click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Setup > Set Machine ID.
  • Set the machine ID to 1.
  • Enter a unique name (i.e., Master Computer).
  • On the slave computers, click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Setup > Set Machine ID.
  • Set the machine ID to a number selected from 2 through 99.  Enter a unique name for each computer showing where it will be used.  Be sure each machine ID and name on the slave computers is unique!  For example, there must not be two or more computers with a number 2 machine ID.
  • The program closes.  Reopen the program and click Who Am I? on the menu toolbar.  Double check the machine ID numbers and system times.

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Select Exchange Method

  • Click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Setup > Select Exchange Method.
  • Decide on the media to be used to exchange data files between computers.
    • 3 1/2" diskette
    • Zip Disk
    • USB Flash Disk
  • A USB flash disk is used to illustrate the process.  It works the same for a the other media types.
  • Insert it into a USB port.
  • Click the USB Flash Disk tab.
  • Click the Use this system check box.
  • Click the USB drive letter radio button.
  • Click the Test Flash Disk Now button.
  • A confirmation message, "Flash disk tests Ok!" displays.  Click OK.
    • The error message, "Flash disk failure" displays when this test fails.  Click OK.  Be sure the drive letter is correct and that the USB flash drive is inserted in the port correctly..

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Initialize Time Stamps - Master Computer Only

  • Time stamps are initialized on the master computer only.  This option is inactivated on the slave computers.
  • Time stamps are initialized only one time during a fair.
  • The time stamp is used so that the data has a base time set and the program knows which data to add.
  • Click Go to > Distributed Data Processing > Dist Data Utilities > Initialize Time Stamps.
  • Enter the fair supervisor password.
  • Click the Initialize Time Stamps button.
  • If it is decided that the time stamps must be reinitialized, call the Communications and Technology office first!

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Check Time Stamp Initialization

  • Create an exchange file and check the time stamps to be sure they are correct.
  • Click Create from the toolbar.
  • Click the Clear and create new file radio button.
  • Click the All button to select all the departments.
  • Click the Create/append Exchange File button.
  • Click View from the toolbar when the progress bars are done.
  • Highlight the Exchange01.fxd file.
  • Check the time stamp.  The format is YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.
  • Data is ready to be distributed for this year when the date is current.  The date will not change each time a file is created.
    • If the date is not current for this year, redo the steps in the Initialize Time Stamps section.
    • If there is still a problem, contact the CES Communications and Technology Department at (307) 766-3702 or (307) 766-3194.

Ed. 07/05/06

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Updated 04/06/2006