Frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding the Multiuser Server and Xtra
Can the Multiuser Server run as an NT Service?
The Multiuser Server wasn't written as a service, so it will be necessary to use a third party NT service utility that can launch the Server. There have been reports that shareware utilities such as "AppToService" work well. For more information, please refer to the AppToService web site.
For a related discussion on running Director projectors as services, please refer to: "Running a Director projector as an NT service", located on the Update Stage Web site.
Is it possible for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to host the Multiuser Server?
An Internet Service Provider can host the Multiuser Server as long as they can execute and run the Server on a dedicated machine that is always accepting connections.
Most providers only allow executable rights in a "virtual" environment. In other words, a provider might allow programs in an FTP directory to be executed remotely, but once logged out of this FTP directory, the programs previously executed no longer run. This would mean that one would have to remain logged onto this FTP account in order for the Multiuser Server to continue to run.
Therefore the Multiuser Server cannot be run on a hosted virtual Web site, but only on a machine where users have the right to log on and remain logged on.
When a user with the same name as another user connects with the Multiuser Server, the first user is disconnected. Is this a bug?
This is not a bug. If you use the same computer to make two different connections and each connection has the same user name, the Multiuser Server assumes the first connection was lost. The first connection is therefore dropped and the new connection is allowed.
If connecting to the Server with the same user name of someone on a different machine, the second connection is rejected since that login name is already being used.
Does the Multiuser Xtra store message data on the hard drive?
Message data is stored in the Xtra's RAM-based buffer, also known as the"message queue". The Xtra does not save data to the hard drive.
Can the MU Xtra accept messages during transitions?
The Multiuser Xtra processes incoming data (reads it from the system and calls message handlers) when it gets an idle call from Director, or if CheckNetMessages() is issued. Idle calls can indeed be made during transitions, therefore making it possible for the Multiuser Xtra to accept messages during transitions.
However, transitions are really intended to be graphical transitions between frames. They were not intended to be interactive, meaning that they were not designed to respond to Lingo events. Consequently, results may vary. Test early and test often.
When launching the Multiuser Server on Windows machines, the following error occurs:"A required DLL file, WS2_32.DLL was not found".
Some early builds of Windows 95 did not include Winsock 2, which is where the "WS2_32.DLL" file comes from. The Multiuser Server requires this file, as well as others included with Winsock 2, in order to run correctly.
The Winsock 2 update is available for download from Microsoft's Web site.
When running multiple 50+ user Multiuser Servers, may the same serial number be used for every server?
No. Each Multiuser Server must have a unique Director serial number if allowing more then 50 users per server. For more information on this please refer to the End-User License Agreement for Director.
Can a serial number for the Macintosh version of Director be used to serialize a Windows version of the Multiuser Server?
Yes. As long as the number is a valid Director serial number it does not matter which OS version the serial number came from.
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