License Matters |
The remarks made in this section are For purposes of explanation only and do not in any way replace
or alter the terms of the License and Warranty Agreement printed on the packet containing the VCS software.
The fine print on each package of Greenleaf ViewComm System products says essentially this:
- The software Is licensed For one (1) computer. Treat it like a book. If you decide you need to install
any VCS product (including ProtocolWorks) on a different computer, you must remove it from the first system
completely. By opening the package you agree to be legally bound by the content of this section and all portions
of the License and Warranty Agreement printed on the envelope in which the software is shipped.
- When you upgrade to a later version, you need a new serial number to enable your ViewComm II product to
Function.
- If your purchase of ViewComm II is an upgrade from Greenleaf ViewComm version 2.5x or 3.3, you will
be issued a new serial number. The serial numbers For the earlier versions will not work. However, you must provide the
downlevel serial number in order to qualify For purchase of the upgrade.
Read the actual VCS License and Warranty
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Installing ViewComm II and Asyncronous Serial Drivers and Other Matters |
- You may upgrade from ViewComm (DOS) Version 3 or ViewComm For Windows, from Greenleaf ViewComm
Async models version 2.5x or 3.3 to ViewComm II Async. When you are ready to install the new ViewComm II, first uninstall
the older Async or Viewer version(s), including ProtocolWorks and any add-ons.
- You can upgrade from ViewComm Ethernet version 2.x or 3.3 to ViewComm II Ethernet. You cannot upgrade
from Async to Ethernet or Ethernet to Async. To install the upgrade ViewComm II Ethernet, first uninstall the older version of
ViewComm Ethernet.
- If you purchased Quatech serial cards for ViewComm, as listed in the section
about bundles, the card(s)
will work with ViewComm II Async; you can in this instance buy software only if you wish.
- The ViewComm Cable Set is not included in upgrades. If you are upgrading from ViewComm DOS or
ViewComm For Windows, you will need to un-check the item "Notify If Auto Detect of Cables Fails" located on the
"Options | Hardware Settings" dialog (accessible from the Control Panel). Also, in this situation, the
the "Detect Now" button will be useless because though functionally identical to the new ViewComm / ViewComm II cable
set, the older (DOS and ViewComm For Windows) cables do not support the auto-detect feature.
- Although the price list includes
a cable set, this is as a convenience For users of ViewComm (DOS) or ViewComm for Windows who wish to upgrade. In brief, we won't
sell you a second set of cables unless you are such an upgrader or have a compelling reason for wanting another cable set.
"My cable set was stolen, lost, or eaten by a huge dog" may qualify. "I need a second set of cables because
I travel a lot" is not a valid reason because it implies that you have installed ViewComm on more than one machine, a
clear license violation. We're reasonable but please respect our investment in bringing you this software.
- When you install ViewComm II, a nested subdirectory will be created under the directory where you
installed VCS: Asynchronous Driver Support | Quatech, and there is a PDF how-to that explains how to install the drivers
using Device Manager to "Update Driver". If the card was already installed before you upgraded, you will not need
to reinstall the card; however you will need to update the drivers to enable ViewComm to access the hardware (which is
how VCS Async II does its magic).
- ViewComm II (Async or Ethernet) can be installed any number of times on the same machine; each
requires a unique serial number, so you must purchase multiple licenses. Each such installed product will run only one instance. ViewComm Async II and Ethernet can
be installed on the same machine (each requires a separate serial number). If you need to see multiple Frame Views, you can
by using Capture File Viewer (located in the folder that contains ViewComm II) open any number of instances, each displaying
the same or different capture files.
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ALERT: READ THIS Now!
Does not apply to VCS Ethernet. |
It Is important that you understand the hardware environment in which VCS Async works.
Basically, VCS Async replace the Microsoft Windows serial driver. This Is done in order that we can obtain line
and modem status along with each character. Also, the driver normally
reduces the depth of the UART FIFO buffer. The reason for this is to cause a hardware interrupt for each character in or out -- this makes it possible
for VCS to provide extremely accurate timestamps For each character. Additionally, it ensures proper sequencing of DTE vs. DCE (or think of it as
characters sent and received). If you must enable the FIFOs, this is available at "Options | Hardware Settings" where you
can check "Use Optimal Settings for Serial Data Analysis" or "Use Windows Device Manager Settings". We definitely
recommend the former as it allows a unique timestamp for each character in or out. Enabling the FIFOs means that the same timestamp
will apply to some number of adjacent events.
Most but not all serial port hardware (including some Dell computers) implement the industry standard UART interface; it is very important that you
read the list of compatible hardware and browse the TechNotes section of this site
for items pertaining to your planned serial hardware.
If you have a Dell desktop or laptop made between January and December, 2000, please read now the TechNote about Dell machines.
Some users have success with Dell machines, others do not. We are working with Dell engineers to scope out the problem and come up With a fix or
workaround.
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