How the Primary Server Works

In this topic:

Primary Server

The Primary Server manages serial number registration, Client licenses, and Client (Signature File) updates. You can control the Primary Server from the Control Center's Primary Server Properties.

Primary Server Tasks

The Primary Server is a Windows service that manages the Spector 360 Client licenses across the network.

To license and activate Clients:

The Primary Server must detect a registered, "unlocked" installation.
When you register your Spector 360 Serial Number, either during installation or from the Primary Server Administration window, you receive an "unlock" code for a specific number of Client licenses. Use the code to unlock the installation. You cannot install Clients until this is done. See Serial Number Registration.
The Primary Server reserves a license for each Client.
As soon as you schedule a Client install or reserve a Client for a computer, the Primary Server assigns a license to the computer. Once a license is reserved for a specific computer, it cannot be moved or recovered for installation on another Client computer.
The Primary Server verifies the Client computer.
As soon as the Client is installed, it attempts to contact the Primary Server once every minute in order to establish initial communication and receive the Client software license. When communication is established, the Primary Server verifies the computer name and license.
When the license is verified, the Client Recorder begins recording.
Recorded events are stored in files on the local Client computer.
After initial verification, the Client contacts the Primary Server once every four hours to verify the software license.

If communication with the Primary Server is lost
If the Primary Server has been stopped or the computer is off-line:

The Client continues recording, but recorded events will not be uploaded to the Data Vault until communication with the Primary Server resumes.
The Client will attempt to contact the Primary Server every hour to re-establish communications and to validate the software license.
The Client cannot respond to communication from the Control Center for remote management.

To view Client license information:

Double-click the Primary Server icon in the Windows system tray.
Manage Computers > right-click a computer > Properties > Setup Info
Manage Computers > right-click a computer > All Tasks > Verify License.
Right-click Manage Computers > All Tasks > License Summary.

To update Clients:

The Primary Server automatically retrieves software updates from SpectorSoft and delivers them to the Clients, using the method selected in Primary Server Properties. You can access a log file of Primary Server licensing and update activity from the Primary Server Administration window.

Primary Server Requirements

The Primary Server is installed as a Windows service that appears as an icon in the notification area of the computer where it is installed. It requires few system resources and minimal network bandwidth.

It's beneficial but not required for the Primary Server to be on a computer with Internet access.

The Primary Server component is installed at one location on the network, preferably on a computer with a static IP address that is up and running all the time.
One Primary Server is used for one serial number.
The Primary Server must be able to communicate with all Clients on the network.

If you have not yet registered your serial number, you can do so through the Primary Server Administration Window or at the SpectorSoft web site. See Serial Number Registration.