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ClockWatch's Client-Server Solution
Client-Server
- How does ClockWatch (CW) Server work?
- How do the CW Clients communicate with the Server?
- How many Clients can the Server handle?
- Do I need a license for each client?
- Do I have to use ClockWatch Client to talk with CW Server?
Network/LAN Issues
- How much network traffic is added with each CW Client?
- Will it work with my mainframe?
- Will it work on my token ring LAN?
- Does ClockWatch Server work with Novel, IBM, Mac or Unix clients?
Installation/Run-time Options
- Will ClockWatch Server work with the native time client in Windows XP/Vista/Win7/8?
- Can I configure ClockWatch as Service in Windows?
- Will CW Service run even when there is no one logged in?
- I'm using CW Client and I don't want to give users access to ClockWatch's controls. Can this be done?
- Can ClockWatch be installed as an application for a regular user on Vista or Windows 7/8?
- Is there a way to automate the installation of CW Client to workstations?
- What permissions must be set in Windows to change the time?
Firewalls/Security
- Does it work behind my corporate firewall?
- Does it work with proxy servers?
- Will it work with my dial-up Internet connection?
- What if my network doesn't allow outside access?
Logging
- What logs does the system keep?
- Does it write to the event log?
- Does this meet the timekeeping requirements of NASDAQ OATS?
Misc.
- Does it work with external master clocks or time signals?
- Will it control external time clocks?
- Do you have a way of making my clock more accurate between settings?
- Can it work with Novell, Macintosh or Linux Clients?
- What if I have to print out the time
ClockWatch FAQ
ClockWatch Client-Server page
ClockWatch Main Page
Client-Server
How do the CW Clients communicate with the Server?
Independently, a workstation running ClockWatch Client requests time from Server over the LAN or WAN using the sockets protocol. Server responds to each client with correct time, logging client request.
Client adjusts time for time zone and sets internal clock to correct time.How many Clients can the Server handle?
Since ClockWatch uses a lightweight networking approach, CW Server can handle up to 2000 clients.Do I need a license for each CW Client?
Yes, each workstation running ClockWatch client needs to be licensed. ClockWatch Enterprise offers a cost-effective option for larger networks (greater than 15 clients).Do I have to use ClockWatch Client to talk with CW Server?
No, ClockWatch server maintains the O/S time on the server it is running. Other means can be used to time-synchronize a network. ClockWatch Client offers many advantages including time display options, setting options, graphs, ease of installation and logging.
Network / LAN Issues
How much network traffic is added with each CW Client?
ClockWatch requires minimal network resources. Time settings are made (at most) several times each day. Each time setting packet is just 537 bytes.Will it work with my mainframe or mini computer?
ClockWatch Client/Server will run on a network maintained at standard time through other means on the network which it is running. Currently ClockWatch runs only on Windows 32 bit platforms.Will it work on my token ring LAN?
If your token ring supports Sockets (most do), ClockWatch can be used.
Installation/Run-time Options
Will CW Service run even when there is no one logged in?
Yes, if ClockWatch Service is set to start automatically, ClockWatch will start when Windows is started, even if there are no users currently logged on.I'm using CW Client and I don't want to give users access to ClockWatch's controls. Can this be done?
ClockWatch Client can be installed and run as a Service, restricting access to those authorized. ClockWatch Enterprise offers centralized control by the server administrator.Can ClockWatch be installed as an application for a regular user on NT? / What permissions must be set in Windows NT/2000 to change the time?
Making ClockWatch accessible by regular users under Windows NT/2000 is a three-step process:
- A regular version of ClockWatch Pro, Client or Server must first be installed by someone with full administration privileges.
- A special user shell version is available from Beagle Software. This version allows the user to install the application for their login and gives the user access to the ClockWatch application.
- The group that the user belongs to must have the right to "Change the system time" in the Windows NT policy administration. In Windows 2000 this option can be found under Security Settings->Local Policies->User Rights Assignments
On Windows XP machines:
- The group that the user belongs to must have the right to "Change the system time" in the Local Security Settings administration. In Windows XP this option can be found under Administrative Tools->Local Security Policy
Installing ClockWatch as an NT Service (CW Server, CW Client)
An NT service is a specific system function that runs in a special area under Windows NT. ClockWatch Server contains a module, which can be installed as a Service under Windows NT. This allows ClockWatch to run in the special service area of the operating system. In ClockWatch server, the program maintains a copy of the run-time options for use by the service module. When running as a service, ClockWatch does all the clock synchronization activities without intervention running from the parameters specified by the user using the normal ClockWatch application.To install ClockWatch as a service:
- Install and configure ClockWatch Server on the system.
The service uses the ClockWatch parameters you specify in the regular ClockWatch interface.- Register the Service module by choosing "Register CW Service" under the file menu. This will register the service with the operating system.
- Start and run the service like any other service by using the Windows NT administrative interface. In Windows 2000, this can be found under Administrative Tools->Services.
- To start the ClockWatch service, use the Control Panel Services applet. This applet lets you start, stop, pause or continue the execution of services. You can also use it to specify if you want ClockWatch to be started at boot time, and if you want a simple user interface to be visible.
Note: ClockWatch Service must be run in the System context.
Is there a way to automate the installation of CW Client to workstations?
Yes. ClockWatch Client features a simple, yet powerful, option that lets you include a custom installation template. This makes installing ClockWatch Client with company-specific values simple and direct. This also allows for company-wide deployment of customized ClockWatch Client installations without modifying the original installation package. The installation files can be shared or copied to a network share for installation.
More information on automated client installations
Firewalls/Security
Does ClockWatch work behind corporate firewalls?
The current version of ClockWatch can be configured to work behind corporate firewalls or Proxy servers. See ClockWatch behind firewalls for detailed information.Will ClockWatch work with my dial-up Internet connection?
ClockWatch will work with all dial-up Internet Service providers that allow access to the Internet.
Logging
Does ClockWatch write to the NT Event log?
No, ClockWatch maintains its own logs. This allows the logs to be written across a network or gathered for archives or analysis.
Miscellaneous
Does it work with external master clocks or time signals?
Yes, ClockWatch can run on a Windows 95/98/NT/2000 computer that is maintained by master clocks, radio clocks or other external time sources.Will it control external mechanical time clocks?
Converters are available to connect time clocks to a Windows computer through the serial port. Beagle Software offers a time stamper, DocuClock, that stamps receipts with the exact time.
