The SIMS

[kingswood]

That got your attention (all you gamers ;-)

Basically I need to get down and dirty with SIMS without doing so on a production LAN. I know how to install SIMS etc., but what I'm wondering is how to use it when not connected to the network.

Any ideas?

Paul

[Bisk]

Are you using .net ?
if so run a standalone version, on production lan back up sims from system man.
On standalone install MSDE from sims setups, install sims
copy backup file from prod Lan to standalone
in sims system manager restore from backup, all data passwords permissions
are as prod lan. Remember to install 16 bit apps in sims or some things wont work
This is what I do.

[kingswood]

I am running .net; so let me see if I got this clear-

1. Install a standalone version of SIMS on my laptop
2. Make a backup copy of SIMS from System Manager
3. Copy the backup file to the standalone machine
4. On the standalone machine open Sys. Man and choose to restore from backup.

Did I get that right?

Sounds good to me in any case- and very much appreciated!

Thanks Bisk.

Paul :-)

[Ric_]

Sounds FAR too easy when you consider how much of a pain SIMS can be.

[kingswood]

There might be some truth in that Ric. I dread the (almost weekly) update routine with SIMS. After every one there are issues with lesson monitor and the whole thing...

They might take it out of beta soon :-)

Paul

[Ric_]

@kingswood: It made it to beta!?!

[ajbritton]

@kingswood: If you need technical help on SIMS, there are also some very knowledgable (but independant) people on the official SIMS SupportNet site (www.capitaes.co.uk) in the 'Technical' forum. You'll need a logon, but I think it's quite easy to get one. I work for an LEA support unit so have had a logon for a long time. If you try to get a logon and get nowhere, let me know and I'll see what I can find out.

[GrumbleDook]

I had a test setup for a short period of time and it was handy to try a few new things out with, but I don't bother anymore.

Are you getting any support from .ICT?

They *seriously* do not like you having a test system ... and if you have issues on your live one, they may well say "We told you so!!!"

One thing they do have that is handy ... their little backup util, sinfo.

Saved me a heap of time when moving the data from the live to the test box.

Failing that do the routine you stated above ... but beware that Lesson Monitor will moan ... you truly do need to do it on a stand-alone box, or on a test network with no access to the live system.

[ajbritton]

I would heartily reccomend the use of Virtual PC (or VMWare) for test environments. As long as you have a good PC (P4 2.8GHz with 1Gb RAM), you can simulate a server and two PCs running simultaneously in total isolation (or with limited network access)