What are the details for the network architecture of FCS Express?

The information presented below serves as a way for our customers to better understand how a Network Installation of FCS Express works. Prior to installation, please review the concepts and details below to better understand how the network version of FCS Express works. Please see our full Network Installation Instructions when you are ready to proceed.

SuperComputer
  • FCS Express Network is installed on a central network location. The network is simply acting as a fileshare.
  • A shortcut to the FCS Express executable file on the network is created on a local workstation.
  • When the program is launched from the shortcut, FCS Express will be executed on the client, not on the network. In other words, FCS Express will use the resources of the local workstation, rather than the network, to run the application.
  • On the initial launch of FCS Express on a local workstation, a network cache will be created in the ProgramData folder of the local workstation.
  • The network cache is a folder that contains most of the application files needed for FCS Express to run on the local workstation.
  • The network cache allows FCS Express to run from local files, hence startup up more quickly than if it had to load files from the network each time.
  • If the FCS Express version on the network changes, FCS Express will detect this and copy the updated files to the network cache
  • If FCS Express cannot copy files to the network cache (due to the user not having valid permissions for example) FCS Express will be executed from the network location.
  • The files that make up the network cache will be downloaded from the network location to the ProgramData folder on the local workstation.
  • By default, ProgramData is a hidden folder in the Windows operating system. To show hidden folders in Windows, click here.
  • Directions to install a network license of FCS Express can be found here.
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