PC System Requirements and Recommendations - SIMS 2000 Sensory Evaluation Testing Software


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PC System Requirements and Recommendations

SIMS 2000 has very basic hardware requirements. Any PC computer running Windows can be used for your panelists stations. You could buy a Dell for under $300 that would be more than adequate for years to come. You could also use 2nd hand PCs that may be available in your organization. One of the PCs needs to host the database. This PC does not necessarily have to be big and expensive, even a Laptop computer can be used. In most cases, our clients are using inexpensive Dell, HP, or IBM PCs for the Host PC, under $1000.

CLIENT PCs	SIMS 2000 PCs being used by Technicians and Panelists
PC Microsoft Operating System	Microsoft Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2008/2003/2000, etc. Both 64-bit and 32-bit supported.
Hard Disk	Minimal size requirements, SIMS 2000 needs less than 100MB.
Display	Color Monitor resolutions 800x600, 1024x768, etc. Note: SIMS 2000 will take advantage of higher screen resolution capabilities.
Printer	Any printer, such as a Laser Printer, for Technicians. Note: SIMS 2000 will take advantage of color printers for Graphics and Print Screens.
Apple iPads, Thin tablets	Remote Desktop App Citrix, Microsoft Terminal Server.

HOST PC	PC Computer being used as a SQL Database Host
The SIMS 2000 host system can optionally be easily installed in a matter of minutes on any Windows 7/XP/Vista/Server PC or Laptop computer as a single user system or shared for multiple users. The SIMS 2000 DVD includes an easy one-step installation of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (free) and SIMS 2000 software.
PC Microsoft Operating System	Microsoft Windows 7/XP/Vista/2008/2003 Server can be used with most versions of SQL Server 2008/2005, such as with the Free SQL Server 2008/2005 Express Edition. Both 64-bit and 32-bit supported.
Memory	Memory is the most important requirement for any Database Server. Usual minimum is 1GB RAM
Hard Disk	Minimal size requirements. SQL Server does not require a lot of Hard Disk Space, general minimum is 80GB.
SQL Software	Microsoft SQL Server 2008/2005/2000 Database Management Software. Including the Free SQL Server 2008/2005 Express Edition.
Server Note	The Server does not necessarily have to be big and expensive, even a Laptop computer can be used as the SQL Server, especially for SIMS 2000 Evaluations. In most cases, our clients are using mid-to-high end Compaq, Dell, or IBM PCs. We are also looking at Linux. We are always available to discuss this in more detail.
Networks	All types. Wired and Wireless, Ethernet Topologies, Microsoft Windows Protocols (TCP/IP, Named Pipes, etc.), and Novell Protocols (IPX/SPX)

OTHER PC HARDWARE OPTIONS

SIMS 2000 works great with Windows Netbook PCs running Microsoft Windows 7/XP/Vista.
Hardware vendors including Dell, HP, IBM, Pansonic, Toshiba, etc.

SIMS 2000 works great with Windows XP & Windows 7 Tablet PC Edition, which is enhanced for Tablet PCs from mainsteam Windows operating system versions. Here are some popular Tablet PC Vendors.

SIMS 2000 now works with Apple iPads and Thin client tablets. Remote Desktop App.
Microsoft Terminal Servers via Wyse PocketCloud App , Citrix Receiver for iPad, and others.

SIMS 2000 works great with Wireless Tablet PCs, such as Fujitsu Pen-Tablet Hand-Held PCs , Panasonic Toughbooks , Dell Latitude XFR , and Lenovo Thinkpad X Series

SIMS 2000 works great with existing PCs and Laptops, reconfigured for Wireless, using Network Cards and Wireless Routers, such as Linksys/Cisco

SIMS 2000 now works with low-cost Thin Client PCs, prices start as low as $299. Citrix, Terminal Server.

SIMS 2000 works great with durable Flat Touchscreen Monitors:
Datalux 3M MicroTouch Planar HP

Free MousePads for All Clients and Evaluation sites.

Limited Support Options:

Pocket PCs and Handhelds are supported Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 for panelists using our internet browser based SensoryTest.com internet web testing services.

Pocket PCs and Handhelds are supported with Microsoft Terminal Services Client. Use the Terminal Services Client to connect to Windows ® 2003 server products to open up a "window" directly to your server. All the data storage and processing occurs directly on the server.
Read more on Microsoft Web site: Windows 2008 Remote Desktop Services (aka Terminal Services).
Read more on Microsoft Web site: Windows 2003 Terminal Services.

Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 is the name of the newest Microsoft operating system used for Pocket PCs and Handhelds. Previous names used by Microsoft included Windows Pocket Edition and Windows CE. Devices using these operating systems are supported for SIMS 2000 as discussed above, but are not supported as traditional PCs because of the RISC processor (RISC = Reduced instruction set). Traditional desktop computer applications do not work on these devices, including SIMS 2000. Devices such as Blackberrys using non Microsoft operating systems are not supported.

PC System Furniture Ideas

SIMS 2000 Locations Solutions Matrix

Locations	Professional Technicians	Panelists	Test Data
Onsite Testing Client's testing rooms Client's corporate intranet	Office desktops Any PCs SIMS 2000 installed on PC, standard Windows client PC application	Panel room Any PCs SIMS 2000 installed on PC, standard Windows client PC application	Microsoft SQL database hosted by client
All clients use the Onsite Testing solution described above. Optionally use your SIMS 2000 System in other locations as described below.
Central Location Testing CLTs Yes Internet Access Sensory Computer Systems Cloud www.SensoryTest.com	Any PCs Remote desktop, professional access SIMS 2000 application hosted by Sensory Computer Systems www.SensoryTest.com	Browser Access PCs, Tablets, iPads MS Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc. www.SensoryTest.com	Microsoft SQL database hosted by Sensory Computer Systems
Central Location Testing CLTs Yes Internet Access Client's Cloud Direct SQL via IP or VPN	Any PCs SIMS 2000 installed on PC, standard Windows client PC application	Any PCs SIMS 2000 installed on PC, standard Windows client PC application	Microsoft SQL database hosted by client
Central Location Testing CLTs No Internet Access	Traveling SIMS 2000 System SIMS 2000 installed on PC SIMS 2000 Express Packages	Traveling SIMS 2000 System SIMS 2000 installed on PC SIMS 2000 Express Packages	Microsoft SQL database hosted by client on Traveling SIMS 2000 System
Home Use Testing HUTs Yes Internet Access Sensory Computer Systems Cloud www.SensoryTest.com	Any PCs Remote desktop, professional access SIMS 2000 application hosted by Sensory Computer Systems www.SensoryTest.com	Browser Access PCs, Tablets, iPads MS Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc. www.SensoryTest.com	Microsoft SQL database hosted by Sensory Computer Systems

The Benefits of Client Server Architecture

Also known as "distributed computing", client/server architecture makes sharing tasks among various systems on a network extremely simple. Processing tasks are efficiently distributed across multiple, networked computers.

Thanks to the implementation of client/server architecture, you can take advantage of a common application interface that allows unlimited simultaneous users of SIMS 2000, either as panelists or professional technicians, to perform their objectives while enjoying maximum network response.

Database Warehouse. Client/server architecture is by nature a database warehouse containing your data. Other applications, such as Excel and Access can be used to import, generate reports, and manipulate your SIMS 2000 databases.

The client/server solution also brings scalability, which means future upgrades will be significantly simpler-both in terms of implementation and cost. It's faster, more powerful and gives you more control over all Sensory testing and market research information management activities. Client/server also simplifies centralized system administration, and regulatory compliance.

Desktop PCs

Laptop PCs

Tablet PCs

Handheld PCs

SIMS 2000 can be used with Kiosks to Support Market Research Point of Sale. Below are pictures of various styles of Kiosks.

Datalux X14 Touchscreen LCD Monitor