System Operations
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Copyright © 2016 Userful Corporation. All rights reserved.
(Updated 2016.02.19)
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Contents
System Operations
Functions that affect the entire system (that is, the host CPU and all the connected displays) are found in the System Operations section of the Control Center. These include:
- Failover Settings
- Managing Licenses
- Changing Admin Password
- Changing Hostname
- Power Management
- Rebooting / Shutting down the system
- Network Settings
- Managing Updates
- Changing System Date, Time and Language
Failover Settings
Failover is an exciting feature with network zero-client devices. Failover is designed to eliminate users' concerns over the risk of single point of failure. Failover requires two host PC/servers to be located on the same subnet and each needs to be configured to failover to the other. When one host PC/server fails, backup host can "take over" the network zero-client devices that were assigned to the "failed" host PC/server. Please refer to Failover section for detail information.
Manage Licensing
With Userful products, Licensing is quick and easily managed through the Control Center. To enable the full version of Userful Network Video Wall™, you need a valid license for each display. The unlicensed version of Userful Network Video Wall™ is fully functional, but will display a brief registration reminder on all attached displays every 20 minutes or so. To enable the full version of product, you need a valid license for each display.
Getting License Key Online
To get a license key online, click on the link "Manage Licensing > Replace License". A page where an activation code can be entered will open (see illustration to the right).
- If Userful has already provided an activation code, simply enter it in the first box. In the second box, select the maximum number of stations to be used.
- Note: The activation code is tied to a certain number of stations. The number of stations entered on this page CANNOT exceed the number specified when activation code was created. To get the "Activation Code", simply click "Get Activation Code" and submit the form.
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As part of the activation process, your web browser submits basic system information to Userful -- including your system's MAC address, Linux distribution and version and video card. The license key file(s) are installed automatically and take effect without rebooting the system. |
Installing a License Key from a File
A working internet connection is required to use the activation code to install your license. In the event that you need to license a system with no internet connection, email the MAC address or System ID of the host PC/server you need to license along with your activation code to Userful. They will generate a license key and send it as an attachment.
To install a license key from a file that Userful or a Userful partner has provided:
- Copy the file to the desktop of the system to be licensed or mount a USB flash drive containing the license key file.
- From the starting screen of the Licensing section, click on the button marked "Manually Install License File" under System Operations > Manage Licensing > Replace License. The page seen to the right will open.
- Click on the "Browse" button and navigate through the file system to the directory where the license key is saved. Select the license key file and choose "Open".
- Click on the "Upload License File" button. The license key file is installed automatically and takes effect after rebooting the system.
Increasing the Maximum Number of Stations on a License
If your contract allows, it is possible to increase the maximum number of stations connected to a given host PC/server without replacing the license. To do this, click on the "Increase Stations" link under System Operations > Manage Licensing .
If desired, backup the existing license by clicking the "Backup your current license file” link in the dialogue that appears.
Enter the “Activation Code” and the new "Maximum Number of Stations". Click on the "Request Increase from License Server" button to complete the operation.
Please Note: The new maximum number of stations entered must be greater than the current maximum.
The "License Details" will now reflect the increased Maximum Number of Stations.
Backing up a License File
- To back up a license file, go to System Operations > Manage Licensing and click the "Download/Backup current license" button on the bottom of the page.
- This will open a dialogue box asking to confirm the file-saving operation. Click "Save" to save a copy of the license file with a ".bak" file extension in the /etc/userful/license/ directory.
Replacing an Existing License
Sometimes it may be necessary to replace a license on a working system; for example, to add more stations to the license. Contact Userful if you have any questions about obtaining a replacement license.
To replace a license, go to System Operations > Manage Licensing and click the "Replace License" button.
Follow the instructions to either get a license through the internet (if you have an activation code) or install a license file manually.
Note: Licenses persist when product is upgraded to a newer version. That is, if you already have a license for any version of Userful Network Video Wall, you can update your system to the newest available version without obtaining a new license.
Change Admin Password
User can change admin(root) password using this link. To do so:
- From Navigation Panel, go to System Operations
- Click on "Change Admin Password" link
- A window will popup, enter Current Password, New Password and Repeat Password
- Click "OK" button
The change will take effect immediately without system reboot.
Change Hostname
The link provides instructions on “How to change Hostname” via terminal.
Power Management
Automatic Nightly Shutdown
To conserve power and to ensure proper shutdown of host PC/server, you can enable automatic shutdown process. To enable this:
- Click "Automatic Nightly Shutdown" and check the "Automatically Shutdown the host PC" checkbox
- Enter the time in (HH/MM) format
Note: Warning message will pop 5 minutes before the scheduled time on all connected displays.
Control Center also provides instructions to do automatic power-on using BIOS. This feature is particularly helpful if it is hard to access host PC/server physically. Click on the "change BIOS settings" link and follow the instructions.
DPMS Settings
Userful has added DPMS (Display Power Management Signaling) support for network zero-client devices. DPMS is a standard used to save power and maximize the useful life of display devices including projectors. To enable DPMS functionality for zero-client stations:
- Open Control Center > System Operations, click “DPMS Settings” button.
- Mark "Turn off inactive displays after” checkbox and select the time interval from the drop-down menu and hit “OK” button.
All stations connected including host PC/server would go offline after the time specified.
Reboot/Shut Down System
Reboot/Shutdown functionality is implemented using the buttons respectively.
Clicking on each button will bring up a confirmation dialog and once confirmed appropriate action will be performed.
Network Settings
Network Settings section of System Operations displays following information of Network Interface Card:
- Interface Name
- Link Status
- IP Address
- Lease Time
- DNS
- Proxy Settings
Clicking on the pencil icon located to the right of the IP address opens the network settings configuration box for the host PC/server. By default, host PC/server automatically retrieve its network settings and IPAddress from router or DHCP server. It is possible to manually override this setting and manually assign an IPAddress.
Configuring Network
By default, host PC/server automatically retrieve its network settings and IP Address from router or DHCP server. It is possible to manually override this setting and manually assign an IP Address and other DNS settings using "Network Manager" utility:
- Login to Linux Desktop as root user
- Go to System > Preferences > Network Connections
- Select the Network Interface Profile (
eno1as shown in the image but can be different) - Click the "Edit" button
- Select the "IPv4 Settings" tab
- Select "Manuals" from the drop-down
- Under Addresses section, click "Add" button and enter the following information:
- IP Address
- Netmask
- Gateway
- Click "Save" button
Proxy Settings
The Control Center uses the Internet to contact the Userful licensing server. If the computer system is behind a proxy server, administrators must set a proxy address within the Control Center to allow the Userful host PC/server to communicate with the licensing server in order to retrieve licenses.
To configure proxy settings, go to System Operations > Network Settings > Proxy Settings under Control Center. Enter the host PC/server proxy address and the port, and click "OK".
System Updates
Userful team is continually working to improve product stability and feature set for upcoming version releases. Occasionally, Userful may release important updates between official software version releases.
To check for such updates, select System Operations > System Updates > Check for Updates from the Navigation Panel.
- By default, the system checks for updates automatically; if any are available, they will be listed on this page.
- Click "OK" to update (click "Cancel" to reset the page).
Please Note: An active internet connection and a valid support and maintenance contract is required to access the software updates.
Third-party Add-ons
Userful provides the ability to install Third-party add-on packages directly through Control Center. To access this functionality go to System Operations > System Updates > Third-party Add-ons and click "Check for Available Add-ons". User can install following add-ons (packages):
- Desktopvideo (required for Blackmagic Decklink Capture)
- GStreamer Proprietary Plugins
- DVD Player Plugin
Simply, select the package and click "Apply" to start the installation process. Changes will take place without the system reboot.
Date and Time
Host PC/Server's date and time zone can be changed by clicking on “Change” link. User can edit date and time manually by entering values in the text box provided or can set to "Automatic".
System Language
System and keyboard language are displayed at the end of System Operations screen. In order to change the language click “Change” link and select System and keyboard language from the drop-down. The changes will take effect only after the reboot.
