SimpleWave requires a file-server and multiple client computers connected by a network, or a single computer with an external harddisk which is connected only when the startup disk must be checked.
The clients need to have System 7 installed (System 7.0 or later). Any of the AppleShare Chooser extensions supplied with System Software version 7.0/AppleShare 3.0 or later are sufficient.
There are no requirements for the file-server software as long as it implements AFP (Apple Filing Protocol). A dedicated file-server for using SimpleWave is advised but not required. An AFP server which doesn't implement the copy-protect bit (like System 7 FileSharing) is usable but limits the capabilities of SimpleWave somewhat.
To allow SimpleWave to notify the Finder about changes it made to the files and folders and have the Finder update its windows properly you need the Finder and Finder Scripting Extension included with System 7.5. When these are not available another method is used which result in a delay before the Finder updates its windows.
SimpleWave works best when used with an Ethernet network. An AppleTalk (LocalTalk or Phonenet) is possible but this may cause noticeable delays on the client computers. Simultaneous accessing of one server by many clients over a single network segment simultaneously by many clients may cause overload the network and/or the server. See the “Known Problems” chapter for more detailed information on this.
It is advisable to have some sort of clock synchronization software installed, preferably using the file-server as the time-server. If the times between the file-server and the clients differ more than fifteen minutes, then SimpleWave may update files because it THINKS the creation/modification date and time are different. Apple file servers compensate for differences in time between it and the client, sending a modified date rather than the actual date to SimpleWave. This problem is very evident when Daylight Saving Time starts or ends.
There are several nice freeware/shareware utilites to synchronize clocks of networked Macintosh computers.
SimpleWave takes about 125 Kb of memory to run, of this, 30 Kb are used for the buffer when copying files.
You, the lab maintainer, are expected to be familiar with Macintosh computers, the installation and use of system software, file-server theory and the file-server software used at your site. You must also know how to use the ResEdit application.
