Introduction

Hotfixes are upgrades for your computer system that can do a number of things:

Add entirely new features
Upgrade existing software to add new features
Fix problems in existing software
Improve the running of your system

It is important therefore, that you keep your system up to date with the latest hotfixes. This manual explains the various ways in which you may do this.

Obtaining and installing hotfixes

If your server is connected to the Internet

If you are able to view web pages from the Internet on your network, then you can use the automated hotfix system. This involves running the hotfix command. This can be done from the server or from a client machine (e.g. an NC).

From the server

Log in with the user name root
Type in the root password when requested
If you see a screen like the following you have the new configuration menus installed on your server and so go to step 4. Otherwise go to step 5.
Select option S (Apply software upgrades e.g. Hotfixes) from the menu and press Return. Then select option H (Get hotfixes from the Internet). You may skip step 5.
If you see a prompt that says: ncserver 1# then type hotfix and press Return.
You will be prompted for a user name and password to access the hotfixes. These details are listed on the back of your support contract and will only be accepted while your support contract is valid.
The server will automatically connect to Precedence and download and apply any required hotfixes
Once finished, you may log out. If you have a ncserver 2# prompt, type logout and press Return. If you have the new style menu, simply press Escape.

From an NC

Log in as ncadmin
Type in the ncadmin password
Choose Log into server
Click the word here in the second section that is titled Traditional text login
A window will open with a login: prompt. If you see an error that says, "Could not start FreeTerm", click on OK and then simply click on the word here again.
At the login: prompt, type ncadmin and then Return
Enter the ncadmin password when requested
At the ncserver 1% prompt, type su and press Return
Enter the root password
Now you may continue from step 3 in the previous section.

If you have an Internet connection elsewhere

This section assumes you are familiar with using a web browser on your chosen machine. You will need a DOS format floppy (this can be formatted either on a Windows PC or on an Acorn machine). Go to the following URL with your web browser:

http://www.precedence.co.uk/nc/

Follow the link for Hotfixes for NetManager. This page will show all the hotfixes available. Download the required fixes and save them to the floppy disc. You will be prompted for a user name and password to access the hotfixes. These details are listed on the back of your support contract and will only be accepted while your support contract is valid. Put the floppy disc into the server and then follow the appropriate instructions below depending whether you are at the server or an NC.

From the server

Log in with the user name root
Type in the root password when requested
If you see a screen like the following you have the new configuration menus installed on your server and so go to step 4. Otherwise go to step 5.
Select option S (Apply software upgrades e.g. Hotfixes) from the menu and press Return. Then select option F (Apply software upgrades from floppy disc). You may skip step 5.
If you see a prompt that says: ncserver 1# then type floppyupdate and press Return.
Press Return when prompted. The hotfixes on the floppy disc will be automatically applied.
Once finished, you may log out. If you have a ncserver 2# prompt, type logout and press Return. If you have the new style menu, press Escape.

From an NC

Log in as ncadmin
Type in the ncadmin password
Choose Log into server
Click the word here in the second section that is titled "For a traditional text login"
A window will open with a login prompt. If you an error that says, "Could not start FreeTerm", click on OK and then simply click on the word here again.
At the login prompt, type ncadmin and then Return
Enter the ncadmin password when requested
At the ncserver 1% prompt, type su and press Return
Enter the root password
Now you may continue from step 3 in the previous section.

If you have no Internet access at all

You may request a CDROM or floppy disc from Precedence with the hotfixes on. N.B. This is not the preferred solution as it does not allow you to keep up to date as easily.

Frequently asked Questions

Why can't it do it all automatically?

Every installation is different. Some have Internet connections, some do not. If you have an Internet connection you may be charged for access out of term time. Some hotfixes may require you to reboot the NCs or the server. There could be moral/legal implications for software being installed on your server without your explicit permission.

How can I see what hotfixes I've got already?

Follow the installation instructions above until you've either got to a ncserver 1# prompt or to the main menu. If at a menu, choose option S and then option L. If at the prompt type:

ls /var/hotfix

How can I see what the hotfixes do?

Simply go to the following URL in a web browser:

http://www.precedence.co.uk/nc/

Here you will find details on all the hotfixes and also a lot of other information which will be of use to you.

How often should I apply hotfixes?

As often as you can. Once a week would be ideal.

My password is being rejected

Has your support contract expired?

Some ISPs that provide a poor level of service may block access to password protected areas (either intentionally or unintentionally).

It says "Connecting to Xemplar"

You haven't applied the hotfixes very often, have you? Contact Precedence and we'll talk you through getting it working.

Precedence Technologies Ltd

86 Kings Hedges Road

Cambridge

CB4 2PA

Tel: 01223 562500

Fax: 01223 563522

email: ncsupport@precedence.co.uk

WWW: http://www.precedence.co.uk/

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