TOTAL installation options
This document explains the differences between the stand‑alone, server, and workstation versions of TOTAL.
Document 6504 | Last updated: 02/03/2020 MJY
Based on requests from customers, we've invested in two separate database engines in TOTAL to serve our different customers' needs. Individual users and small shops receive TOTAL on the clean and simple SQL Light that's perfect for stand‑alone users, while larger shops running on a network receive TOTAL on SQL Server Express — a powerful core that allows for better and faster performance for multiple users.
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If you choose to install TOTAL as a stand‑alone, and then later need to install TOTAL as a server, you won't be able to migrate all of your preferences (signature, users, etc.) from the stand‑alone to the server. This is due to the two different database types that we offer.
So, if you think you may need a server install in the future, you're better off installing it as a server version now.
Click through the tabs below for detailed information about each type of installation, including examples for that installation type. Click the Compare tab below to view a comparison of what is available with each type.
Stand‑alone installations are installed locally on a single PC where all of the reports, images, preferences, and databases are stored. This is the most common installation and is typical for individual users that work out of their home or office and are considered a "one-man shop."
This type of installation is also used for laptops that need access to TOTAL while you're on the road or when you're out in the field. Laptops require a stand‑alone installation of TOTAL because the program must be accessible while disconnected from the network. If the laptop is set up as a server or workstation, TOTAL won't open if the machine disconnects from the network.
When TOTAL is installed as a stand‑alone installation, reports can continue to be shared by e‑mailing files. However, user profiles, QuickLists, images, and other database items do not synchronize, and cannot be shared without manually moving them between machines or using Titan Drive.
The best solution for offices with multiple appraisers, a server installation provides access to TOTAL for all of your employees on a network server. Instead of purchasing a copy of TOTAL for each user, simply run TOTAL in a server environment — giving everyone easy access. The shared reports, images, and other database items are all stored on a dedicated server machine where they can be viewed and accessed by all users.
This installation type is most common with appraisal offices consisting of multiple appraisers, or environments where two or more individuals or computers need to be logged in to TOTAL at the same time with the ability to access the same reports and data. If you have more than one computer at your home and/or office, but you are the only one using the machine(s), a Server Installation is not for you — a stand‑alone installation better suits your needs. Server installations are only for configurations where two or more appraisers need access to the same reports and data simultaneously from more than one computer.
A TOTAL server license is required for Server Installations. Click here to find out more, or to purchase your TOTAL server license today.
A workstation installation is only used when you have a dedicated server.
You must configure your server installation before you can set up your workstations.
Once you have verified that the server is configured correctly, each computer that needs to access the server must be set up as a workstation. This installs just the necessary components of TOTAL, and allows the machine to access the files and data that are stored on the server.
| Stand‑alone | Server / Workstation | |
|---|---|---|
| Share reports using attached network folders | ||
| Share reports through server | ||
| Share users | ||
| Share QuickLists | ||
| Share images and comps database |
