TrainingUser Guide

Networking & Installation

Introduction

The installation of LightSpeed is a fast and simple procedure, outlined here. Prior to installation, though, you must make sure your network and hardware meet the requirements to install LightSpeed and LightSpeed Server. 

You must be logged into OS X as an Administrator to install LightSpeed.

Your initial installation is comprised of LightSpeed Server, where your data resides, and LightSpeed, the application that accesses that data. After installation, both LightSpeed and LightSpeed Server will be installed. If you wish to access LightSpeed Server from other computers, you only need to copy LightSpeed the application to the Applications folder.

Network Preparation

  1. Your server must be on a network. Wired 100/1000 connection is recommended.
  2. The server should have a static IP on the local network. Please contact your network administrator if you are unsure.

LightSpeed Server and Client Requirements

  • Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) or Lion (10.7)
  • Intel-based Mac with 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
  • 1440 x 900 minimum resolution for Point of Sale screen
  • Wired network recommended

Configuring A Firewall To Allow Access To LightSpeed

Firewalls help prevent unauthorized access to computer resources, but generally require configuration in order to allow access to desire applications. A firewall that is turned on but not configured to allow LightSpeed clients to connect will prevent users from logging in successfully.

To access LightSpeed through a firewall, it is necessary to configure the firewall for the installed version of LightSpeed on the server computer. LightSpeed is compatible with the firewall included with Mac OS X Server as well as most third-party firewalls, however the firewall that ships with the regular client version of Mac OS X is not compatible as it does not allow for manual configuration of allowed connections.

LightSpeed 3.0 and above

To enable connections to LightSpeed Server, included in LightSpeed 3.0 and above, the firewall must be configured to allow connections on the TCP port being utilized by their LightSpeed installation. This port is 9630 by default, but should be confirmed before the configuration process by completing the following steps on the computer running LightSpeed Server:

  1. Under the Apple menu, open your System Preferences, and click LightSpeed Server.
  2. Select the licensed LightSpeed Server installation from the list on the left side of the window, and note the number shown for the Port value on the right side of the window.

This will provide the TCP port that must be configured to allow incoming connections for LightSpeed clients. 

LightSpeed 2.9.2 and below

To enable connections to LightSpeed 2.9.2 and below through a firewall, the firewall must be configured to allow connections from TCP ports 20221-20230. This allows LightSpeed clients to connect to the OpenBase database that powers these versions of LightSpeed.

For further information regarding firewalls and their configuration, Xsilva recommends that customers seek assistance from network specialists. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) requirements prevent Xsilva from providing assistance or advice regarding networking or firewall configurations.

Installation

After downloading the installer sent to you by Xsilva, a .dmg file will be downloaded to your hard drive. It is from this file that you will install LightSpeed.

To install LightSpeed, please complete the following steps:

  1. Double-click the .dmg file to open the LightSpeed installer.
  2. Double-click Install LightSpeed Server. Follow the onscreen instructions. Prior to this step, you can drag the LightSpeed client to your Applications folder at this point, rather than in Step 5.
  3. You will be asked whether you want to install the demo version, or a licensed version. Choose to install a licensed version. If you are upgrading from LightSpeed 2.x, this option will instead be "Migrate Database". 
  4. When prompted, enter the LightSpeed license provided to you by Xsilva.
  5. Complete the installation and restart your computer. Reopen the .dmg and drag the LightSpeed client to the Applications folder. (Skip this if you did it in Step 2) Launch LightSpeed from the Applications folder.
  6. When the login screen appears, enter "lightspeed" as the username, and "admin" as the password. You will now be logged into your LightSpeed database. 
  7. Copy the LightSpeed client to any client computers that will be accessing the server. Do not run the installer on client computers. Launch LightSpeed, click Servers, and then click Bonjour. Your client will detect the LightSpeed database on your network. Select the licensed database and enter the username and password as described in Step 6. Click Connect. If you wish to connect to your LightSpeed server using a direct IP, please see below for instructions. 

LightSpeed Server

As a multi-user, multi-store application, LightSpeed requires some minor configuration of your network settings, both in OS X, and in the LightSpeed Server System Preference.  Running LightSpeed on a central server is a simple process, but you should make sure that the hardware meets the system requirements before proceeding with your installation. 

After Installation

  1. Under the Apple menu, open your System Preferences, and click LightSpeed Server. 
  2. Select the database and note the port listed to the left.  You should see all the licensing details for the add-ons you have enabled, including Multi-Store and Web Store. 
  3. To allow client computers to access the LightSpeed server on your LAN, your network administrator must open this port on your router.  
  4. To dedicate a specific amount of RAM to LightSpeed server, click the Advanced button at the bottom of the LightSpeed Server window. Set the slider to the desired amount of RAM dedicated to LightSpeed Server; increasing this value may improve performance with various LightSpeed functions, but may impact the performance of other applications on this system. 
  5. You are now ready to begin using LightSpeed. Please see the Getting Started section for more info, including login. 

LightSpeed Server