MailCOPA may be used in a single-machine configuration (running on a machine that holds the data on its own hard disc), accessing the Internet via, for example, a dial-up link, a DSL or Cable Internet connection. MailCOPA may also be installed in a multi-machine configuration, where several installations of MailCOPA exist on computers on a network, all accessing the same data on a so-called 'server' machine. This has the advantage that any user may access their email and address book(s) from any computer on the network. A number of different detailed arrangements are possible, the diagram to the right shows what is probably the most common. See this page for the scope of the various configuration options of MailCOPA in multi-machine installations. |
Typical Network Setup |
MailCOPA is installed on the computer together with the database, which holds all configuration, email messages, addresses, filters, styles, diary information etc. MailCOPA accesses the database by direct disk access. NO database server is installed.
In order for a network configuration to work properly, the computers must be correctly networked together - ie connected via a wireless connection or appropriate network cable and possibly a hub or switch, and the machines properly configured. The network needs some sort of connection to the internet - see the diagram above for the typical setup.
Current versions of MailCOPA use TCP/IP for access to the database server on the server machine (the one holding the central data store). To avoid possible problems with this method of connection, you should configure your server machine to have a Static IP Address. The clients may be configured dynamically.
The data path for clients will be of the form: ivdb://192.168.1.1/mailcopa
It is possible however that a machine name may be used (eg ivdb://myserver/mailcopa) but this is not advised. Use of the IP Address is far more secure.
The data path on the server will be a direct-to-disk path eg:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\InterVations\mailcopa (Windows 2000/XP/2003)
C:\ProgramData\InterVations\MailCOPA (Windows Vista, 7, 2008)
However, MailCOPA on the server will normally access the data via the database server, just like the clients.
Potential Problems
Firewalls can block MailCOPA's access - it is essential that the clients and server can communicate via Port 7491 TCP & UDP (for data access), and access Port 7493 UDP outgoing (for notification of database changes, eg new mail, mail marked seen).
When MailCOPA is installed it will open these ports in the standard Windows firewall but other software (eg third-party firewalls) may interfere with this.
Also see out FAQ pages (internet link) for more trouble-shooting information.