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. |
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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.
Access to the data by MailCOPA on the server machine is always by direct disk access.
On multi-machine installations, current versions of MailCOPA use TCP/IP for access to 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.
However, if you have upgraded from a much earlier version you may still be using File Sharing. This will still work, but it is much easier to set up the TCP/IP connection under Windows XP and Vista, where network shares are protected in the interests of security, and this makes File and Printer Sharing very complex to set up.
Potential Problems
Firewalls can block MailCOPA's access - it is essential that the server can receive incoming connections from clients on Port 7492 TCP & UDP (for data access), and access Port 7491 UDP outgoing (for notifying clients of database changes, eg new mail, mail marked seen).
Clients must be able to access Port 7492 TCP & UDP outgoing (for data access) and Port 7491 UDP incoming (for database update notifications).
Also see out FAQ pages (internet link) for more trouble-shooting information.