Hardware Requirements

Before you install the ENPS server, make sure you have the appropriate software drivers for all hardware devices. Standard Microsoft VGA 256 color video drivers are preferred because they are the least resource-intensive. Consult with Associated Press Broadcast Technology before you purchase new hardware. Server specifications vary based on the number of users connected to the system and the type of news applications you are using.

ENPS workstations and servers must be members of a Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 or Active Directory domain. All security authentication is handled by the Microsoft domain structure. The domain controller can not be installed on the same servers as the ENPS primary and backup.

Minimum Server Requirements

CPU:
Two servers are required a Primary Server and a live backup Buddy Server. ENPS servers should use Intel Xeon processors, running at a minimum of 2GHz. Two processors are required. Dual or Quad Core processors are beneficial, but do not take the place of our multiple processors requirement.

RAM:
2GB minimum, Up to 4GB recommended.

Hard Disk Storage:
RAID-5: 3 x 36 GB 10k RPM+ SCSI or SAS drives or RAID-1: 2 x 72 GB 10k RPM+ SCSI or SAS drives This must be a hardware-based RAID; software based RAIDs will not work. The RAID Configuration must yield a minimum of 72 GB of space including the operating system.

Operating System:
Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008, 32-bit only. 64-bit operating systems are not currently supported. The operating system you are using must have the latest Microsoft service packs and security patches installed.

Wire Ingestion:
Multi-Port Serial Card: Comtrol Rocketport or Digi Board. One port for each incoming wire feed. PCI or PCI Express connectors for the multi-port serial cards are recommended. USB-connectors are NOT recommended.

Browser:
Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher.

Additional Hardware/Software:
Network Interface Card capable of supporting TCP/IP protocol on a Windows Networking Environment with 100-base-T minimum.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.

External backup. We strongly recommend a locally-attached external media backup for ENPS files.

Remote access to server is required, including VNC, PCAnywhere, Remote Desktop.

Adobe IFilter v6.0, available without charge from www.adobe.com.

Diskeeper Server 6.0 or higher is recommended.

Real-time antivirus software is not recommended.

Minimum Client Requirements

CPU:
Pentium IV 1GHz or faster. For stations using the ENPS ActiveX multimedia snap-ins, we suggest faster machines.

RAM:
1GB is the minimum, but we highly recommend 2GB of RAM or more.

Hard Disk Storage:
2 GB

Additional Hardware:
Network Interface Card capable of supporting TCP/IP protocol on a Windows Networking Environment. 100-base-T minimum.

If you are using Multimedia ActiveX use, consult with the Video or Audio vendor for their required network topography.

Audio card and speakers.

Minimum display resolution of 1024x768 x16 bit.

Operating System:
Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Professional or Windows 7 Professional. The operating system must have the latest Service Packs from Microsoft installed. Windows XP home, Vista home and Windows 7 home are NOT supported. The workstation must have a Server Client Access License and must be a member of Windows domain; ENPS security authentication is done through the Windows domain structure.

Browser:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or later.

Prompter/Captioning Workstation Requirements

CPU:
Pentium IV 1GHz or faster machines are suggested.

RAM:
1GB is the minimum, but we highly recommend 2GB of RAM.

Hard Disk:
2 GB

Additional Hardware:
Network Interface Card capable of supporting TCP/IP protocol on a Windows Networking Environment. 100-base-T minimum. Premium Quality Video Card with 128MB Video RAM.

Serial (RS-232) port for optional hand controller. VGA10-to-NTSC converter Examples: Black Box VGA to Video Portable Pro Videoing Inc. Print-To-Video Standard Mouse and/or Trackball for controlling prompter.

Operating System:
Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Professional or Windows 7 Professional. The operating system must have the latest Service Packs from Microsoft installed. Windows XP home, Vista home and Windows 7 home are NOT supported. The workstation must have a Server Client Access License and must be a member of Windows domain; ENPS security authentication is done through the Windows domain structure.

It is strongly recommended that Autoscript WinPlus be used as the primary prompter. The Autoscript WinPlus prompter is an ISA/PCI hardware board with NTSC/PAL outputs. It comes with a hand controller and can be genlocked. The AP WinPlus software prompter should be used for a backup prompter and/or for remote sites.