Planning your installation

Argos comprises several major components; some components run on your servers, others on your desktops. Understanding these components will help you plan your Argos installation.

Database

The Argos database houses all the data Argos collects, all the lists Argos maintains (billing codes, devices, users, etc.), and all your settings and policies. You should maintain one Argos database for your company, even if you have multiple locations. 

The Argos database runs on Microsoft SQL Server. If you already have SQL Server installed and licensed and want to use it, the Argos database installer will present you with the opportunity to do so. If you don't have SQL Server or would prefer to use the dedicated Argos SQL instance, Argos includes Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express.

Confused about the different SQL editions? Learn more about them here .

Server

Argos installs two server components:

• Argos Communication Server is responsible for all communication between the Argos Desktop Billing Client, Argos Agent, advanced tracking devices and the database. You'll typically install one Communication Server per location; if you have branch offices, each one will have its own Communication Server. The Communication Server install includes several Windows services.
• Argos Agent is responsible for capturing print queues on Windows servers. You should install the Argos Agent on each print server.

Argos Manager

Argos Manager is where you configure your Argos system and work with the data that Argos collects. From Argos Manager you can run reports, export data, change policies, and more. Argos Manager is typically installed on only a handful of computers for accounting, finance, and I.T. staff. Read more about working with Argos Manager here .

Desktop Client

The Argos Desktop Client (DtC) prompts users to allocate their activity to billing codes. The DtC should be installed on each workstation where you wish to prompt users. Users whom you wish to track silently do not need the DtC.

Lab, showroom, and laptop installations If you want to test, evaluate, or demonstrate Argos, it's possible (and easy) to install all the components described above on one computer. Just make sure your target computer meets the minimum requirements. When the Launcher runs, click the Check All link, then click the Install selected components button.

Next:

Install the Argos database »