Running PMCS DDE Server as an NT Service
The DDE Server (as well as other PMCS Servers such as Event Server and Waveform Server) can be set to run as an NT Service, rather than as an application. Running the DDE Server as an NT Service requires more skill as a Windows 2000 SP2 system administrator, but does provide two advantages:
1.Logging off the machine does not hinder the DDE Server's ability to collect from devices or distribute data to client applications, since NT Services continue to run even when the machine is logged off.
2.A measure of enhanced security is provided, since the ability to stop and start applications is restricted to users with
When installed as NT Services, PMCS Servers can only be started or stopped using Windows 2000 SP2's Services control panel. Typically, the applications launch when the system is powered up, and continue to run "behind the scenes" until stopped by an Administrator or the machine is shut down. All the usual ways (such as the Close button in the upper right corner of the window and the File: Exit command) to exit the programs are disabled when run as a Service.
If you wish to run the PMCS DDE Server as an NT Service, this option must be selected during the PMCS installation. See
DDE Server User’s Guide | Chapter One - Introduction • 5 |