Multichannel Systems USB-ME64-128-256-Systems Manual - Manual (Page 9)

Introduction
5
3 Software Installation
Please check the system requirements before you install the MC_Rack software. MCS cannot
guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please
see the MC_Rack help or manual for more information. It is recommended that you check
the MCS web site for software updates on a regular basis.
The USB-ME-System is a plug and play device. The driver is automatically installed together
with the MC_Rack program. It is easier to connect the USB-ME-System first to the data
acquisition computer and then install MC_Rack.
Important: Please make sure that you have full control over your computer as an administrator.
Otherwise, it is possible that the installed hardware does not work properly.
3.1.1 System requirements
One of the following Microsoft Windows ® operating systems is required: Windows 7, VISTA or XP
(English and German versions supported) with the NT file system. Other language versions may
lead to software errors.
Hardware: (Not required for offline analysis or demo mode) The data acquisition board USB-ME-
System. If no USB-ME-System is present, MC_Rack opens in a simulation mode. A computer
with low performance may lead to performance limits more often; therefore, MCS recommends
an up-to-date computer optionally with a separate hard disk. Please note that there are
sometimes hardware incompatibilities of the USB-ME-System and computer components;
or that an inappropriate computer power supply may lead to artifact signals. Please contact
your local retailer for more information on recommended computer hardware.
Important: You need to have installed the latest USB-ME-System driver to operate the
USB-ME-System , which is automatically installed with MC_Rack . The installation may be invalid
if the USB-ME-System does not respond. Please contact Multi Channel Systems or your local
retailer in this case.
3.1.2 Recommended BIOS settings
Recommended operating system settings
The following automatic services of the Windows operating system interfere with the data
storage on the hard disk and can lead to severe performance limits in MC_Rack. These routines
were designed for use on office computers, but are not very useful for a data acquisition
computer.
 Turn off Screensaver.
 Turn off Windows Indexing Service for all local disks.
 Turn off Windows System Restore.
 Turn off Optimize hard disk when idle (automatic disk fragmentation).
 Manual management of automatic Windows Update.
 Power Options: Power scheme: Never turn off monitor, hard disk and system standby.
 It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using MC_Rack.
Remove all applications from the Autostart folder.
 Be careful when using a Virus Scanner. These programs are known to disturb MC_Rack,
and even data loss may occur.
When using an USB-ME-System it is recommended to connect a high performance computer
with a separate hard disk for program files and data storage. The provided possibility to use
up to 256 channels with up to 40 kHz needs high memory capacity. Please remove data and
defragment the hard disk regularly to ensure optimal performance.