Installation & version updates

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The process for installing or updating Cura is exactly the same, and is handled by the same program. Therefore if you are installing or updating Cura, you should follow the steps on this page.

Step 1 - Prerequisites

Server Specification

We recommend the following specs for your web server hosting Cura:

  • 2GB RAM
  • 2 Cores

Microsoft.Net Framework

You will need to have Microsoft.Net Framework, version 4.0 or later installed in order to use Cura.

NOTE: It is important that on the IIS server the order of installation is Windows -> Webserver software -> .net Framework


Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)

Your web server must have IIS version 7.0 or later installed. In addition to this, the following IIS features must be present:

Web Server

Common HTTP Features
Static Content
Default Document
HTTP Errors
HTTP Redirection
Application Development
ASP .NET
.Net Extensibility
ASP
ISAPI Extensions
ISAPI Filters
Security
Windows Authentication
Management Tools
IIS Management Console
IIS Management Scripts and Tools
IIS 6 Management Compatibility
IIS 6 Metabase Compatibility

SIMS .net workstation components

If you want Cura to allow staff to login using their SIMS username and password, or if you want Cura to periodically update staff and student details from the SIMS database, then you will need to install a workstation version of SIMS onto the same server as Cura.

Step 2 - The Service Controller

Log in to our website, www.tascsoftware.co.uk, using the login details that were sent to you when you purchased Cura. If you have lost your details, please contact us on 01902 824281.

Once you have logged in, click on the "Downloads" link at the top of our website. Download and run the latest Cura service pack on your IIS server. Once you have accepted the licence agreement, the installation will unpack and begin.

The Service Controller will open, which is the program that installs and updates the Cura database and website. There are five options on the left side, each explained below. You should work through these from top to bottom.

Please note if you are only upgrading your existing Cura version then the Data, Web site and Application stages will automatically be skipped and the Commit and Background service will only apply. If you are upgrading from SQL LocalDB then all stages will apply.

Data

This node is used to configure the database for your Cura. The options available to you are Install SQL or Continue, please read further as both are explained:

Install SQL

This method is used for a first time install of Cura, which has a built in automated process that does the following:

  • Downloads SQL Server Express with Tools 2014 from the Microsoft website, this will be confirmed with a progress bar on your service controller
  • Once downloaded the SQL Server Express files are temporarily unzipped in the "Documents" folder
  • Command prompt will open and begin the install (will remain active until install is completed, Do not close)
  • SQL Server 2014 Setup wizard will now appear and complete the install, this will install the databases required and relative permissions so the data can be accessed
  • Once the install is completed a message will be displayed "Please wait while SQL Server 2014 Setup processes the current operation
  • The Command prompt and SQL Server window will now close and return back to the Service controller

S1 1.jpg

Web site

This node is used to configure a website. You can either use one of the existing web sites listed in the panel (Default Web Site), or add a new site by clicking on the green plus button. If you add a new site you will be asked to specify the site name, the listening port (which should not collide with any existing sites or services), and an SSL certificate if any such are present (or choose (none) if you are going to install this at a later date).

S2 1.jpg

Additionally, you need to specify a folder on the IIS server where the application files will be stored. It is important to choose a location that the IIS user (NetworkService) will have permissions to read. It is recommended to point the path to inetpub\wwwroot\cura. (Please create this folder manually)

Application

Once you have chosen your site, you can add an application to that site. There are no options for this stage.

Srvc1.jpg

Commit

Next click on the Commit node. Click the "Begin" button to commit the changes to your Cura application. This process needs to be performed each time a Cura service pack is run on the web server.

Srvc2.jpg

Once the commit process has completed, Cura will open in your server's default internet browser. If this happens, your update/installation has worked successfully.

Background Service

Srvc3.jpg

Running status

This tells you whether or not Cura will be performing important automated processes. Follow the three steps below in order.

  1. If the "Version" field includes the text "Update available" then click the "Uninstall" button at the bottom right.
  2. If the "Running status" field is blank, click the "Install" button at the bottom right.
  3. If the "Running status" field says "Stopped" then click the "Start" button at the bottom right.

Optional MIS details

If you have a SIMS database then you can enter a SIMS username and password into these fields. This will enable staff to login using their SIMS username and password, instead of/or their work email address and Cura password. Cura will also be able to periodically (3 times per day) scan SIMS to update its list of students and staff from the SIMS database.

You may also need to create an Inbound Firewall Rule for the port that Cura is running on, in order for staff to be able to log in using their SIMS credentials.