Forum - Central Registry Telecommuting

 View Only

Some IT Tips -- CRS Plus, WebEx/Zoom

  • 1.  Some IT Tips -- CRS Plus, WebEx/Zoom

    Posted 04-08-2020 06:39 PM
    ​Hi all.  Here are a few telecommuting IT tips:

    Regarding CRS Plus:  There are two configurations in which you can run CRS Plus:
    - One is to have the MS Access database files that CRS Plus needs to load upon startup to be located on your C drive (they are in the MDBS folder: Catvals, Control, and TumorLinkageRules).  This is the default configuration of the program.  However, if you have a state-specific configuration of any of these databases, it is not a good idea to have this configuration.  For small registries, if everyone's computer crashes (storm or other disaster) or IT replaces everyone's computer with an upgrade, then you can lose your state-specific configuration.  For large registries, any tweaks in the configuration have to be copied to everyone's workstation, and you have to make sure you don't miss anyone. 
    - The other is to have the MS Access database files to be located on your network and everyone's version of CRS Plus points to the network location.  This solves the two problems described above.

    However, working over a VPN for telecommuting introduces a problem with the second configuration in that it takes a very long time for CRS Plus to start up.  Over my VPN, it takes about 10 minutes!!!  I would therefore recommend the first configuration during the COVID-19 telecommuting time period (takes me about 15 seconds to start up) and switch back to the second configuration when you get back to the office.

    Regarding WebEx/Zoom:  There can be an issue with bandwidth.  Sending video over your home Internet takes a LOT of bandwidth, and so you may find technical glitches trying to participate in WebEx/Zoom virtual meetings depending on the home Internet plan you have.  I have found that MS Outlook takes up a lot of your computer's system resources.  If I turn off Outlook when on a video call, I found that the video worked a lot better.  And unless you are presenting materials on your network during the meeting, you don't need the VPN connected during your call either, so disconnecting from the VPN will help with the video quality as well.

    Cheers,
    David
    _________________________

    ------------------------------
    David O'Brien, PhD, GISP
    Data Analyst, Alaska Cancer Registry
    Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
    3601 C Street, Suite 250
    Anchorage, AK 99503
    907-269-8047 (ph)
    907-561-1896 (fax)
    Email: david.obrien@alaska.gov
    DSM: david.obrien@hss.soa.directak.net
    http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Chronic/Pages/Cancer/registry.aspx
    ------------------------------