Installation and Configuration

Overview

NovaStar 5 is installed on a dedicated or virtual server computer running the Linux operating system. The recommended minimum requirements for hardware are provided.

TriLynx Systems staff typically perform software upgrades as part of annual maintenance and other services. NovaStar administrators should typically not attempt software upgrades without consulting TriLynx Systems support.

Linux Operating System

The recommended operating system is Debian Linux stable or testing release. The testing distribution contains packages that haven't been accepted into a stable release yet, but they are in the queue for release. The main advantage of using the testing distribution is that it has more recent versions of software.

Hardware Requirements

Contact TriLynx Systems for hardware requirements.

Local Backup of Data Management System

Backup of data and system configuration information is accomplished using RAID configuration, database backups, and other backup protocols, typically configured by TriLynx staff in conjunction with local information technology staff.

Remote Access

Remote access to the server computer is provided through the web page interface or ssh command line connections.

Installation

The NovaStar 5 application is available from the TriLynx System distribution site or distribution media. Contact TriLynx Systems for information. The following is a typical software installer name and indicates the operating system, NovaStar version, and build date:

  • novastar5install-debian-jessie-amd64-5.1.4.8-20190912.run (older system versions used an installer named novastar5install.exe)

If necessary after downloading, change the file permissions to executable:

$ chmod a+x novastar5install-debian-jessie-amd64-5.1.4.8-20190912.run

Run the NovaStar 5 installer program to install/update the system, using the command. The installer provides interactive prompts where necessary. The database and system files should be backed up prior to running the installer as discussed below.

$ sudo ./novastar5install-debian-jessie-amd64-5.1.4.8-20190912.run

The computer must be restarted after installation of the application is complete.

$ sudo reboot

Backing up System before Updating

Updating NovaStar 5 will not erase an existing database; however, it is good practice to backup the existing database before installing an update. A backup of the database can be made using the NovaStar 5 database backup program:

$ nsdbbackup "filename.backup"

The database backup should be copied to a different computer before continuing with updates. After installation, NovaStar 5 can be accessed either at the server or by any computer with internet access.

System Configuration

To complete installation of the NovaStar 5 system, a few system configuration items should be addressed by either the local network administrator or the NovaStar 5 administrator. These system configuration items are addressed from within the NovaStar 5 application; using the System menu command on the Administrator Home page. The default administrator login is (contact TriLynx Systems for credentials):

  • User name: xxxxx
  • Password: xxxxx

These System parameters provide options that are useful for local network management and allow administrators to set certain system defaults.

The System menu in the Administrator / Home page displays the Configuration List page, and the System menu command expands to show all of the System subcommands, including Configuration List, Data Flag List, Nova Score List, Scheduler List, Serial Port List, and View Log File. The Configuration List and the Serial Port List should be configured as the final step required for completing installation. Refer to the System documentation section for information on how to configure the data collection system and complete the installation.