What is a Host PC?

We often mention the term "Host PC".  So what is a Host PC?

It is a standard Windows computer running a standard version of Windows.  We call it a Host PC because it hosts the PhonePad 5 Server and your PhonePad 5 database.  Your workstations running PhonePad 5 Workstation connect to this computer.  

The Host PC acts like a server but it is not a true server.  A true server would be running a version of Windows Server Edition.  A Host PC works like a server but doesn't need the special edition of Windows.  It works with your normal version of Windows.  You can also use a Host PC as a normal workstation while it's being used as a host.

Host PCs are typically used on Peer-to-Peer networks (networks that don't have a centralized server), although there's no reason why you couldn't use a Host PC on a Local Area Network (a network that does have a server).

If you're going to use a workstation as a Host PC please don't pick the slowest computer you have.  We often see old computers running Windows XP used as Host PCs while all the other machines are fast computers running Windows 10.  The Host PC will have multiple users connecting to it simultaneously so the computer needs to be handle the load.

Here's what we consider to be important criteria for a Host PC:

•It needs to be reasonably fast.  If possible, choose the fastest computer you have on your network.

•Don't select an overworked computer to be the Host PC.  If it does heavy processing or number crunching then response times from PhonePad 5 Server will be affected.

•The computer needs to be switched on most, if not all, of the time.  If the Host PC is off then users won't be able to connect.  Also, automated database tasks like backups won't be performed.