NewsBoss System Requirements
Operating Systems
NewsBoss is designed for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. Although NewsBoss may be run on any of the current Microsoft supported Windows 32 bit or 64 bit operating systems, use of the more recent versions will provide more security and stability. Use of 64bit versions is also stongly recommended.
Workstations
Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 are recommended for all new systems.
Internet Explorer 11 is required for all NewsBoss systems.
Windows XP SP3 became obsolete on April 7, 2014 and is no longer supported by Microsoft in any way, including security updates. Customers using Windows XP should upgrade to Windows 7/8.1/10 as soon as possible. Existing customers should note that NewsBoss version 5.11 and higher cannot be installed on PCs running Windows XP.
"Home" and "Starter" Editions of any Windows operating system are strongly not recommended as these are designed as consumer level operating systems.
Servers
For dedicated NewsBoss Servers, we recommend Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2012 R2 (Windows 7/8.1/10 Professional may be used for very small systems of under 5 concurrent users only.)
Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows Server 2003 R2 became obsolete on July 15, 2015 and will no longer be supported by Microsoft in any way, including security updates. Customers using Windows 2003 should upgrade to Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2012 as soon as possible. Existing customers should note that NewsBoss version 5.11 and higher cannot be installed on PCs running Windows 2003 Server.
Hardware
NewsBoss is designed to run on standard off the shelf PC hardware which ensures maximum configuration flexibility at an economical cost.
An indication of some of the basic system recommendations is shown below. However, it is impossible to list every possible configuration, so we highly recommend you contact your local NewsBoss Representative to assist with a design to meet your specific needs.
NewsBoss Workstation Recommendations
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Core2 Duo or better. | Intel Core i5 or better. |
| RAM | 4GB or greater. | 8GB or greater. |
| Operating System | Windows 7 Professional SP1 |
Windows 7 Professional 64bit
|
| Web Browser | Internet Explorer 11. | Internet Explorer 11. |
| Hard Drive | 40GB or larger | 160GB or larger |
| Display | 17" 1024 x 768 | 20" 1600 x 900 or better |
| Network | 100BaseT | 100/1000BaseT |
| Audio | Standard Windows compatible audio device with WDM drivers. |
Standard Windows compatible audio device with WDM drivers where balanced audio is not required. Examples of professional cards are listed below.
|
NewsBoss Server Recommendations
| Non-Client/Server Systems Typically under 5 workstations | Client/Server Systems Typically over 5 workstations | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo or better. | Intel Core i7 or better. |
| RAM | 8GB or greater | 16GB or greater |
| Operating System |
Windows 7 Professional/Enterprise |
Windows Server 2008 SP2 |
| Web Browser | Internet Explorer 11 | Internet Explorer 11. |
| Hard Drive | 160GB or larger - Depends on audio storage requirements. | 500GB or larger - Depends on audio storage requirements. |
| Display | 17" 1024 x 768 or better | 17" 1024 x 768 or better |
| Network | 100BaseT | 100/1000BaseT |
| Audio | Standard Windows compatible audio device with WDM drivers if analog audio capture is required. | Audio support is generally not provided in server class PCs. If required, analog audio capture should be performed on a client PC. |
| Virtual Servers | NewsBoss is fully compatible with virtual server systems. Please contact us to discuss individual requirements. | |
| High Availability | Stratus® High Availability and Fault Tolerant solutions for NewsBoss server systems are fully supported. Please contact us for more details. | |
Please note that the above tables are indicative only and are subject to change over time. Please contact us for the most up to date recommendations.
Networking
NewsBoss resources are shared via standard TCP/IP networking.
Local area networks (LANs) will normally employ twisted pair Ethernet technology connecting workstations together via network switches. Although small systems of under 5 workstations can use 100BaseT (100Mb/s) networks, it is recommended that larger systems employ 1000BaseT (1Gb/s) networking in conjunction with network switches.
External communication can take place over a variety of TCP/IP connections, such as Wide Area Networks (WANs), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), ISDN, DSL/ADSL, and dial up connections. Please contact us to discuss the options which most closely match your needs.