To get the best performance from AppleShare 4.1 and a PowerPC-based computer, use the following guidelines.
Server
* PowerPC-based Workgroup Server or Power Macintosh
* AppleShare 4.1
* System 7.5 with System 7.5 Update 1.0
* Network Software Installer (NSI) 1.4.5 or later
* Do not have multiple applications running on the server. For example run AppleShare 4.1 alone, not in conjunction with the Apple Internet Router, Apple Remote Access (ARA), or other server applications.
NOTE: This does not mean you cannot run multiple applications with AppleShare 4.1, this item is specific to those users who want the best possible performance.
* The server should have no less than 5 MB of RAM dedicated to cache, and a starting point toward optimizing cache allocation as follows:
- 1/4 File buffer cache
- 1/2 Folder cache
- 1/4 Icons
AppleShare 4.1 handles and queues up to three requests from each client. AppleShare's maximum File cache is now 1 MB per user, up from 128 KB. The caching algorithms are also more efficient, and the Icon cache now holds all of the server's desktop files in RAM, rather than just the icons.
Client
* AppleShare Workstation 3.6 client which comes with AppleShare 4.1
* System 7.5 with System 7.5 Update 1.0
* NSI 1.4.5 or later
* On Power Macintosh clients use NSI 1.5, or Built-In Ethernet MACE patch
* SCSI Manager 4.3 or later, and the latest HD drivers
NOTE: Running a remote client on ARA to the network server negates any performance increases, because of the modem connection.
AppleShare Workstation 3.6 uses up to 128 KB of RAM for both read and write caches. Also, the Finder in System 7.5 Update 1.0 copies files in varied portions up to 128 KB instead of 4 KB in earlier versions of the Finder.
This article was published in the "Information Alley":
Volume II, Issue 5, Page 15