System Requirements
Technical Overview and System Requirements
The system uses what is called "Thin Client" technology delivered over the Internet. This means that you do not need to install any programs provided by the PPA. Your Internet browser downloads the necessary Java programs from our web site each time you log on to it. All you require is a PC with a connection to the NHSnet, and an installed copy of Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.72 or higher (this is a free product that can be downloaded from the Microsoft web site http://www.microsoft.com).
Depending on how you are connecting to the NHSnet, you may be going via a Firewall supplied by a HA or GP system supplier. In most cases this will not be a problem but sometimes these devices have been configured to prevent access via what are known as ports. ePACT.net requires port 1998 to be enabled otherwise you will be unable to get past the login screen.
The ePACT.net application needs a minimum screen resolution of 800 * 600 pixels. This is the minimum area required to display the user interface (ePACT.net window) fully. For help on configuring your screen resolution see your Microsoft Windows Help and search for: screen resolution.
The ePACT.net application and Java technologies in general are fairly memory intensive applications and therefore we suggest a minimum of 32M of RAM to run the application properly. Summary of requirements
| Minimum System |
Ideal System |
| Internet Explorer 4.72 |
Internet Explorer 4.72 or later |
| 24 Megabytes of RAM |
64 Megabytes of RAM |
| 800 by 600 screen resolution |
1024 by 768 screen resolution |
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Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT
Port 1998 must be enabled bidirectionally to TCP packets
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Possible Connection Problems
If you are able to access the PPA web site ePACT.net login dialogue, and can get no further than this, there are (in general) four possible reasons:
- You do not have a user account on ePACT.net
- Your password or user name are incorrect
- The ePACT.net server is not active
- Your local firewall settings are preventing a connection.
The PPA help desk can (by elimination) confirm if your firewall is the reason for the connection failure. If this is the case, you (or your IT services department) can correct the problem by ensuring that the following requirements are met.
Firewall Requirements
- Port 1998 must be open in both directions to TCP packets.
- The firewall may need to know the IP address of the PPA web server, which is 194.101.1.34
- The firewall may also need to know the IP address of the machine from which you are accessing ePACT.net
If these requirements are not met, ePACT.net will not work (even if you are able to access the PPA web pages), and the solutions are entirely outside the control of the PPA.
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