Some Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use the menus already built into my applications? You can use all your menus as well as multiple copies of your menus. MAGICwindows is designed to work seamlessly and efficiently with your applications.

Do I need to make any hardware or software changes? You don't have to change your hardware or application software, but you may have to make just a few simple changes to some user quotas.

Can the users be kept from getting to DCL and VMS utilities? The MAGICwindows manager or the system manager can lock users so that they can only use the programs or modules assigned to them.

Will MAGICwindows create extra processes that will slow down my system? MAGICwindows will create a process for each slot that is activated. Most of these processes will be no burden on the system since they will not be active processes.

Why do I need MAGICwindows if I have terminal servers? It is easier to use since it requires only one log in, automatically refreshes the screen, shows what programs are running, prints or transfers the screen anywhere, and makes sure the user doesn't accidentally log out with processes running.

Will programs continue to run as I switch between them? Yes. You can allow programs to update the screen in the background or stop for terminal output.

I have terminals and PCs emulating terminals. Will it run? MAGICwindows works with VT100 to VT500 terminals in ANSII or VT52 mode. It works with terminal emulators running on PCs or Macintosh computers. It also runs within a DECterm session on DECwindows with less burden on the system.

What are my ongoing costs? There is no annual maintenance fee and telephone support is free for the life of the product. New versions of the software can be purchased for $125 to $325 total for the site.

What is the minimum number of users I must purchase, and is it easy to expand? There is no minimum. User licenses can be purchased in any increment. They are activated by a code number given over the telephone and are immediately available. All your users will have access to the program and have their own menus but the license limits the number of users that can run MAGICwindows at the same time.

Will my less experienced users be able to use MAGICwindows? They will find MAGICwindows easy to use since it presents itself as a menu using descriptions that they are familiar with. On-line help is available.

Can each user have a different menu or environment? Users' menus are stored with their personal UIC so that when they log in they will get their personalized menu.

Can I skip the menu and go right to the next program? You can set a menu delay time up to 9 seconds. As long as you choose a program before that time, you will not see the menu.