Hosted Connector Gateway Override

From version v5.20 of the Scomis Hosted connector, it is possible for an administrator to set a Gateway Override setting that will force the connection method to always use the specified connection.  This is done by setting a registry key in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER registry key. How to set the Gateway override Administrators will need to…

Social Networking

You can follow Scomis on the following social networks; https://www.facebook.com/scomisuk https://twitter.com/scomis_support https://www.youtube.com/user/scomisuk/ https://vimeo.com/user15229925 Reviewed – 19/03/2018

AutoUpdate for External Connector

An updated version of AutoUpdate is now available. The new version runs as a Windows Service which has sufficient access permissions to check and update the installed SIMS .net applications folder. This version works for both legacy SWGfL direct connection customers as well as the replacement External Connector OpenVPN. How to get the latest version?…

Changes to SWGfL Internet Filtering

Google and SWGfL Internet Filtering Changes Google searches utilise encryption technologies for added security and where this has previously been optional, it will be made mandatory by them in early February 2015. In order for the RM SafetyNet Filtering service to perform filtering on all Google searches (such as images), there is a need to…

Hosted SIMS using Apple iOS / Android / Chrome devices – how to connect iPad / iPhone / Android / Chromebook guide

It is possible to connect to the Scomis Hosted Application Service i.e. hosted SIMS using Apple iOS, Chromebook, Android & Mac OS devices from home or in school using the Microsoft Remote Desktop client application. NOTE:  SIMS .net requires Microsoft Office Products for reporting, it is therefore the responsibility of all schools to ensure that…

What is SIMS.ini

SIMS.ini is used be the Capita SIMS .net and related applications to store the file paths and settings used by the application and software updaters. It is always located in the C:\Windows folder.  It can be edited in a text editor such as Notepad, but in order to save requires elevated permissions as the file…

Hosts File Diagnostics

The HOSTS file is a method of bypassing Domain Naming Services (DNS) for host lookups.  It is often used to identify local network computers or to redirect/fake the address of another computer.  The HOSTS file is always located in C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc regardless of whether the operating system is 32bit or 64bit.  A standard sample is always…

Troubleshooting Scomis VPN (OpenVPN) External Connector

Schools who use Third party applications that integrate with SIMS .net have to use the Scomis VPN version of the External Connector.  This solution uses OpenVPN to create a secure connection between the schools computer and the Scomis network.  As OpenVPN runs as a high level System account, the new External Connector takes advantage of…

Setting the Proxy Server in Internet Explorer

In order to view web pages when using a SWGfL internet connection within school you will need to set Internet Explorer to use a SWGfL proxy Server.   To do this: Open Internet Explorer  Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options. Click the Connections tab, and then click LAN settings. Select the Use…

Backup Control Update

A fault was identified with the Scomis Backup Control utility which results in a SIMS .net database backup not functioning as expected.  The fault has been tracked to a database version name change as a result of the Capita SIMS upgrade. A update to Backup Control has been issued and is available for download using…

Customising the Corero/Outlook Settings

If you use Corero for sending orders or remittance advice Emails, you may wish to further configure Outlook to allow replies to automatically be returned to the schools email address. Please ensure that you have completed the Using Outlook with Corero instructions – Setting up for the first time from http://faq.scomis.org/kb10764 Open Outlook   Specify an…

Protecting your computer(s) against Viruses and Malware

Protecting your computer(s) against Viruses and Malware Anti-Virus Software • Install a quality Anti-Virus package that includes Malware protection*. • Regularly check to make sure that the virus definition file is being updated daily. • Regularly check for patches or newer versions of the software which require manually installing. • Schedule regular full system virus…

CryptoLocker/Wannacry Malware

What is CryptoLocker/Wannacry? CryptoLocker/Wannacry is a malicious program that when installed will encrypt important files and documents on your computer making them unusable, and then demand payment to restore access to them. Once your files have been encrypted by CryptoLocker/Wannacry they are not recoverable by any means other than paying the money demanded. Even if…

How do I tell if I have Java installed and what version I have?

How do I tell if I have Java installed and what version I have? Please follow the instructions below based on the operating system installed on your computer. Windows 8 Right-click on the bottom left of the screen and select Control Panel from the menu. Select Programs. Select Program and Features. If Java is installed…

Move a school to a different server

From time to time it my be necessary to move a schools SIMS and FMS databases to a different server.  These are the outline steps that are required for doing this. Move Database Use DBAttach to detach the schools databases. Move them onto the Target Server Reattach the Databases Update schools Connect.ini, FMSConnect.ini, DatabaseSelector INI…

Top 15 Windows 8 Shortcut Keys.

Top 15 Windows 8 Shortcut Keys. With the changes made to Windows with the introduction of Windows8 and the new Metro tile interface some important items are no longer accessible in the same way as before. Below is a list of Windows8 shortcut keys that will allow users to find the most common features, information…

Entering hours worked into Claims

When entering hours worked into Claims remember that the time must be entered in hours & minutes separated by a colon, not in decimal time. Entering the hours worked in a decimal format instead of actual time format could result in incorrect payments to staff. The printed letter will, however, show the hours worked as…

Encryption: How To fix bad MBR (Master Boot Record) message after initial installation

Use of this procedure is entirely at your own risk This procedure and the application “Wintech” if used incorrectly can and will cause irrecoverable data loss Howto: fix bad MBR (Master Boot Record) message after initial installation Problem/Cause: We have found the initial installation to be incompatible with some recovery partitions that device vendors use. …

Connecting your Android Device to Wi-Fi

There are a wide range of devices running the Android Operating System, with sizes ranging from smart phones to Smart pads, and produced by a range of diffrent manafacturers. Most of the devices have versions of Android that differ to some degree from each other. Actual displays may differ somewhat from the examples below, but…

How to tell what version of OS X is on your Apple Mac Computer.

  The Apple Operating System, called OS X, is regularly updated incrementally, rather than by a few major releases like Microsoft Windows. The most recent versions are: 10.6.x = Snow Leopard 10.7.x = Lion 10.8.x  = Mountain Lion   To tell which version you have: 1: Click on the Apple Icon in the top left…