Question:
Can I run other programs on my GEMLink computer while GEMLink is controlling the greenhouse?

Answer:

Since GEMLink runs within a Windows95/98/NT operating environment (which are all multi-tasking operating systems), it seems logical that other programs should run along with GEMLink with no problems.  However, consider these two important factors before you decide whether to make your GEMLink computer into a multi-use workstation:

GEMLink has a Demanding Job to Perform
GEMLink is a very advanced, true multi-tasking program.  Consider some of the things GEMLink is doing for you, all within the same time frame:

• Constantly displaying the latest greenhouse conditions and device states in the various greenhouse zones

• Interrogating a wide array of sensors and sending out device commands over a communications network

• Monitoring greenhouse conditions & formulating commands for a wide variety of devices using advanced algorithms

• Archiving & displaying historical data in various formats

• Analyzing conditional programming statements and integrating them into the control program

• Monitoring the health of the program and system communications and restarting the system if necessary

• Keeping track of the control equipment in your system and any changes you make to their configurations

• Interfacing with you on changes you want in the control program, recording them and acting on them

• Alerting you via a phone dialer when greenhouse conditions, or system performance, is outside your specifications or established system norms

• Allowing remote access from other computers via pcAnywhere

• Providing context-sensitive on-line help

As you can imagine, this kind of sophisticated, multi-tasking software requires a lot of resources from your computer.  Also, it is crucial that no other program try to make use of the communications port used by GEMLink to communicate with the greenhouse equipment.  If another program caused GEMLink to run out of available resources, or interfered with serial communications, the reliable, optimized greenhouse control you expect from GEMLink could deteriorate, or in a worst case scenario, even cease for a time.  Consider another factor:

GEMLink Cares for Your Entire Product Inventory
In most cases, GEMLink controls the entire greenhouse complex, making it responsible for the care and monitoring of your whole product inventory.  Obviously, this is an important role that deserves the most protection you can provide.  

Therefore, even though computer resources are very valuable, how does their value compare with that of your whole product inventory?  Would you want to take a chance that some unknown characteristic of an untested program could interfere with the operation of your greenhouse's environmental control program?  It's certainly something that deserves thoughtful consideration.

Conclusion
While it is true that you can open and use other programs while GEMLink is running, we strongly suggest that you consider the factors mentioned above before doing so.  If you decide to use another program while GEMLink is controlling the greenhouse environment, we make the following suggestions:

• Do not open more than one program at a time.  In other words, do not use more available resources than you absolutely have to use.

• Monitor the state of GEMLink carefully and do not leave it unattended while the untested program is running.

• If you encounter problems of any kind with GEMLink, shutdown the offending program immediately and restart your computer.  (Some programs do not release their resources when shutdown, so the computer must be restarted to reclaim them)

• Make sure that your 'Watchdog' program is running and properly configured.

• Restart your GEMLink computer and verify the correct operation of your GEMLink system before you leave for the day.

Obviously, if you want the optimum in reliability, stability and superior environmental control, you should dedicate the GEMLink computer's resources to accomplishing its very demanding job.