Fishbowl Server Administration
When the Fishbowl Server is installed, the Fishbowl Server Administration application is also installed. This application provides an interface for creating databases, modifying server settings, changing the license key, and performing database maintenance.
Stop the Fishbowl Server
If the Fishbowl Server is started, the Fishbowl Server Administration can be viewed, but changes cannot be made. To make changes, first stop the Fishbowl Server using one of the methods below.
- Right-click the Fishbowl Server icon in the system tray and click Stop.
- Double-click the Fishbowl Server icon in the system tray and then click the Stop button.
Start Fishbowl Server Administration
Below are several ways to start the Fishbowl Server Administration.
- Click the Start menu, select the Fishbowl program folder, and then click Fishbowl Server Administration.
- Browse to C:\Program Files\Fishbowl\server\bin\ and then double-click Fishbowl Server Administration.exe.
- Right-click the Fishbowl Server icon in the system tray and choose Options.
- Double-click the Fishbowl Server icon in the system tray, click the Tools menu, and then select Options.
TABS
Database tab
This tab provides access to several database features. Click the plus-sign button to set up a new or existing database.
Right-click a line item in this tab to open the following options that let you see information about a database, make changes to it, and get help.
- Show Version - This opens a popup displaying the version of Fishbowl Advanced you are currently running. This helps you see if you need to update to the most-recent release.
- Backup Database - This creates a backup of your database. It is a good idea to back up your database before downloading a new version of Fishbowl, just to be safe. Learn more here: Create a database backup.
- Rebuild Database - This opens a popup informing you that a new database will be created with all of your data except inventory and orders after you click the Rebuild button. The name of this new database automatically contains the current date, but you can change that name in the designated textbox. The new database will appear as a separate line item under your main database. This is discussed in greater detail below: Rebuild database.
- Database Maintenance - This runs a diagnostic on your database to ensure that everything is running smoothly. If it detects any errors, it will inform you at the end of the test. Learn more here: Perform database maintenance.
- Drop Database - This opens a popup asking if you want to permanently delete the selected database. Click Yes to proceed.
- Optimize Database - This optimizes your queries and other aspects of how your database runs to potentially allow it to perform functions faster.
- Run Support Queries - This opens a popup requesting your Support Login credentials. You will need an active Fishbowl Support contract to perform this operation. Once you fill in your username and password and click OK, the database will run all queries you have sent to the Support team.
- Send Copy to Fishbowl - This opens a popup asking you to provide an explanation of why you are sending your server log information and database to Fishbowl’s Development team. You could explain the nature of the problem you’re having or details about an issue that you are unable to fix by yourself. The more specific you are, the better they’ll be able to help. When you’re done, click OK to send a copy of your database and your explanation to Fishbowl for analysis.
Rebuild database
When using Fishbowl for the first time, many companies will create a sandbox database to help train their employees. They may import their actual data (customers, users, parts, etc.) and then decide they want to use this same data in their live database. The Rebuild Database tool allows companies to create a new database with all of that data, but exclude the inventory and orders that were created during the training period.
To rebuild a database, you must first stop the Fishbowl Server. Then on the Database tab, you can right-click the database and select Rebuild Database. Depending on the size of your database, it could take several minutes to copy all of the data over into a new database.
Server tab
- The Port is used to specify which port will be used to communicate with the Fishbowl Client application.
- If you'd like encrypt your connection, you can enable Secure Connection and select a .JKS certificate file to encrypt your traffic. The certificate can be self-signed or purchased online from a Certificate Authority. Alternatively, you could consider connecting through a VPN. Please consult with an IT professional before opening any firewall ports.
- The Legacy Port uses an older socket connection to communicate across the local network. Both the Port and the Legacy Port can be used to connect the Fishbowl Client to the Fishbowl Server. Either port number can be customized for your network, or to allow multiple Fishbowl Servers to run on the same computer.
- If you are a developer and would like more information about connecting to the Fishbowl Server, please see the API article.
- Inactivity time can be extended as described here.
- Broadcast Server Location allows the Fishbowl Server to be found by clicking the
Find Fishbowl Servers button from the login window. - To prevent a user from logging in on multiple computers, enable Users can only be logged in once.
- Server memory can be adjusted as described here.
- More information about Auto Updates is available here.
License tab
- This tab is used to enter or change a license key.
Restore tab
- This tab provides the ability to restore a database backup and adjust the MySQL settings.