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CQC is composed of three primary components, and a small set of optional components. You can install all the components in a single machine configuration (connected to the network or not), or you can install components on various computers around your network.
Master Server
The Master Server should be installed on one machine in the network, and that machine should be one that will be on any time you want to use CQC. If you are installing on a single machine, then obviously there isn't any problem. In a networked system, you should install the master server on some server machine that will be on all the time. Install CQC onto this machine first!
Scheduled Events
If you want to be able to schedule events to run at particular times, install the scheduled events server. This option will only show up if you are installing the Master Server, since it gets installed on the same machine as the Master Server (this may be relaxed in the future.)
Application Control
If you want to be able to control applications on computer you installing on, then install the App Control system. Most applications are not designed to be controlled, but they can usually be to some extent, by faking into to them and so forth. This will also allow you to control applications across the network.
XML Gateway
The XML Gateway provides a means for external systems to interact with CQC in a way that maintains CQC's strict security. This is also used by the .Net Viewer component, below. Generally it would just be installed on one server, often the Master Server, but it can be installed on more than one.
CQC Server
CQC Server is a background component that manages CQC devices drivers. CQC device drivers allow CQC to 'talk to' various devices in a consistent way. If you are going to have a particular computer attached to devices that you want to control, install CQCServer on that machine.
Client Tools
Client tools, as they name implies, are the GUI programs that you use to administer CQC and to display your designed graphical interfaces. Install those client tools on each machine that you want to be able to use on that machine. Generally, you will always at least install the Interface Viewer on each machine since that allows it to display graphical control interfaces. Install the Admin Interface on any computers where you want to do system administration.
.Net Viewer
The .Net Viewer is a .Net Framework-based version of the interface viewer that will allow you to access CQC interfaces from small, handheld devices.
There are many possible configurations, but here is a diagram of a two computer system, one of which is the master server machine, plus running CQCServer to control devices, plus client tools for configuration and user interaction, and a second machine that is controlling devices and also running the client tools:
All of the devices under control on both machines would be accessible to either, and you could use either machine to write macros, draw user interfaces, manage user accounts and so forth, since all the tools are fully network distributed. You would install the optional components like scheduled events and application control as required for your needs.
If you are just getting started with CQC, or evaluating it prior to purchase, it is very much recommended that you work your way through the tutorials. Use the Support link in the main menu bar above, and then select the Tutorial Videos link.
