Introduction A Virtual Private Server is a virtual PC held in a remote data centre, which can be accessed via a username/password from any other computer. There are a number of scenarios where you might consider using a VPS when running TheBetEngine: 1. Your Internet access may be slow or unreliable. 2. You might not want to have your own PC on all day. 3. You might want to be able to access TheBetEngine remotely (for example, when you are on holiday) This document gives a quick overview guide to installing TheBetEngine on a VPS. Obtaining a Virtual Private Server TheBetEngine needs to be installed on a Windows-based VPS. Many companies offer Windows VPS and the prices can differ dramatically. The technical requirements for TheBetEngine are fairly light, so usually you can go for the cheapest Windows VPS available. Examples of VPS packages that are suitable are: 1. SWTECH (www.swtech.ie) Mini-WINVZ 2. TAGADAB (www.tagadab.com) VS500 You will be given an IP address (like 123.123.123.123) or a domain name (like vm000.vps.tagadab.com), together with a username and password. You will need these to access your VPS from a remote PC. Set-up To access a VPS remotely, you need to use Remote Desktop Connection. This can usually be found by going to Start, All Programs, Accessories, Remote Desktop Connection (for Windows 7) or Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Remote Desktop Connection (for Windows XP). If you cannot find Remote Desktop Connection on the menu structure, you can try to start it by going to Start, Run and entering mstsc.exe and pressing Enter.
When you start up Remote Desktop Connection, a dialog box will be displayed: Click on Options and the dialog box will expand:
Enter the IP address (or domain name) into the Computer box and enter the username into the User name box. Ensure that the Allow me to save credentials checkbox is ticked. Click on the Local Resources tab: Go to the group box for Local devices and resources. Ensure Printers and Clipboard are both ticked, then click on the More button.
A further dialog box is displayed: Ensure the Drives checkbox is ticked as this will allow your VPS to access the local disks on your PC when you are remotely connected, which makes transferring any files between computers a lot easier. Click on OK to complete the configuration. Now click on Connect to attempt to connect to your VPS.
A login screen should now appear: Enter your password details and ensure that Remember my credentials is ticked. Click on OK to connect to the VPS. You should now be able to see the desktop of your VPS. Installing TheBetEngine Working on your VPS, follow the instructions in TheBetEngine Installation Guide which can be downloaded from http://www.betdynamics.com/downloads/thebetengine_installation.pdf Note Your credentials for the connection should have been saved and the next time you click on Remote Desktop Connection, you should only have to click on Connect to connect automatically.