HearAid On-Line Help > Firebird Database Engine

HearAid 7.1.x uses the Firebird 3.0 database engine while earlier HearAid versions use Firebid 1.5. Firebird can be run in three modes:

1.Single User or LOCAL Mode. This mode provides the fastest performance and does not require any additional installation, but only allows one user at a time to connect to the database i.e. two or more users cannot run HearAid at the same time. In addition, there is no database security and users are not required to go through the Database Login screen when HearAid starts.

Single User Mode is best suited for situations where HearAid is only being installed on a single computer, there is no network in your office and there are no security concerns.

2.LOCALHOST Mode. This mode is similar to Single User mode, where HearAid is only being used/accessed from one computer, but that computer is connected to a network. In LOCALHOST mode the Firebird Server software is installed and database security applies: users are required to log in and only the SYSDBA user can perform potentially dangerous or sensitive functions. It also allows other users or programs to connect to the database simultaneously. This mode requires that the TCP/IP network protocol be installed on your computer.

LOCALHOST Mode is best suited for situations where HearAid is only being installed on a single computer and you want to enforce controlled access to your database. The most common use of this mode is when users are logging in to a terminal server using Remote Desktop Services

3.Client/Server Mode. This mode provides the safest and most secure database access to networked users. In this mode, HearAid and Firebird Server are installed on a "server" computer on the network. Ideally, this computer is not in active use (i.e. users do not sit at that computer and use it all the time) and is connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

•The Firebird 1.5 installer (Firebird1_5.exe, downloaded from the HearSoft web site) program will install the Firebird software in C:\Firebird; the server service will appear in the Windows Services list as Firebird Server - - DefaultInstance

•Firebird 3.0 - when installed with HearSoft installers - will be installed in the C:\HearSoft\Firebird3 folder; the server service will appear in the Windows Services list as Firebird Server - HearAid

To enforce user login and monitoring enable LOCALHOST or Client/Server modes. If Firebird is not installed separately HearAid can only be run in LOCAL mode.