Requirements for using Capita Sims
Windows XP
Please note that full Sims access is not required for basic ‘Teacher’ level functions, they can use a website known as Sims Learning Gateway.
These actions should only be performed by an advanced PC user that has Administration rights on their computer. If are unsure if you should perform any of these actions please refer to your technician.
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Windows Updates
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Remote Desktop Connection Client version
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Remote Desktop Connection Client settings
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TSPrint Client
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Proxy exception (required for Schools PC’s only)
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Launching Sims
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Windows Updates
The first requirement is that the PC must have all High Priority Windows updates applied to the machine. This will ensure that you have....
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Internet Explorer 7 or 8, both are compatible with Sims
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Service Pack 3 for Windows XP
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Remote Desktop Connection Client version
If you have also installed Optional Windows updates you may have upgraded your Remote Desktop Connection Client to a new version that is not fully compatible with Sims. Sims is best experienced on a Windows XP PC with Remote Desktop Connection Client 6.0.6001 (RDP 6.1 Supported).
You can easily check by launching the Remote Desktop Connection Client (Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Remote Desktop Connection).
The older version we require looks like the picture below. If this is the version you have you can continue straight to section 3.
The newer version that is not yet fully compatible on an XP machine with Sims looks like this;
If you need to roll back the Remote Desktop Connection Client simply choose to remove “Hotfix for Windows XP (KB969084)” from Add/Remove programs. You will need to ensure “Show updates” is ticked on Add/Remove programs, as per the screenshot below, to see this in the list.
Please refer to the Description of the Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 and the warnings on screen for the implications of removing this optional Windows update.
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Remote Desktop Connection Client settings
Now that you have ensured you have the correct version of the Remote Desktop Connection Client you need to change settings related to this. Fortunately, to enable you to do this easily, Microsoft have created a Fix-it file that will semi-automate the process.
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To begin, double click the Microsoft Fix-It file below and click Run when prompted
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On the new window, tick ‘I Agree’ and click Next
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When the Fix-it has confirmed it has been processed simply click Close to finish
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Click Yes to restart your computer if prompted
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TSPrint Client
We use a third party tool, Terminal Works TSPrint Client, to simplify printing in Sims. ICT Shared Services and Capita will be able to support printing issues with Sims if you use this tool. Please install TSPrint Client v1.4.1.1 from http://www.terminalworks.com/tsprint.php#downloads.
To optimise TSPrint Client once it is installed click Start -> All Programs -> Terminal Works -> TSPrint -> Options, set the print options as per the screenshot below, and click Save.
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Proxy exception (required for Schools PC’s only)
We have optimised the NSIX network for Sims and you need to make a change on your PC to take advantage of this.
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Open Internet Explorer and click Tools -> Internet Options
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Open the Connections tab and click the LAN Settings
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In the Proxy Server area click the Advanced button
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In the Exceptions area, under “Do not use proxy server for addresses beginning with”;
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You should already see 10.* in this list, if you do not, ensure the last entry is appended with a ; and add 10.* to the list
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Now append this entry with a ; and add *.mis.nsix.org.uk
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This should now look similar to the screenshot shown below
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Click the Ok button on each Internet Option screen until you are back to the main window and then close Internet Explorer
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Now click Start -> Run
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Type proxycfg –u and press the return key. You should see output similar to the following screenshot.
You have now completed this section.
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Launching Sims
The quickest way of accessing Sims is by using the Remote Desktop Shortcut attached below. Simply copy this to your desktop and double click it to launch Sims.
You will now be prompted for your User name and Password. The user name will be your NSIX Google email address and the password will be the same one you use to access your NSIX Google email account.
If you tick the ‘Remember my password’ box the system will actually only remember your user name.
After clicking ok, if you have entered your credentials correctly and you have correctly followed all the requirements previously detailed in this document, you will see Sims progress through the loading screens below.
The Sims application will now be displayed. When you access the system for the first time the latest release notes will also be displayed in Adobe Reader. Simply close this with the cross in the top right of Adobe Reader to get to the Sims application.
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