Difference between revisions of "Update Replica Databases"

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(Improved the information on the page to make it clearer to users. Need to add new images to illustrate some points.)
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{{#ev:youtube|CG52B5A5Z1s|790}}
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----
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== What is a replica system? ==
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Replica databases are direct copies of your live database. They are useful if you want an environment to train new users or test different features and settings without having it affect your actual data.
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Anything done within a replica database '''will not affect your live system''' in any way, and will not interfere with any work being performed by users in the live system.
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It is important to note that '''any data inside a replica database will be wiped after 6 months of inactivity'''. Activity is defined as either a user logging into the replica, or the replica being updated from the live system.
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There are different types of replica databases that are available to you. If you do not have one of these replica databases, you can contact the support team to request that one be created for you.
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The different types of replica databases are functionally identical, though are differentiated by different names so you can keep track of what each is used for.
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The different types of system available to you are as follows:
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'''Live:'''
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Your live system is the one users usually log into. This is where your "real" data is stored and used.
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[picture here]
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You log into this system by using the basic organisation login details you have been given.
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'''Test:'''
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Your test system is intended to be used as an environment where you can try out new things without running the risk of accidentally breaking or removing important settings or data from your live system.
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For example, if you want to make changes to user access, or make major changes to a project, but want to test the changes first to make sure they work in the way you want. You can do this here first to see the results without interrupting any work being done by other users on the live system.
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This is sometimes used to try out major updates first before the live database is updated, in order to let users become accustomed to any changes that may have been made in the new version.
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[picture here]
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You can log into this system by adding "'''test'''" on the end of your organisation login name and password.
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'''Training'''
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The training system is intended to be used as an environment in which you can practice or train users on how to use the Charitylog/Crossdata system. A common use for this is to teach new staff members how to enter and manipulate data, as it allows them to practice without the risk of altering real data.
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[picture here]
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You can log into this system by adding "'''training'''" to the end of your organisation login name and password.
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'''Temp'''
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The temp system is just a general purpose replica, for whatever other uses you may have.
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[picture here]
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You can log into this system by adding "'''temp'''" to the end of your organisation login name and password.
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== Updating a replica system ==
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Updating a replica system will erase any data currently stored on the chosen replica, and then replace it with a direct copy of the live database. Updating a replica database is required before users can log into it for the first time.
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As mentioned above, the '''replica databases will have their data erased after 6 months of inactivity'''. If this happens, users will be unable to login, and the replica will need to be updated again.
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Your replica systems can only be updated from your live database. You can do this by going to:
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Admin menu -> Database operations -> Update replica databases.
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Alternatively, you can use the search bar in the top right of the page to find this.
  
 
[[File:UpRepData.PNG|border]]
 
[[File:UpRepData.PNG|border]]
  
{{#ev:youtube|CG52B5A5Z1s|790}}
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[New picture here]
 
 
In order for users to practice working with the system, without interfering with real data, you have access to a "training version" (including "test version" or "temp version"), which has its own login (usually the same pair of logins as your main system, but with the word "training", "test" or "temp", appended at the end of the organisation name and password). These versions can be updated from your main system at any time, so that users can practice on an up-to-date copy of your "real" system.  '''If you are unable to login to your training/test/temp system with your individual username and password, it is probably because the training system has an older password.  Updating the Training system will add your current username and password and reflect the live site.'''
 
  
'''You cannot update a main system from a replica database; backups can only be made from a main system to another database. This is to protect the live system. Ensure you read the details on the 'Update Replica Databases' as it contains important information.'''
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Once on this page, you will be presented with a list of the replica databases which have been created for your system. If you wish to add an additional type of replica database, you can contact the support team to request this.
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Select the replica(s) that you wish to update, and and additional update options shown below.
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Once you have selected these options, you must type in the security word displayed. This is to ensure this process is not initiated by mistake.
  
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[Picture here]
  
On this page you will see the additional databases linked to your main system. Usually you will have one "training" database linked.
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After entering the security word, click the "Update" button to begin the update process. This can take up to 5 minutes depending on the size of your database.
  
[[File:URD_2.png|700px|border]]
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[Picture here]
  
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Once the update has finished, you will be taken to a page which will show the status of the update and if it was performed successfully. If the update was successful, you may now log in to your replica database (see above for logins).
  
To update a replica database:
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[Picture here]
# Select which replica database you want to update
 
# Enter the security question
 
# Click "Update".
 
  
 
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[[File:helpheader_small.png|right]]

Revision as of 16:00, 24 June 2022

Helpheader small.png




What is a replica system?

Replica databases are direct copies of your live database. They are useful if you want an environment to train new users or test different features and settings without having it affect your actual data. Anything done within a replica database will not affect your live system in any way, and will not interfere with any work being performed by users in the live system.

It is important to note that any data inside a replica database will be wiped after 6 months of inactivity. Activity is defined as either a user logging into the replica, or the replica being updated from the live system.

There are different types of replica databases that are available to you. If you do not have one of these replica databases, you can contact the support team to request that one be created for you. The different types of replica databases are functionally identical, though are differentiated by different names so you can keep track of what each is used for. The different types of system available to you are as follows:


Live:

Your live system is the one users usually log into. This is where your "real" data is stored and used.

[picture here]

You log into this system by using the basic organisation login details you have been given.


Test:

Your test system is intended to be used as an environment where you can try out new things without running the risk of accidentally breaking or removing important settings or data from your live system. For example, if you want to make changes to user access, or make major changes to a project, but want to test the changes first to make sure they work in the way you want. You can do this here first to see the results without interrupting any work being done by other users on the live system. This is sometimes used to try out major updates first before the live database is updated, in order to let users become accustomed to any changes that may have been made in the new version.

[picture here]

You can log into this system by adding "test" on the end of your organisation login name and password.


Training

The training system is intended to be used as an environment in which you can practice or train users on how to use the Charitylog/Crossdata system. A common use for this is to teach new staff members how to enter and manipulate data, as it allows them to practice without the risk of altering real data.

[picture here]

You can log into this system by adding "training" to the end of your organisation login name and password.


Temp

The temp system is just a general purpose replica, for whatever other uses you may have.

[picture here]

You can log into this system by adding "temp" to the end of your organisation login name and password.


Updating a replica system

Updating a replica system will erase any data currently stored on the chosen replica, and then replace it with a direct copy of the live database. Updating a replica database is required before users can log into it for the first time. As mentioned above, the replica databases will have their data erased after 6 months of inactivity. If this happens, users will be unable to login, and the replica will need to be updated again.

Your replica systems can only be updated from your live database. You can do this by going to:

Admin menu -> Database operations -> Update replica databases.

Alternatively, you can use the search bar in the top right of the page to find this.

UpRepData.PNG

[New picture here]

Once on this page, you will be presented with a list of the replica databases which have been created for your system. If you wish to add an additional type of replica database, you can contact the support team to request this. Select the replica(s) that you wish to update, and and additional update options shown below. Once you have selected these options, you must type in the security word displayed. This is to ensure this process is not initiated by mistake.

[Picture here]

After entering the security word, click the "Update" button to begin the update process. This can take up to 5 minutes depending on the size of your database.

[Picture here]

Once the update has finished, you will be taken to a page which will show the status of the update and if it was performed successfully. If the update was successful, you may now log in to your replica database (see above for logins).

[Picture here]


Helpheader small.png