Best practices for software installation

Surfer, Grapher, Strater, and Voxler are installed using the Windows InstallAware wizard.  The installation requirements and process vary based on the license model (single user, concurrent, or serial number). Detailed instructions and best practices for each available license model are provided below.  

Getting started

• Ensure all of the software installation prerequisites are met.
• Ensure you've downloaded the latest installer from our website.
• Ensure the installer can run with administrative privileges.
• Ensure the user installing the software has Administrator permissions or is able to provide Administrator credentials.
• For concurrent license servers, ensure firewall UDP port 5093 can be opened on the server so that clients can get a license seat.
• If remote deployment tools are used, download the MSI installer from the downloads page.
• Locate your license information

Single user product key licenses

Single user licenses are installed and activated directly on the user's computer. The product key is activated by connecting to our online activation server and each activation is tied to the computer.  The recommended workflow for installing single user licenses with product keys is below:

1. Double click the installer EXE.
2. Complete the steps indicated in the InstallAware Wizard dialogs to complete the installation.
   
3. In the final InstallAware Wizard dialog page, check Run <software> now and click Finish.
4. Click Enter Product Key in the Licensing dialog.
   
5. Copy/paste or enter the product key in the Enter Product Key dialog and click Activate.
   
6. When the Activation is complete message is displayed, click OK.

If your computer does not connect to the internet or has an extremely strict firewall, an offline activation may be required.

Concurrent use licenses (client side)

Also referred to as network or floating licenses, concurrent-use licenses for Surfer, Grapher, and Strater  require the setup of a license server on the company network.  The software is then installed on all desired client (user) computers and connected to the license server.  Each time the software is opened, a seat is obtained from the server, if available.  

The recommended workflow for installing concurrent use licensed software is provided below.

1. Set up the license server by following the instructions in the article Set up license server for concurrent use licenses
2. On the client (end-user) computer, double click the installer EXE.
3. Complete the steps indicated in the InstallAware Wizard dialogs to complete the installation.
   
4. In the final InstallAware Wizard dialog page, check Run <software> now and click Finish.
5. Click Select License Server in the Licensing dialog.
   
6. In the License Server Selection dialog:
   
   • To enter the server information, toggle Enter license server name and then enter the server host name or IP address.
     
   • The search for the server, toggle Search for license servers on the local network and then click Search.
     
7. Click Get License when the server is selected.

If your license server computer does not connect to the internet or has an extremely strict firewall, an offline activation may be required.

Single user serial number licenses

Voxler is currently sold as a single user license with a unique serial number. Versions prior to Surfer v13, Grapher v12, and Strater v5.5 were also sold as single user serial number licenses. The recommended workflow for installing single user licenses with serial numbers is below:

1. Double click the installer EXE.
2. Complete the steps indicated in the InstallAware Wizard dialogs to complete the installation.
   
3. In the final InstallAware Wizard dialog page, check Run <software> now and click Finish.
4. Enter your user's serial number in the Enter Serial Number dialog and click Next.
   
5. In the Register Product dialog, toggle the desired option and click Finish.

Additional support

If you still need further assistance with software installation, please reach out to our Customer Success Team and our legendary support agents will assist you in getting your software installed and activated, so you can use your products promptly.

Updated August 2023