Changing the Network Port Number

Goldenseal Multi-User lets you change the TCP/IP port number that is uses to communicate between the server and clients. You might want to do that in the following situations:

  • If you are using a VPN, and want to make it harder for an outsider to sign on to your company file.
  • If you are using more than one company file on the same network, and want to separate them.

NOTE-- If you use passwords, an outside party would still need to crack one of your passwords, if they tried to log on. However, using a different port number is one more barrier that will help protect your data.

To change your port number, follow these steps:

  1. Open your company file on the server machine.
  2. Choose Preferences from the Options menu, and choose Network from the submenu.
  3. Turn on the checkbox for Change Network Port. When you are warned about the change, click OK.
  4. Type a different number* into the Network Port Number field, or type a two-letter code into the Network Port Text field. HINT- letters are easier to remember!
  5. Click OK.

* Port numbers from 0 to 1023 are considered "well known" ports, and should not be used by Goldenseal. You can use any port number from 1024 to 65535. In the unlikely even that you are running some other software that also uses a TCP/IP port that is outside the "well known" range, be sure to avoid that port.

NOTE-- You don't have to worry about conflicting with your web browser, email or other common networking programs, since they use one of the "well known" port numbers.

Signing on With a different Port

If you have changed the network port that Goldenseal uses, then you'll need to enter that port when you sign on as a client. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Double-click on the Goldenseal application.
  2. Click the Server button. You'll see a Choose Connection Type dialog.
  3. Turn on the Change Network Port checkbox.
  4. Type in the Port Number or Port Text for the server you'd like to use.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Choose the server from the list of available servers, then click OK.

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