Posted 17 years ago on 5/21/2008 and updated 1/9/2009
Take Away:
We offer both Vault and SourceOffsite to manage source code. Both have nearly the same feature set and both offer a remote desktop Windows applications for checking source code in and out.
KB101103
Using SourceGear SourceOffsite
This page documents using SOS for all user participants and developers, there is another page for PS developers titled VSS & SOS which contains additional information regarding internal policies and procedures.
SOS Overview
SOS offers both web and Windows interfaces. If you haven't purchased a license from Prestwood Software yet, contact Mike Prestwood. The price of the full Windows interface is $339 and the price of the web interface is $99.
Usage Overview
In general, we use SOS for the following:
Offsite source code access
View Project Summary
Per client or per project discussions (message boards)
Per client or per project defect/issue tracking
Note We do not use the chat feature of SOS Collaboration Edition. Instead we use MSN Messenger. MSN Messenger also works with Windows Messenger which comes with Windows XP and above. MSN Messenger is a free download. Click here for more information.
Projects and Sub-Projects
In general, we create one collaboration project for each client to handle general issues and misc tasks and one collaboration project for each identified project that we wish to have a message board for and/or a defect/issue database.
Secure and Unsecure Modes
SOS offers both secure and unsecure modes. We use ONLY the secure modes.
SOS Windows Client
The Windows Client allows you to participate in the following:
Offsite source code access
View Project Summary
Per client or per project discussions (message boards)
Per client or per project defect/issue tracking
Note We do not use the chat feature of SOS Collaboration Edition. Instead we use MSN Messenger. MSN Messenger also works with Windows Messenger which comes with Windows XP and above. MSN Messenger is a free download. Click here for more information.
Download the Windows Client
Click on the link below to download the latest Windows client now:
Configure the windows client according to the following screenshot.
Note Although the unsecured ports are configured below, we only use the secured ports (the unsecured server is turned OFF).
Managing Source Code
All of the various VSS databases are listed under the common area
Note Althought the Common area have both a chat and discussions message board, we do not use either at this level. We do use the discussions message board but only for each project.
Source Code Rules, Tips, and Suggestions
In general, Prestwood will take care of managing the folder hierarchy for each client (the project/sub-project relationships) .
About Passwords
Keep in mind that both VSS and SOS have their own passwords.
Set SOS Password (Windows Client)
Using the SOS client interface, select Tools | Change System Password.
Set VSS Password
Using the SOS Windows client interface:
Open the VSS database for which you wish to change your password.
Select Tools | Change VSS Password.
Note For ease of remember, we strongly suggest you set your VSS and SOS passwords to the same password you use for MyPrestwood. We do not have the ability to read any of your passwords. However, we can reset any of your passwords if needed.
Word Documents
Whether using the PSDP Templates or other Word documents, please follow the following best practices:
Check revisions into SourceSafe.
Keep Track Changes turned on so readers can easily track changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
SOS Windows Client
Q. I'm using SOS and can't find my source code. Where is the source code?
A. All version control files such as documents and source code are in the SourceSafe databases. All of the SourceSafe databases are listed under the Common folder. I really wish they would have called the Common folder "SourceSafe".
Q. The SOS Win client is crashing or not behaving correctly. For example, if you can't open VSS databases or you get an error when you select a VSS database. A sample error might be: Error parsing (c:\documents and settings\...............). After the error shows, about 5 seconds after the error shows, selecting tools causes a general fault and closes the software. Any ideas?
A. Your local cache may be corrupt so you'll have to delete a few files. Specifically the "database1.sos" and "index.sos" files on your local machine.
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