Elexio Database for Mac Instructions
The instructions below should be completed on each Mac that will need access to the Elexio Database. In short, the setup process installs Microsoft Remote Desktop on the Mac and sets it up for easy connection for your users. The Microsoft Remote Desktop program is free and accessed in the App Store. Once installed and configured Mac users follow the simple access instructions at the bottom of this page.
To complete these instructions you will need your Mac setup credentials which can be found in the Account Center.
- Navigate and login to http://account.elexio.com using your standard Elexio user name and password (If you password does not work, your system administrator will need to grant you access to the Account Center or send you the Mac setup username and password).
- In the Account Center Dashboard click on "My Elexio Database Details"
- In the resulting window make note of your Mac Setup user name and password which will be used in step 10 and 11 below.
Elexio Database Mac Setup Instructions
- In some cases your Mac may have a previous version of Microsoft Remote Desktop or the old version of Elexio Amp Fusion (Database). Both of these must be uninstalled before proceeding with Step 2. Use Spotlight to search "remote desktop" (don't include the word Microsoft) and search again for "fusion". If either or both are found, drag them to the Trash Can to uninstall.
- Open up the app store on your Mac (If you are a brand new Mac user, you can find how to do this here: https://www.apple.com/support/macbasics/)
- Search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop" (The newest version is '10' and it supports copy/paste functions from your Mac - App Link)
- Follow the instructions to install the Microsoft Remote desktop app on your computer
- Open the Microsoft Remote desktop app
- In the upper left hand corner press the new button. This will open a new screen with the "General Tab" selected.
- Under the "General" tab...
- In the connection name field type "Elexio Database" (Do not include the quotes)
- In the PC name field type "rd01.clients.elexio.com" (Do not include the quotes)
- Do not fill in the Gateway field leave it as "No gateway configured"
- In the user name fill enter "Elexio\[username]" (Do not include the quotes, this is the Mac setup username you located in the Account Center)
- In the password field enter your password. (This is the Mac setup password you located in the Account Center - see step 3 above).
- For "Resolution," select "1024x768" for best results.
- At the bottom uncheck "Start session in full screen" and check "Scale Content."
- Under the "Session" Tab...
- Check "Forward Printing Devices".
- Under the "Redirection" tab...
- Check "Enable Folder Redirection", then click the "+" in the lower left to Browse and add a local folder to/from which you'll be able to save/access your files.
- Close the window
- The new connection should now be listed, double-click or right-click , select start, to start the connection
- The first time you connect you may be prompted to verify a security certificate.
- Select "Show Certificate" and choose "Always trust
- Elexio recommends that you place Microsoft Remote Desktop in the Dock or Launchpad of each Mac that will frequently access the Elexio Database.
Running the Elexio Database on a Mac
- Locate and start Microsoft Remote Desktop (Use Spotlight, Launchpad. open the Applications folder or it may be in your Dock)
- The "My Desktops" window should have an entry titled Elexio Database. (If it does not, contact your system administrator and ask them to setup the database on your Mac)
- Highlight the Elexio Database connection and click Start.
Ending Your Database Session
It is important to note that when you're done working in the Database on your Mac, you will want to be sure to close the Database application by clicking the "X" in the upper right hand corner... NOT simply closing the Remote Desktop program. This is especially important when using a machine that multiple users share, or when multiple users would be connecting from the same IP address.
After clicking the "X" you should see the following screen confirming you've successfully logged off and ended your Database session. Typically this will also close the Remote Desktop connection as well.
Other Mac Install Tips
If you have trouble connecting to our server it could be that your computer is being blocked by a firewall setting on your local internet access point. If you are in your church office you'll need to get your local admin to unblock Port 3389 which is the standard port used for Remote Desktop. Need help with this? Then use Google and search for "How to open port 3389". Add the name of your router if you know it for even more specific help.
If you keep getting disconnected while you are working in Elexio Database, this is probably caused by a setting on your church's firewall. Learn more.
With Snow Leopard or earlier, we really like the "Spaces" feature because it allows you to have multiple screens running at the same time while easily switching between them. So you might want to make your Elexio Database run in its own full screen on Space 2 while all your other programs run on Space 1, for example.
- Go to System Preferences and select Expose & Spaces.
- Select the Spaces button at the top.
- Check the box to Enable Spaces.
- Then click the + sign at the bottom and add the Remote Desktop Connection app.
- Then select a Space for it to run in. (You may need to add a Space using the + button for Columns.
Limitations of the Mac Version
There are some limitations to the Mac version. They are:
- You can't work offline using our Elexio Database for Mac solution. However, if you want to use VMware or Parallels you can work offline since you'd be running the PC version in Windows on your Mac (Bootcamp works too but we're not fans of it cause you have to shut down your Mac and reboot into Windows).
- We don't offer integration with MS Office for Mac like we do for MS Office for Windows. For example, when you output a Database report to Excel you'll need to save the file to your Public folder and then manually open the file using Excel for Mac or Numbers. (On the PC we automatically open the spreadsheet in Excel for Windows).
- You can't use a check imager/reader for contribution data entry.
- We don't offer Elexio Check-In for Mac. But if you want to run Elexio Check-In on Mac hardware then use VMware or Bootcamp. For example, if you want to use iMacs for your kiosks then we recommend using Bootcamp since those machines are dedicated as kiosks.
Still Having Trouble?
Take a look at our Mac Troubleshooting Help Page.
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