Running the server day to day
Your school server mostly looks after itself. This article covers the few things to know so staff are never left unable to work.
Keep it running during school hours
Staff on the Client Edition and in web browsers can only use Academium while the server is running. Staff on the Individual Edition can keep working without it, and their changes are sent to the server when it is back.
In the Preferences card on the control panel's Overview tab:
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Auto-start on launch: starts the services as soon as the control panel opens. | Auto-start on system boot: starts the server automatically when the computer starts. |
| Auto-start on OS boot: opens Academium when the computer starts. |
Turn these on so the server comes back by itself after a power cut or restart. On Linux, the control panel itself is always available while the computer is on.
Starting, stopping and restarting
Use Stop and Restart at the top of the control panel. While it is stopped, nobody on the Client Edition or a browser can use Academium. Avoid stopping it during school hours.
On Linux, the power button can also restart or shut down the whole computer. See Linux control panel security and tools.
Status messages
The control panel shows a message when something needs attention. The most common ones:
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| No backup taken yet | Choose Back Up Now, and set up a backup schedule. See Backing up and restoring. |
| System clock is incorrect | Choose Fix Clock. A wrong date or time on the server affects attendance dates, receipts and records. |
| Low disk space | Free up space on the server computer, or move old backups to an external drive. |
| Drive health warning / Drive failure indicators detected | Back up straight away and contact whoever looks after your school's computers. The drive may be failing. |
| HDD detected — SSD recommended | Not urgent. A solid-state drive would make Academium faster. |
| Subscription expired | The school owner renews through the Academium portal, or uses an offline renewal file. See Subscription and the admin password. |
Updates
When a new version of Academium is available, the control panel lets you know. Install updates outside school hours, because the server restarts.
Appearance
Under Preferences → Theme, choose Light, Dark or System for how the control panel looks. This does not change Academium SMS for your staff.