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gcaps.md
1 # gcaps {#gcaps}
2
3 ## FAQ
4
5 ### What is gcaps?
6 gcaps is a communication server natively supported by gclib to multiplex Galil
7 hardware communication features. It runs in the background on the host computer,
8 as a service or daemon.
9
10 Incidentally, the name *gcaps* is an acronym for the improbable name *Galil
11 Controller Asynchronous Proxy Server*. Yet another tidbit to impress friends at
12 parties.
13
14 ### How/When is gcaps used?
15 gclib will attempt to use gcaps whenever GOpen() is called without the
16 `--direct` or `-d` switch. Other than this small difference, gclib function calls
17 through gcaps operate as if the connetion was direct. The first version of gclib
18 supporting gcaps is 299.
19
20 ### Why might gcaps be used rather than direct connections?
21
22 * Connections through gcaps multiplex a single connection resource. This means
23 that single-channel connection protocols like RS232 or PCI can be shared with
24 as many simultaneous connections as needed. Furthermore, Ethernet-based
25 connections with gcaps leave plenty of Ethernet handles available for other
26 communications, such as MODBUS.
27 * All communications features are available to all connecting clients. This
28 means that a software application can be running simultaneosly with Galil's
29 diagnostic software (Galil Design Kit). This significantly simplifies support
30 and aides in debugging.
31 * Data Records, Messages, and Interrupts everywhere. No longer does one
32 connection *steal* data streams from another.
33
34 ### How do I install gcaps?
35 See the \link installation \endlink page to see if gcaps is available on you
36 OS. Support is marked with a diamond (&diams;).
37
38 If gcaps is needed on a different OS, please email softwaresupport@galil.com,
39 or call [Galil Applications](http://www.galil.com/contact).
40
41 ####Windows
42 gcaps is bundled in the gclib and GDK installer packages. Install with defaults
43 to get the gcaps service included. gcaps is also available as a standalone
44 installer. Downloads are available on the
45 <a href="http://www.galil.com/sw/pub/all/rn/gcaps.html">release notes</a> page.
46
47 ####Linux
48 Instructions to install gcaps are listed with the instructions to install gclib.
49 Follow the link for your OS on the \link installation \endlink page.
50
51 ### Where can I read about changes to gcaps?
52 On the <a href="http://www.galil.com/sw/pub/all/rn/gcaps.html">release notes</a> page.
53