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techdb is a Helix Client/Server database that we use to provide technical support to our customers. In techdb you can search our knowledgebase, look up Helix error codes, submit bug reports & feature requests, chat with other Helix users, and more.

In essence, techdb is a live demo of Helix Client/Server in action, and it provides a communal gathering spot for Helix users around the world. That alone makes it a worthwhile part of our technical support services.

Techdb is contains:

1. HelixChat: a live chat forum that is open all the time.
2. Knowledgebase: a searchable record of tech support calls where you can find the answers to many questions.
3. Bug Reports: users submit reports and discuss them with Helix customers and staff.
4. Error Codes: if your Helix collection crashes, find out what that error code means.
5. Feature Requests: users submit feature requests and discuss them with Helix customers and staff.
6. Surveys: see the results of the various survey we conduct.

The page you are looking at now shows the steps using the Helix Client for OS X. Instructions for using the Classic Client are found by clicking this link.

After launching Helix Client, there are two ways you can log in:

1. Open a saved structure: In the ‘Things You Might Need’ folder (it is found inside the Helix folder you created when you installed Helix 6) there should be a file named ‘Helix User Services Structure’. Open it with Helix Client: Drag and Drop it onto the Client application or choose ‘Open’ from the Helix Client’s File menu and select it.
2. Visit the collection: Launch Helix Client, select ‘Visit’ from the File menu, enter ‘techdb.qsatoolworks.com’ in the ‘IP address or DNS name’ field. When the status message reads ‘This is a valid URL,’ click the Visit button.

Once you have contacted the Server (this may take a few seconds) you will be presented with the user authentication dialog. Your Username is guest and no password is required.

Note that this collection has ‘User Name Security’ turned on. We strongly recommend that collections served over the internet have this important security feature turned on. Otherwise unwanted visitors may find your server and access your data.

Remember: this is a Helix database you are logging in to. You must authenticate using the guest username to access the database. (We aren’t going to create unique users for each of you!) Once logged in, you can use your Access information (next section) to uniquely identify yourself within the database, but authentication is always done as guest.

The first time you log in, the Access Password Registration window should automatically open. (If it doesn’t, look for it under the Extras menu.)

Registering does two very important things:

1. It provides a way for you to be personally identified when participating in HelixChat, reporting bugs, etc.
2. It provides security for your Helix account. Once you have set an Access Password, that password is required to log in to the Helix Web Store.

Registration is not required to browse content, but is if you want to report bugs.

To register, you must provide four pieces of information, along with one optional item:

1. Customer #: Required. Your Helix Customer Number.
2. Access PW: Required. The password you will use to access your account information, participate in discussions, etc. (Make it secure; you don’t want people stealing your keys or pretending to be you!)
3. Your Name: Required. Your full name, as provided when you created your Helix customer account.
4. Chat Name: Required. The name you prefer to be identified by when participating in discussions.
5. Avatar: Optional. A small graphics file (GIF, JPEG, PNG, etc.) that represents you in discussions.
   Document uploading is not currently supported via the OS X Client. If you want to use an avatar, use the Classic Client to upload it. The image will display correctly in the OS X Client.

The information you enter is compared to your actual customer record, and if it matches exactly, access is granted immediately. Otherwise it is stored and reviewed before it is activated.

Once you have successfully registered, you are a full-fledged member of our online community! If you are familiar with Helix this should all be very familiar to you: after all, it is a Helix collection.

Be sure to check out all of the options that are available. And don't forget: every Friday afternoon (US Eastern Time) members of the QSA ToolWorks staff drop by the HelixChat window. If you want to talk directly to us, this is a great way to do it.

Some people have reported trouble logging in to the database. Our investigation reveals that there is confusion about the purpose of the Access Password. Some people thought that creating this somehow creates a new user in our Helix database that you must then use when you re-visit the collection. That is incorrect. You always authenticate using the guest username to access the database. Once logged in, you use your Access Password to uniquely identify yourself within the database, for example when reporting bugs or participating in HelixChat. But when the User Authentication window opens during start up, you always log in as guest.