System Configuration Guide

Overview

This guide covers essential system configuration settings for Preparebuddy.com administrators to optimize platform performance and customize features for their organization.

General System Settings

Platform Configuration

1. Navigate to Admin Dashboard → System Settings → General
2. Configure basic platform settings:
3. Site name and branding
4. Default language and timezone
5. Contact information
6. Terms of service and privacy policy links

Email Configuration

1. Go to System Settings → Email Configuration
2. Configure SMTP settings:
3. SMTP server and port
4. Authentication credentials
5. SSL/TLS settings
6. Default sender information

Storage Configuration

1. Access System Settings → Storage
2. Configure file storage options:
3. Local storage paths
4. Cloud storage integration (AWS S3, Google Cloud)
5. File size limits
6. Allowed file types

Assessment System Settings

Evaluation Settings

• AI Model Configuration: Choose and configure AI models for feedback evaluation
• Rubric Defaults: Set default rubric templates and scoring scales
• Batch Processing: Configure limits and processing schedules
• Quality Thresholds: Set minimum quality scores for automatic processing

Analytics Configuration

• Data Retention: Set how long to keep assessment data
• Reporting Intervals: Configure automatic report generation
• Export Formats: Enable/disable export options
• Privacy Settings: Configure data anonymization options

Security Configuration

Authentication Settings

1. Access Security → Authentication
2. Configure authentication options:
3. Login session duration
4. Password complexity requirements
5. Two-factor authentication settings
6. Single sign-on (SSO) integration

Access Control

• IP Restrictions: Limit access by IP address ranges
• Rate Limiting: Configure API and login rate limits
• Session Management: Set timeout and concurrent session limits
• Audit Logging: Enable comprehensive activity logging

Integration Settings

API Configuration

• API Keys: Generate and manage API keys
• Rate Limits: Set API usage limits per organization
• Webhook Settings: Configure event notifications
• CORS Settings: Configure cross-origin resource sharing

Third-Party Integrations

• Learning Management Systems: Connect with Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard
• Student Information Systems: Integrate with PowerSchool, Infinite Campus
• Single Sign-On: Configure SAML, OAuth, or LDAP integration
• Analytics Platforms: Connect with Google Analytics, custom tracking

Performance Optimization

Caching Configuration

• Redis Configuration: Set up Redis for session and cache storage
• Database Optimization: Configure connection pooling and query optimization
• CDN Integration: Set up content delivery network for static files
• Background Tasks: Configure Celery for asynchronous processing

Monitoring and Alerts

• Health Checks: Configure system health monitoring
• Performance Metrics: Set up performance tracking
• Error Notifications: Configure error alerting
• Resource Monitoring: Monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage

Backup and Recovery

Automated Backups

1. Go to System Maintenance → Backup Configuration
2. Set up automated backup schedule:
3. Database backups (daily/weekly)
4. File system backups
5. Configuration backups
6. Backup retention policies

Recovery Procedures

• Database Recovery: Steps for restoring from database backups
• File Recovery: Restoring uploaded files and documents
• Configuration Recovery: Restoring system settings
• Disaster Recovery: Complete system restoration procedures

Maintenance Tasks

Regular Maintenance

• Database Cleanup: Remove old logs and temporary data
• File Cleanup: Remove orphaned files and optimize storage
• Cache Clearing: Clear expired cache entries
• Log Rotation: Archive and compress log files

System Updates

• Version Updates: Process for updating to new platform versions
• Security Patches: Applying security updates
• Feature Updates: Enabling new features and functionality
• Testing Procedures: Staging environment testing before production updates

Troubleshooting

Common Configuration Issues

• Email Not Sending: Check SMTP settings and firewall rules
• Slow Performance: Review database queries and caching configuration
• Authentication Failures: Verify SSO configuration and certificates
• File Upload Issues: Check storage configuration and permissions

Diagnostic Tools

• System Status Page: Real-time system health information
• Log Viewer: Browse and search system logs
• Performance Dashboard: Monitor system performance metrics
• Configuration Validator: Check configuration settings for errors

Best Practices

Security

• Regularly review and update security settings
• Monitor access logs for suspicious activity
• Keep authentication certificates up to date
• Implement principle of least privilege

Performance

• Monitor system resources and plan for scaling
• Regularly review and optimize database queries
• Implement appropriate caching strategies
• Test performance after configuration changes

Maintenance

• Schedule regular maintenance windows
• Keep documentation of configuration changes
• Test backup and recovery procedures regularly
• Monitor system updates and security advisories

Support Resources

For technical assistance with system configuration: - Technical Support: support@Preparebuddy.com - Documentation Portal: docs.Preparebuddy.com - Community Forum: community.Preparebuddy.com - Emergency Support: +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX