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Self Tests

When VOExplorer is started a number of network and access tests are performed - the results of these tests can be checked by clicking the 'Self Tests' item in the 'Start' Menu. These tests check your connectivity to the network, access to a number of 'ports' which VOexplorer and VO services need access to and so forth.

Self Test Descriptions

The tests check the following items:

• Sesame object name resolver:: this is a service provide by CDS, Strasbourg, which returns the coordinates for 'named' objects. If this service is not available, then name lookup will not be available.
• Annotations: this service provides additional 'value-added' information about VO resources - see the 'annotation's entry in any resource registry record.
• Services monitor: this provides status information as to the availability or otherwise of VO resources. See the red/green traffic light indicators for any resource in a registry search.
• Main registry service: this is the main AstroGrid registry. This is set in your VODesktop preferences, under Preferences/Ivoa.
• Fallback registry service: this is the fallback AstroGrid registry. This is set in your VODesktop preferences, under Preferences/Ivoa. If this and the main registry are 'down' then you will not be able to find VO resources.
• Registry caches:
• Network interfaces:
• DNS:
• Access port 80: this is the main port on which VO services are found
• Access port 8080: some VO services maybe accessible on this port - if you do not have access to this port then you will not be able to use these services.
• AR connection file:
• HTML access to AR:
• XMLRPC access to AR:
• RMI connection file:
• RMI access to AR:

In the example below the self tests are reporting that the Fall back registry is not contactable. This error is not fatal in that the fallback is only used if the main registry goes off-line. However, the user might consider choosing a different fallback registry (see the help on changing Preferences if the problem persists.

What if the Tests Reort Failures: Further Help

If any of these tests fail, there is the possibility that you will experience issues with the performance of your VO session. For further help and information please then refer to the FAQs and / or check the Issue Tracking system (View Tickets).