Complete the following administrative tasks:
Read the release bulletin for DirectConnect version 12.6. This document provides product information that might not be included in this DirectConnect guide, as well as information about known issues or problems.
Make a backup copy of your current Sybase software, particularly if you plan to keep DirectConnect versions that were previously installed.
Make a copy of the installation worksheet for your platform for each server that you will install.
Verify that you have authority to sign in as user sybase or other user having administrative privileges on the machine on which DirectConnect is being installed.
Verify that the host server is connected to the LAN and that network protocols are configured correctly. For instructions, see your LAN administrator documentation.
Verify previously installed Sybase products. When you install DirectConnect into an existing directory structure, be aware of any previously installed Sybase software and the version of that software.