Recommended Hardware and Software for HandiSoft
These recommended specifications are of a general nature and are based on running the HandiSoft programs in an average small to medium sized accounting practice. Actual requirements will vary from practice to practice and depend upon the applications you run and other environmental factors. We recommend employing a certified operating system and network technician to guide you on the specific needs of your organisation.
Stand-Alone Computer
- Windows XP or later
- 1 GB of SDRAM. DDR 400 MHz
- 40 GB (with a minimum of 2GB free at all times)
- Have a 17" XGA monitor with minimum resolution of 1024x768 with 24 bit colour
- A mouse or equivalent pointing device
- Processor (CPU) must be faster than 2.8 Ghz
- CDROM drive
- A suitable backup device
- Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007
- An internet connection or a modem for electronic lodgment, if you are using HandiTax or HandiRegister
Multiple PC System Server
- Dedicated network server, with sufficient RAM and a CPU processor to cater for the users and applications you intend to run.
- Server Operating System: Windows 2003 Server (SP2 {or R2})
Notes:
If you run Windows 2008 Server, you may have to make an amendment to a registry key, as it handles exceptions differently to earlier Windows Servers.
If you are using Small Business Server 2003 or 2008, make sure it does not sit on the same volume as Exchange.
Terminal Servers
Every Terminal Server has a limit. Limits vary from company to company, and your requirements will be based on applications you run, user profiles, hardware, the network, and countless other factors. Memory is probably the most important hardware component of a Terminal Server. The amount of memory in a server affects the performance of other hardware components. For example, in addition to not being able to support as many users as you'd like to, not having enough memory can add an extra burden to the processor and disk since the page file would be more heavily used. Every user that runs an application on a Terminal Server will use the memory for that application just as if it were running it on a normal workstation.
Other equipment considerations
Printers: For general printing we recommend a laser printing system. These printers offer a higher quality and compatibility. Older laser printers can sometimes have problems and upgrades to newer models can eliminate troublesome issues.
Note: HandiSoft does not currently support label printers.
Scanners: When using a locally connected scanner ensure that the driver is TWAIN compliant (Note: Exercise care with multi functional scanners as you may encounter issues). In order to scan in a remote session environment (Terminal Server, Remote desktop or Citrix), you must utilise the specialised network software provided with your scanner hardware or other 3rd party applications.
Cisco VPN software:HandiSoft has no control over the minimum requirements, for Cisco VPN software provided by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and distributed by us. As such HandiTax (with electronic lodgment) will only run on Operating Systems that support Cisco VPN Software. Cisco VPN is used to access the ATO systems for lodging taxation returns electronically. Note: Refer to ATO Assist website for details of the current minimum specification for Cisco VPN software.
Linux
HandiSoft Software is not supported in a Linux environment.
Hot Fixes and Service Packs
We recommend that you regularly update your operating system with any relevant Service Packs and Hot Fixes, which are available from the Microsoft Internet site or by selecting "Tools" and "Windows Update" from within Internet Explorer.
Backups
We often hear from agents after a fire, theft or even sabotage has struck their office, would your electronic data survive? We recommend that you regularly backup your data, and store copies off-site. A recent valid backup is the only way to recover.
Ref # TEC0005