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Recommended Hardware & 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, depending on your actual set up, other 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. (This includes Windows 8) 
  • 1GB of SDRAM. DDR 400 MHz
  • 40GB (with a minimum of 2GB free at all times)
  • A monitor
  • A mouse or equivalent pointing device
  • A keyboard
  • Processor (CPU) must be faster than 2.8 Ghz.
  • CD-ROM drive
  • A suitable backup device or online service
  • Microsoft Office 2003, 2007, 2010 or 2013 (Please note: Microsoft Office 2013 is not compatible with the HandiSoft Add-in functionality)
  • An internet connection or a modem for electronic lodgment, if you are using HandiTax or HandiRegister.

Client \Server architecture (Fat Client)

  • 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, 2008 and 2008 R2 Servers, and 2003, 2008 and 2011 Small Business Servers.

     Note:    If you are using Small Business Server 2003,2008 or 2011, please ensure that the Exchange is mounted on
                  a different volume.

Terminal Servers (Thin Client)

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. If using Microsoft Office 2010, MODI (Microsoft Office Document Imaging) needs to be installed for OCR filing options in Document Manager, see Install MODI for use with Microsoft Office 2010.

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.

Apple Mac

HandiSoft Software is not supported in an Apple Mac environment.

Google Apps

As Google Apps has no current method of translating changes to items in the Outlook Drafts folder, it is not compatible with some of the HandiSoft email functionality.

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 our clients 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.

Sage DataSecure can assist you with fully-automated, secure and affordable online backups. Learn more