Monday, December 28, 2009

Don’t think it won’t happen to you. Be ready for a software license audit

Microsoft continues to file cases against companies and individuals caught selling infringing software and systems. Every month, Microsoft receives hundreds of piracy reports from customers and from the system builder community. These reports enable Microsoft to investigate and address piracy across the country, and they are critical to the success of our anti-piracy efforts.

Almost all of the cases that Microsoft has recently filed resulted from either customer or channel piracy reports. The most recent round of cases were filed against 15 companies and individuals, including:

  • VioSoftware (Lafayette, CO)
  • Royal Discount (Boulder, CO)
  • SaveintheUSA.com (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Dallas Computer (Plano, TX)
  • Daroc Computers (El Paso, TX)

For a full listing of all of the cases that have been filed this month and in the past, click here.

“Software audit painful and costly for the noncompliant” read the full article

http://searchcompliance.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid195_gci1340705,00.html

Contact us if you are concerned about your company’s software compliance

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Friday, December 11, 2009

10 Tips for Optimizing QuickBooks Performance

For a fresh start on the new year, refer to these tips to gain top performance from your QuickBooks software.

1. Make sure your hardware meets or exceeds minimum requirements.


The right hardware will help you get the most out of QuickBooks. Learn more about the system requirements for your version of
QuickBooks:
QuickBooks 2010
QuickBooks 2009
QuickBooks 2008
QuickBooks 2007

2. Always use QuickBooks in Recommended Mode and optimize network performance.


Proper network setup is essential for optimal QuickBooks performance. Learn more.
For best performance on a network, use a 100 Mbps hard-wired network. Avoid wireless network solutions, due to possible breaks in
the connection.
Also avoid external hard drives when possible. Use a fast disk on the server. The faster the disk, the better QuickBooks will perform:
7,200 to 10,000 rpm is good.

3. Improve performance in multi-user mode.


For the best performance in multi-user mode, be sure to install QuickBooks or the QuickBooks Server on the same computer where
the company file is located and set up that computer according to the recommended multi-user setup.
You can do most day-to-day tasks in multi-user mode without noticing much difference in performance. Tasks that take a long time
to complete, such as running large reports, can affect performance for other users. A few tasks, such as finding transactions,
temporarily prevent other users from working on the company file. Consider doing these tasks when other users are not working in
the company file.
Important: If you are an Intuit QuickBooks Assisted Payroll subscriber, please note that you cannot transmit Assisted Payroll in
multi-user mode.

4. Configure anti-virus software properly.


An anti-virus utility running a real-time scanning engine can cause QuickBooks to operate at a slower speed. You can improve
performance by disabling real-time scanning. Read more about anti-virus software and QuickBooks.

5. Configure firewalls so they will not interfere with QuickBooks.


Internet security and personal firewall application settings can affect how QuickBooks accesses payroll and program updates online.
Incorrect settings can result in update errors. Learn more about configuring firewall programs.

6. Run anti-spyware software.


Spyware can create significant unwanted CPU activity, disk usage, and network traffic—slowing down the legitimate use of system
resources by QuickBooks.

7. Defragment your hard drive regularly.


Performing this task keeps hard drive access as fast as possible. In Windows, go to Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools. Click
on Disk Defragmenter. When the window pops up, click Defragment to begin the process. The defragmentation process can take
several hours, especially the first time. You may want to consider doing this after you’re done for the day so that the process can run
overnight if it needs to.

8. Reduce the number of reminders and memorized transactions.


Reminders and memorized transactions can increase QuickBooks start-up time. If your program starts too slowly, try limiting your
reminders and memorized transactions to just those you really need. In the Reminders preferences, select Don’t Remind Me for
tasks for which you don’t need a reminder.
You can improve the performance of day-to-day tasks by also modifying some of your other QuickBooks preferences. In the Reports &
Graphs preferences, for example, consider selecting Prompt me to refresh or Don’t refresh. Refreshing reports automatically can
QuickBooks Payroll Bulletin
http://www.qbenews.com/QB_Payroll/0912_qbpb/landing_02.html[12/11/2009 8:15:12 AM]
slow performance.

9. Uninstall previous versions of QuickBooks.


Uninstalling previous versions of QuickBooks should help you improve program start-up time:
1. From your Windows Start menu, go to Settings>Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs.
2. For each previous version of QuickBooks, click Uninstall.
If you have Windows Vista, follow these instructions:
1. Open Programs and Features by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking
Programs and Features.
2. Select a program, and then click Uninstall. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the
password or provide confirmation.

10. Periodically clean up your company file.


This feature, formerly called Archive and Condense, removes obsolete list entries and transactions.
To clean up your company file:
1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Utilities.
2. Select Clean Up Company Data.
Sometimes you can achieve additional file compression by creating and restoring a portable company file. Learn more.
For More Information
For additional details and tips, see the QuickBooks Knowledge Base article "Improving system performance."
QuickBooks Payroll Bulletin
Editor: Lise Quintana
Publisher: Intuit
We welcome your suggestions and feedback! Unfortunately, we cannot respond to requests for change of address,
technical support, or sales information.
E-mail us at payroll_editor@intuit.com
The information contained in the QuickBooks Payroll Bulletin is meant to provide general information about the payroll process and is not intended
to provide tax or legal advice. Always consult your tax professional when preparing tax documents.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

WOW Technology Post – You’ve got to watch this

Check out this video.  Franz Vogel (a great business coach for small business) sent it to me and I was so excited I’ve shown it to several people already.  Its exciting to see new technology inventions.  I know that the commercial applications of this are in the pipeline already.  Let me know what you think!

Sixth Sense Technology

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Shameless Plug for Girls Inc. and Bella’s Boutique

Technorati Tags:

I thought I would take a break (as I am writing the next couple posts) to let you know about a great event that is happening.  Bella’s Boutique (yes a client and dear friend) is giving money to Girls Inc.  Girls Inc. is an organization that inspires young girls to be strong, smart and bold.  And who doesn’t want that for the girls in your life!  If you haven’t been to Bella’s Boutique (two stores 1 in Stamford on Vine & High Ridge and another in that wonderful part of Tarrytown down by the water) plan on going there.  It is a wonderful place for wonderful gift items for girls and women (and won’t blow your holiday budget).  You can buy some awesome gift and help out a great cause. 

So spread the word!!! Tell your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to stop by
Bella’s Boutique for their holiday shopping. With two locations:
1 Vine Road 2nd floor – Stamford CT 203.968.2900
35 North Broadway – Tarrytown NY 914.333.7778