Business software

dark_angel

dark_angel

Member
Hi,
I'm setting up 5 computers in a business office. They send emails and are after a program to do up invoices, sale quotes, reports, etc but need to be able to share them around on all computers.

Is they any program out do to do this. Also is it possible with out a server? Or is it easier to set up a program to share with a server.
thanks
 
dark_angel said:
Hi,
I'm setting up 5 computers in a business office. They send emails and are after a program to do up invoices, sale quotes, reports, etc but need to be able to share them around on all computers.
Click to expand...
You mean like MYOB or QuickBooks with 5 User licence ? :D (actually it may be 4 User licence, please check ;))


dark_angel said:
Also is it possible with out a server? Or is it easier to set up a program to share with a server.
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You don't need a Server, although, you will need one workstation that carries the data, and is always on (hmm, that sounds like a Server anyway :D, but doesn't need Server software though
 
yeh like myob. Not sure on the software that would be need form them though. Would need to be very easy for someone who knows nothing about computers to use also.
 
not trying to troll or anything, but isn't it kinda weird that you are going to be responsible for an office's computers but you don't even know what software to use?
 
yeh i think they are slowly working that out. They thought it would involve buying one desktop then you only need a monitor keyboard and mouse for each work area until I told them they need a desktop for each area. So I might just see what I can find at Myob if nothing else.
 
dark_angel said:
Would need to be very easy for someone who knows nothing about computers to use also.
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"I would like a car that's easy to use, preferably one that drives itself, because I don't know anything about cars."

Hey, I'm not saying it's not possible... I'm just saying, you're asking for a lot there.

Perhaps you can use a hosted solution for your business. This way, you have access through all of your computers -- it's on the internet. And the people at the hosted service will take care of all the details so you don't have to know how to use anything. You just log in, use what you need, and they take care of the rest.
 
dark_angel said:
They thought it would involve buying one desktop then you only need a monitor keyboard and mouse for each work area ...
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Hahahahahaha! I can see it already. That is going to be one awesome computer. It will have 6 connections for monitors, so like three graphic cards. And at least 10 USB ports. But then everyone is fighting to use the one mouse cursor. "No, I'm using it now, let go!"
 
Network Hub
Patch Ethernet Cables (some long, some short)
Power outlets (its amazing howmany times people forget to have these close to the computer)
Space on the desk ! (And possible 25mm circular hole-sawed holes + covers)
Possible a few power boards, with porotection (these are expensive on their own :D)
Mouse pads for shiny surfaces
Oh a Modem :D
And complete computer hardware (ideally contracted hardware support)
Someone to "map" out the entire system (including all IPs; workgroup; well everything)
A network printer, with extra ink cartridges
Hmm, and that training as well

Yes it can get expensive :D
 
Motoxrdude said:
not trying to troll or anything, but isn't it kinda weird that you are going to be responsible for an office's computers but you don't even know what software to use?
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Well I don't work for the company or anything. I am telling them the computers to buy and then setting up and once that's done I will never see them again most likely. I'm not sure on all the software's out there for businesses as I don't work in one or anything yet. I know there are companies that have business stuff like this but can't find any for programs that are independent.

Euklid
Hey, I'm not saying it's not possible... I'm just saying, you're asking for a lot there.

I know I'm asking a lot but after I'm done they will be left and will be in trouble if they can't use it.

Euklid said:
Perhaps you can use a hosted solution for your business. This way, you have access through all of your computers -- it's on the internet. And the people at the hosted service will take care of all the details so you don't have to know how to use anything. You just log in, use what you need, and they take care of the rest.
Click to expand...

That might be an option and I can not get a server for them, one question, how save would it be. I would be concerned as all you details would be on another persons computer and they could do anything with it.
 
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dark_angel said:
That might be an option and I can not get a server for them, one question, how save would it be. I would be concerned as all you details would be on another persons computer and they could do anything with it.
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What I was talking about is... an online service where you pay a monthly fee. Obviously, it's secure. It's what they specialize in.

For example, something like this... http://www.omnivue.net

You'll have to do some research, as this is the first one Google found for me. I'm not even sure if they offer the services your business will need. But I think for people that won't have any tech support, this would be the best solution. There is no installation involved. You just have to setup an account with them. And then all you need to do is hook up the 6 computers so that they access the internet.
 
ah that looks better. I was wondering how secure as I come across one but they basically had documents on a server and you saved everything on their server which didn't seem very secure to me. thanks for the help though i'll look around.
 
Actually if you quote the minimum cost (by the way never quote the minimum cost :D)
5 x standard computers plus Windows OS (ideally Windows 7 seeming its about to be released) ~ $6500 AU (note this is minimum!)
Office for every workstation: ~ say around $400 again AU (but its all AU)
Myob or some multi licence package: ~ $100 (maybe $200)
Cables and Hub (Router) and other peripherals: ~$200
Network Laser Printer: ~ 400 (just a small one) Add another $150 for more ink

Total hardware (minimum): ~ $7000

Tech to set it all up (including innitial unpackaging; network setup; OS Setup (properly ;)) Install all updates and software packages, and provide complete network map on paper) ~ $500 (note I was really thinking a thousand, but $500 should do it)

Some Training, and return next day or two to confirm all ok ~ $100

Ongoing site support: 1 day a week for 2 Hrs, for 6 months: ~ $500 (minimum)


So we have a grand total of around ~ $8000 AU
I say quote them ~ $10,000 (depending upon how much money the workstation will actually cost, ie likely more (screens are expensive too;))

You really need to sit down and think about all the costs yourself, very slowly (I tend to always miss something critical, with these things :))
 
kimsland said:
Actually if you quote the minimum cost (by the way never quote the minimum cost :D)
5 x standard computers plus Windows OS (ideally Windows 7 seeming its about to be released) ~ $6500 AU (note this is minimum!)
Office for every workstation: ~ say around $400 again AU (but its all AU)
Myob or some multi licence package: ~ $100 (maybe $200)
Cables and Hub (Router) and other peripherals: ~$200
Network Laser Printer: ~ 400 (just a small one) Add another $150 for more ink

Total hardware (minimum): ~ $7000

Tech to set it all up (including innitial unpackaging; network setup; OS Setup (properly ;)) Install all updates and software packages, and provide complete network map on paper) ~ $500 (note I was really thinking a thousand, but $500 should do it)

Some Training, and return next day or two to confirm all ok ~ $100

Ongoing site support: 1 day a week for 2 Hrs, for 6 months: ~ $500 (minimum)

So we have a grand total of around ~ $8000 AU
I say quote them ~ $10,000 (depending upon how much money the workstation will actually cost, ie likely more (screens are expensive too;))

You really need to sit down and think about all the costs yourself, very slowly (I tend to always miss something critical, with these things :))
Click to expand...

Yes I see what you mean. They want to get everything from Dell and to start with 3 desktops so I had 3 desktops, a server with a monitor and a switch to connect all computers. Then once they brought it all and had it delivered, i'd go set it all up, then work out money. But if I don't need a server, and can get myob and have it share between or go a hosting one like Euklid suggested.
 
Actually I hope that all computers bought will be exactly the same hardware ;)
Doing so will allow you to make images (complete backups) of the workstation, just in case you need to re-install (actually this will help in setting up multiple computers anyway)

You should contract yourself to them I feel, even say 50 a week to be on call and visit site at least once a week

Setting up all this network (including client software package) and connecting it all up, does take time and above all experience
Are you experienced and confident with doing all this?
 
Is OpenOffice.org free for businesses?

They have office furniture for the computers? That's expensive too.
 
Yes all the desktops will be exactly the same so that's covered.

I do feel confident and experienced in setting up the only problem is is finding the programs however.
 
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