Asking b4 buying

Without question version 2008.

With a single user product, you are allowed to install the software to desktop and laptop - so long as there is only one user.

There is ONE data file. There is no synchronization between "desktop" and "laptop" included in the program. You would have to backup/restore the data file each time you switch computers - or else try one of the 3rd party software applications designed for that purpose.

Always best to start with the newest version available, as Intuit 'sunsets' their products, cutting off some functionality after 3 years of release date.

"QuickBooks Service Discontinuation Plan Each year, we strive to deliver the best products to our customers by investing in technology that makes QuickBooks better and easier to use. One of the ways we are able to do that is to manage the costs associated with supporting older releases. We believe this enables us to provide you with the right level of service, while still providing leading-edge business solutions to our customers at the lowest cost.

Our practice is to support the most current version of QuickBooks, plus the prior two versions. If you are currently using an older version of QuickBooks and do not need live support or do not use certain business services (such as payroll), you can continue to use the software as you have been. However, if you would like to continue receiving live technical support or use other services, you will need to install and register a supported version of QuickBooks software."

Other services include things like credit card download, payroll, merchant services, etc.

Yes, you can install the program on both your laptop and desktop. I do it myself with each program. You will need register the program on both machines. You maybe be given a Validation code when you install the program the first time. Depending on Intuit's mood, it may be as simple as entering the validation code on the second install. It seems to vary each time I have to install a version of QB.

There is no built in process to synchronize your data. You have to remember which machine you used last. If both machines are always at home and are networked you could keep the data file on your laptop and have your desktop access the company file through the network. If they are not networked then you would need to copy the company file to the other machine everytime the file is updated. Not foolproof. How do you sychronize your other files between the 2 machines?

I would get 2008 at this point. It gives you the most features and length of Intuit support.

Allan, Laura, Thanks a lot for the help. I got all the answers to all my questions. BTW, I posted all the same questions in the Intuit's own board and haven't gotten a single answer yet. Hmmm?

In other programs I use backup files to synchronize data between the computers. They are connected to the same router and can be networked, but I rather avoid opening computers to the outside. I use memory stick or email to move files between the computers. Anyway, it's not a big deal since I have a small one man business.

I guess this board will be my first stop the next time.

All the best

As long as the router is behind a firewall you aren't opening your computers to the outside. This assumes that you have also enabled an appropriate level of security if your router is wireless.

Laura, thanks.

With only one data file I think I can handle it.. :)

The reason I asked is that a new version is always buggy. Maybe it's not much the case with QB since the core of the product is not changing much from year to year.

L, thanks for the info.

You don't HAVE to use the backup/restore process. You can copy the files from one computer to another as long as you have a storage medium that will hold the file. If space is an issue then using the Portable file is another option.

Starting with 2007 there are actually 3 files that should be copied: file.qbw, file.qbw.ND and file.qbw.TLG. I'm not sure what is contained in the 2nd & 3rd files but I also copy them to the other computer.

There have already been several updates to the program that address some bugs initially encountered.

Right now one issue seems to be whether QB works well on Vista. If you have XP stick with that OS for now.

I have no issues with either 2007 or 2008 running on Vista.

For seven years, Microsoft ragged on developers not to use the registry to store application program parameters.

Intuit ignore Microsoft's admonitions.

In Vista, Microsoft ENFORCED the suggestion and made it virtually for malware to dick with the registry.

Intuit made the "suggested" changes in QB2007.