THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE SBS "DIVA"

From the Quickbooks newsletter two big news events:

Internet Explorer 7 Next on the Horizon in 2006

*What It Means for You and Your Clients*

We expect that Microsoft will begin distributing Internet Explorer 7 in the next month or two, and you need to be aware of how this could affect clients working in various versions of QuickBooks financial software.

Microsoft will distribute Internet Explorer 7 as a high-priority update via Automatic Updates for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 soon after the final version of the browser is released.

*QuickBooks 2007* and *QuickBooks 2006* (Release 8 or higher) will both work with Internet Explorer 7. QuickBooks uses this Web browser for some functions, including aspects of *Help*, *Payroll*, and some of the cached or navigator pages.

*QuickBooks 2005 to Be Updated.* We also expect to be providing an updated release to QuickBooks 2005 by end of year that will provide support for Internet Explorer 7.

Meanwhile, users (you or your clients) running QuickBooks 2006 versions prior to Release 8, or QuickBooks 2005 or prior, *must stay on Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) for an uninterrupted experience*.

If you or clients are running QuickBooks 2005 or earlier, Intuit recommends you upgrade to the latest edition of the QuickBooks software. However, we know as a practical matter that some ProAdvisors are supporting multiple clients in multiple versions of QuickBooks, and it may be impractical to have all clients upgrade. At a minimum you should make sure all programs are updated to their latest release. (See the list of Product Updates at the newly designed QuickBooks support Web site

In these scenarios, we recommend that you and your clients *decline* the Microsoft update for Internet Explorer 7. Because the new browser will be sent out as a Windows upgrade, you will need to alert clients on what steps to take.

*Multiple Versions of QuickBooks: One Version of Internet Explorer.* If you are running multiple versions of QuickBooks, please note that it is *not possible* to keep IE6 on your system to run with earlier versions of the QuickBooks software and also install IE7 to run with QuickBooks 2007.

As we go to press, additional information is about to be posted on the QuickBooks support site.

Here’s more information on Internet Explorer 7 and how to work with clients  


Decisions ahead on Vista Operating System

*More Information on its Way*

Industry watchdogs expect Microsoft to release Vista as currently announced in January 2007. This new operating system represents a major revision by Microsoft, and could require decisions from you or your clients.

Upgrading QuickBooks software to the latest release of QuickBooks 2007 is the best way to prepare for Vista in most environments. This is because QuickBooks 2007 runs on the upcoming Vista Operating System as well as Windows XP.

*Note:* QuickBooks 2007 enables you to run as a Windows XP or Vista standard user - the configuration often preferred by information technology professionals. Other benefits include

   * Better tools for managing company files on a network.
   * Better integration with Internet Explorer 7 to protect
     confidential information and ensure the integrity of business
     processes.
   * Enhanced encryption for improved security of sensitive customer
     data, such as credit card information.

*Backward Compatibility. *Only QuickBooks 2007 will run on the Vista Operating System, as prior versions of QuickBooks were developed on pre-Vista technology and *will not run properly on Vista*. We know as a practical matter that many of you are supporting clients on previous versions of QuickBooks. For now the bottom line is that a user who upgrades to Vista 2007 will need to run QuickBooks 2007.

Intuit is currently investigating workaround options provided by third parties for you or clients who are on QuickBooks 2006 and earlier versions /and/ want to use the Vista operating system. Meanwhile, however, you may investigate these options with Microsoft directly, at

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx

Intuit's link 

(bottom line folks... Quickbooks 2007 will support the use of non admin... that means I can officially remove Intuit's Quickbooks 2007 from the "Local Admin Hall of Shame" as it is no longer the poster child of demanding admin rights.  They just earned "GOOD VENDOR" award for no longer needing admin rights to run the program)