[UCIMC-Tech] update on finance computer/PD computer issues

[Chris Ritzo]

Great Joy, thanks for following up on this. If we can get the
necessary info to Brian D. re: downloading the Quickbooks install CD,
that would be great. He is also putting together pricing for the new
machine and we can likely start ordering it this afternoon/evening.

Chris

On Mon, Jul 19, 2010 at 10:59 AM, JOY <imcbooks at gmail.com> wrote:
> Jason agreed via text to me so I think we have consensus from active finance
> members to go with the proposal.
>
> Joy
>
> On Mon, Jul 19, 2010 at 7:23 AM, Chris Ritzo <chris.ritzo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Brian has recovered all the data from the old finance computer disk.
>> He's opened a few PDFs & other docs with no problem.
>>
>> Next step is to get the new machine together and install required
>> software. **Can we get consensus on the list to spend some GenOps
>> money and/or AM office expenses for a new computer and software?**
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> On Sun, Jul 18, 2010 at 3:15 PM, Chris Ritzo <chris.ritzo at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> > All,
>> > I just conferred with Brian Duggan on IMC Tech's next steps for the
>> > situation with the Finance computer and corollary issues. This
>> > hopefully will be a summary so that everyone knows where things stand.
>> >
>> > Data Recovery:
>> > The hard drive in the finance machine is dying. Brian has been making
>> > every effort to recover data from the drive and will provide me with
>> > an update later today. What folks need to understand about this is
>> > that it simply takes a lot of time. System recovery tools are slow,
>> > and it simply just takes time to try multiple strategies to get data
>> > off of failing hardware. I hope to have a good report later today.
>> >
>> > Hardware & Software Replacement:
>> > Tech is also preparing cost estimates for both software and
>> > replacement hardware for this machine and will propose that GenOps
>> > money be used to pay for replacement hardware, a licensed copy of
>> > Windows, Quickbooks, and MS Office. The machine is not suitable to
>> > simply be upgraded, echoing Mike Lehman's comment, and as such we're
>> > recommending new hardware be purchased in order to properly run
>> > Windows 7 or Windows 2008 Server Edition.  Brian Duggan is putting
>> > together a comprehensive item list with costs for the required
>> > hardware & software. In addition to what's been discussed already in
>> > this thread, we will need to include costs for Antivirus and
>> > Anti-Spyware software in order to properly secure this workstation.
>> >
>> > Why Windows 2008 Server?  We've been told that multiple people will
>> > need to be able to use Remote Desktop to access this machine,
>> > potentially at the same time. This is not supported by Windows 7
>> > editions, only the Server edition. It requires the initial license and
>> > additional licenses per multiple Remote Desktop user. Additionally,
>> > it's not clear whether Quickbooks actually supports multiple Remote
>> > Desktop users accessing its data files at the same time. It would be a
>> > cost savings if we simply said that only one person can access the
>> > machine remotely at a time. We could then just buy one copy of Windows
>> > 7. Is it an absolute necessity for Joy, Jason and Wayne to be able to
>> > log in remotely at the same time?
>> >
>> > Program Director Computer:
>> > Joy has mentioned the incompatibility of files coming from Americorps
>> > in Word and Excel format. I have asked that tech be provided examples
>> > of these files to confirm this incompatibility before pursuing an
>> > additional Windows workstation. This was the first time that the tech
>> > group had heard about this issue, so we want to see if we can avoid
>> > additional purchase costs by providing training. It's our preference
>> > to support open source software whenever possible, but if these are
>> > truly incompatible files we'll move toward support whatever is needed
>> > for the program director to open, edit and use these files without
>> > needing to use the bookkeeper's workstation. Some of these files are
>> > on the drive that Brian is recovering, but I have asked Carol and Joy
>> > for copies that may be available in email in-boxes, on the PD computer
>> > or elsewhere.
>> >
>> > I will provide an update on this on behalf of the Tech group as soon
>> > as we have more information. Please let us know if there are issues or
>> > questions. I echo Joy's call for consensus via the list on allocating
>> > GenOps funding to resolve this situation quickly and appropriately.
>> > Everyone should know that Tech is actively working on doing just that.
>> >
>> > Chris R.
>> >
>
>
>
> --
> Joy Davis
> UCIMC Office Manager
> 202 S. Broadway Ave., Suite 100
> Urbana, IL 61801
> imcbooks at gmail.com
> 217.344.8820
> www.ucimc.org
>