What types of computers will PestaRoo™ run on?
Any modern computer running Macintosh OS X 10.3 or greater, or Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or higher.) Macintosh OS 9 is not supported. Windows Vista will be supported by Winter 2007. Any computer more than four or five years old is unlikely to work well.
What processor speed is required?
As long as the computer supports and can run Windows XP SP2 or higher, or Macintosh OS X 10.3 or higher, PestaRoo™ will run fine, as long as the machine has the proper memory.
What are the ram memory requirements for PestaRoo™?
Regardless of platform, 1 GB or more of ram is recommended, though 512 MB is usable at a much slower speed.
How much hard drive space is needed?
Hard disk requirements are quite modest for FileMaker and PestaRoo™.
Is PestaRoo™ a single- or multi-user product?
Both. PestaRoo™ runs as a single-user or multi-user. Within the multi-user world it can run peer-to-peer or in the server-client model.
Does PestaRoo™ require a server?
PestaRoo™ only requires a server if you are planning on using it with three or more computers. So with three or more users you will need to have a separate server computer serving PestaRoo™. This server computer is required to be a Macintosh and will run a separate form of FileMaker software called FileMaker Server. FileMaker Server is an additional one time charge of $750. In addition, it will need to have a standard version of FileMaker also. Ideally, the server machine will be used only for serving FileMaker Pro’s PestaRoo™. It should not be your mail server, or any other file server for the office. The server machine should have 2 GB of ram and an external, separate firewire drive for on-going backups throughout the day. A DVD burner is also required for the server. DVD burners come with every new Macintosh.
What kind of printer is needed?
PestaRoo™ is designed to print all needed forms on plain paper, 8.5×11, or unprinted NCR paper (carbonless 2-part). All forms will print on a laser printer. Dot Matrix and inkjet printers are not recommended for use with PestaRoo™. Laser printers are now available for as low as $200 and are far cheaper to operate on a month-by-month basis and all the forms and printouts in PestaRoo™ are designed for laser outputs. Don’t even think of using an impact printer!
We currently recommend the HP 1022 or HP P2015.
What pre-printed forms are required?
None. PestaRoo™ prints all of its own forms to make it the most cost effective for the user. PestaRoo™ forms were designed by an artist for clarity, flexibility, and attractiveness.
Where do I buy NCR paper for printing work orders?
Any normal print shop can order blank NCR 8.5×11 paper for you. Shop around, the price varies dramatically. The paper you buy will look like white and yellow paper alternating with no connection what so ever between the sheets.
Can I print receipts or work orders or invoices in my vehicle?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended due to the current quality of mobile printers on the market. They fail routinely and are over priced. This may change in the future but at this time is not cost effective for the very marginal benefits it provides.
Does PestaRoo™ have any special network requirements?
No. A standard ethernet 10/100 base T is all that’s needed
Is internet access required?
A broadband internet connection is required. In some special cases, operation without internet access may be possible. Please contact us for further information. PestaRoo™ allows remote access and for this functionality, broadband is required at both ends. PestaRoo™ runs within FileMaker which has its own networking channel, so operates independently of the file sharing at the operation system level. This means file sharing may be turned off on every machine and PestaRoo™ will still operate and share data normally
Do I need to buy FileMaker separately from PestaRoo™?
No. FileMaker is included in the purchase price of PestaRoo™. Updates for FileMaker and PestaRoo™ are also included in the purchase price. This is one reason why PestaRoo™ is such an amazing bargain
Does PestaRoo™ work with FileMaker Mobile or other palm-like devices?
Not at this time.
Does PestaRoo™ support barcodes?
Not at this time, but will in a future release.
Is a CD or DVD burner required?
Only on the machine that is hosting PestaRoo™ or on the server if a server machine is present. Backing up to CD-RW disks is not recommended, instead use CD-Rs and do not reuse disks.
In a multi-user office, what gets installed on each computer?
All machines get a copy of FileMaker. PestaRoo™ itself is only installed on the host machine. The other machine(s) in the office connect through FileMaker open remote to the host.
Can I connect to my copy of PestaRoo™ from home or hotels when I’m on the road?
Yes, see the section on Remote Access.
What monitors or screens are required?
PestaRoo™ is designed for screen resolution of 1024×768 or greater. Any monitor or screen fitting this criteria will work.