I published this article almost a year ago. I wanted to update everyone that might need an XP Pro computer. As of yesterday, I can still purchase a new XP Pro computer. There continues a need to have a physical CPU with XP Pro, necessary to run legacy applications, especially in the security and medical businesses that I’m most familiar with.
I’m still amazed at the number of times people inquire about purchasing a new XP Pro computer. I see no reason not to buy an XP Pro computer. I configured a new Dell business desktop computer today for a project I’m working on.
The Dell summary worksheet details my computer specs for a new QuickBooks server, a great deal considering it has 2gb memory, 3 year on site service and 3 year anti virus software. As a mater of fact, I will use this computer as a multi session terminal server designed for both local access and remote access from the CPA’s office. The entire project costs will come in under $1000 plus the QuickBooks license.
If you need a new computer, all the major players still sell Windows 7 Pro downgrades to XP Pro. It just takes a bit of effort to configure and purchase them. I continually need a steady supply of XP Pro computers for small businesses.
If you want to save a good bit of money, try searching Amazon for off lease desktop
They say one picture’s worth a thousand words. Check out this screen shot of my prototype QuickBooks terminal server on a shoe string. You can plainly see three users’ remote desktop QuickBooks Multi User sessions and an administrator desktop session simultaneously working on an XP Pro based terminal server. This stuff’s so much fun.
4 thoughts on “You Can Still Buy A New XP Pro Computer”
While hosted solutions are becoming more popular, the majority of users are running QuickBooks on their in-house systems. Remote Desktop, GotoMyPc, logmein, etc. all allow remote workers to do their thing; and you have the piece of mind that your data or clients data isn’t sitting on some server farm in India or china.
GotoMyPc, LogMeIn, etc. allow only one user to access QuickBooks remotely. With Thinstuff and other terminal services products, several users can simultaneously access QuickBooks.
Why would anyone want a Quickbooks server in their office with all of the Quickbooks hosting companies dropping prices to get business?
This particular server requires a modem and access to a telephone line to do faxing, something I’ve not seen with hosted QuickBooks offerings. The owner controls her data and it is not “out there somewhere” (her words). She can access her QuickBooks from any computer with Internet access. This solution saves half the expense of a three user hosted solution over four years. This server should last well over five years. I like hosted QuickBooks solutions, but in this case, it’s just not a good fit.