I have just downloaded a program called Fundraiser. From what I understand it works similar to quickbooks in that, you cant make changes on two computers at the same time (unless you are on the same network). So when I make updates or additions, I will have to back it up and copy it to a thumb drive, and they will have to do the same thing each time, otherwise the data will be lost at the other end.. does that make sense?

Ok, my question, for anyone who uses quickbooks or something similar. How do you coordinate this? The way it looks now is Im going to have to drive to the gallery once a week to transfer information, actually, twice a week because when they make additions, it will need to be on my computer and when I make changes it will have to be on theirs. I wonder if I can use an FTP for this instead? I am trying to think down the line, if I work for a non-profit in another city, driving back and forth wont be an option.

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

Couldn't you use something like a Virtual Collaboration tool? [Click the link to go to that section of VAF - there should be some good options discussed there!]

Good luck

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I think using Logmein would be the way to go - if your client would go for it. Instead of downloading to you, backing up to a thumb drive, reloading on client, you could use Logmein or similar program that allows you to actually log into the clients computer and do the work remotely from your office on his computer.

FTP is also a way if your client has the "knowledge" of how to upload and download the updated files.

Hope this helps
Janine Raj

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Janine Raj.
www.AccurateVAs.com

Thanks for the replys, I have decided to do logmein after talking to the techs at the software co. Now I just need to figure out what I need to do at that end to make it all work..

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

I'm with Janine. Find a way to dial into their computer online.
I tend to do a lot of my work at night and on the weekends if dialing in disrupts their day.
I have one client that stuck an old computer in the corner just for me to pop in 24/7.

I use PC Anywhere or QuickBooks Accountant's addition offers WebEx for $29m. I can dial into as many clients as I want for this $29.

There are all kinds of programs out there for online access. Just make sure that you can print to your side AND be able to fetch a copy of a backup file from their machine if you need it.

Good luck!

P.s.
One trick I learned years ago when passing a file back to a client. Sometimes they did not do it right and started working in the wrong file and I would have to redo all my work.
So now, when I'm done, I enter a huge check to a vendor named DELETE ME for a million dollars before I back it up and give it back.

If they restore it correctly then their checkbook will be in a HUGE negative number. All they have to do is delete the check but at least they know that they have the right data!