Getting Your Software Ready for 2010

Getting Your Software Ready For A Productive 2010
By Steven I. Seidenberg, CPA.CITP

Many of us go by the adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." However, this is not true when it comes to software. Often, when upgrading to a new version of the software or applying the latest patch, vendors provide a method to convert the data from the old version to the new version without user intervention. If the vendor supplies a readme file or instructions, read them before starting the upgrade process.

It is critical before updating your software that you make a backup of your company data and verify you can restore from it.

Some of the reasons to update your software include:
If you process payroll in-house, the local, state, and federal governments have made changes that will affect the deductions from an employee's check and the business owner's contribution.
The developer has added new features to the software, which you can use to run your business more efficiently.
The developer has fixed bugs in the prior version of their software.
The developer no longer supports the version of the software you are running. For example, Intuit will not be supporting QuickBooks versions after March 2010 that have the year 2007 in their name.
The developer modified the software to allow it to run on new operating systems. Note: do not make the assumption that if the software runs on your current version of Microsoft Windows, it will run on Microsoft 7 operating system. This is not true in all cases; please check with the software developer.
Make sure to update your desktop software on a regular basis. Most developers release updates to make their software more secure and/or fix bugs as they are discovered.
If you are running antivirus software, and you should be, each week or so download the company's latest release of their virus definition(s) for their software to protect you against the latest virus, worms, spam, adware, and malware, that are discovered.
If you are running an internet firewall security software program, companies release periodic updates to their definitions to close holes that hackers can use to access your system.
If you require any help in verifying if your software is up to date, please contact Steve Seidenberg at (847) 956-1040 or e-mail sis@portebrown.com. Please feel free to visit our website at www.portebrowntechnology.com