Computer Requirements

Compulink does not sell any computer hardware, however, we can

offer the below guidelines as to what you will need. Because each

store is different, you might consult with a local computer

dealer to determine your particular needs. You can get computers mail

order or from a local shop that builds them.

The Jewelry Shopkeeper software will work on almost any PC running

Windows but if you do not have a computer, or you plan on buying a

new one, we would recommend a more up-to-date computer such as

one with the following specifications: The "processor" should be

a Pentium 4 or Core Duo or AMD equivalent; The hard drive should be

40GB or larger, and the RAM should be 2GB or more. You can use either a

flat (LCD) monitor are usual now. Most of your backups

will be done with USB Flash drive or onto CD's and DVD's so a special

backup system is not usually required.

Windows XP Professional is suggested (not a 64-bit version) and Vista Business

will be fine too. If you select a low $300 to $400

priced computer it will usually come with Vista Home - but you can usually

pay the extra $70 and request Vista Office. Expect a price range of

$300 to $800 for a computer without a monitor.

For best customer support from Compulink, we highly recommend you

have an internet e-mail account and a fax machine.

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is recommended for each

computer. This is a battery and surge protector in one which

keeps your computer running in power outages or disturbances. A

small $80 one is usually sufficient to keep your computer up for

10 minutes or so but check with the seller on UPS capacity

requirements.

If you plan on point-of-sale use you probably need a network of

computers (one or more for sales registers, one or more for

bookkeeping or inventory processing.) Note that registers require

actual computers, not just screens.

If your Shopkeeper is a single-computer version you may want to

consider a network version to allow simultaneous access to Shopkeeper

from more than one computer.

For point-of-sale, you will want reasonably fast computers to speed the

customer's transactions. (sometimes people think to put slow computers

thinking "It's only a register") This doesn't mean you need to buy

a particularly fast computer but it does mean you might not want to use

your 6-year old computer as the register.

The network features built in to Windows XP Pro are sufficient for a small

network of 2 to 8 stations. Don't get a special Server version of Windows

unless you have a large network or special applications that require a

Server version.

Don't use wireless networks - use cables to network computers.

Printers

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Short-list of compatible printers which have PCL and parallel ports:

Laser printers are quicker than inkjet printers so they're better for

point of sale receipts and for long reports. The toner is generally more

economical than inkjet cartridges.

HP Laserjet 1150, 1160, 1320, 2300, 2420

(The 2300 and 2420 have two trays and an optional third)

Lower priced Brother Laser printers: HL5150D, HL5140 and HL1440 (slower)

The 5150D benefits from two input trays and the 5150DLT has three.

(note that the HL2040 is NOT compatible)

HP Deskjet (inkjets) 5550, 5650, 6122

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If you have a current version of Jewelry Shop-Pro and Windows XP you can

also use PCL compatible printers using a USB port (though the parallel

connector remains much easier)

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For price-tags you use specialty barcode tag printers such as a

Citizen CLP-6002, Citizen CLP-621, Datamax E4203 or the FastMark 402.

Note that barcode tag printers print ONLY tags (nothing else).

Standard laser and inkjet printers do NOT print price tags.