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How do I use 2 computers for taxes?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
January 9, 2023
3 replies
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Help, I am a single preparer and have just had a building made by the Amish next to my home and want to use both locations for preparing taxes. Due to covid,it'll all be drop offs. I plan during the day to use the building location but in the evenings use my home. How do I use both locations with 2 different computers? OR do I have to just buy a laptop and move it back and forth? I heard about THE CLOUD, but like the idea only of having the information stored on my computer and not up in the air. Please help, because I have to know what to do with in a short period of time.

ProSeries Professional

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Best answer by George4Tacks

Do you have a strong wifi signal to this gorgeous building? Otherwise the ethernet cable is a good choice.

I would not lug a desktop computer, screen etc between locations. A good laptop would be a better choice. You can have two desktops and simply transfer files between them with a memory stick.

Standalone allows the program on any number of computers, but they can not be networked. The data must be on one drive of each of the computers. It is strongly suggested that all finalizing be done on just one of the computers, i.e. final review and transmission and printing.

T

Terry53029

Intuit Community Champion

You can use PS standalone on two computers (at home, and in your other location) but you should only e-file from one location.

shf1957Author

Level 6

what is PS standalone? Is that a program?

George4Tacks

Level 15

You either pay for a network installation with 2 or more stations, or you buy standalone package. With the standalone, you can have multiple computers, but they are not networked.

You copy info from on computer to a memory stick or other portable device and transport it to the other computer. This is common. Primary work is done in the office, but using the portable drive you take work home to mess with it, and remember to bring that drive back to work the next day.

A laptop with a docking station is becoming popular. https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/how-to-connect-a-docking-station.html One Laptop that is used at multiple locations and can easily plug into the monitor(s), keyboard and printer(s) and scanners at each location. This is still a STANDALONE purchase.

Answers are easy. Questions are hard!

dkh

Level 15

Nice looking building... I'm jealous

shf1957Author

Level 6

Thank you, I went just for a storage shed.. Then as we were designing it.. i added to it and keep adding to it.. and finally made it 2 full stories with a nice back porch...insulated windows, doors, 32 foot by 14 foot. so the upstairs was and is planned for my office. I bought 9 full oak cabinets and beautiful laminated counter top... desk area built in .. all insulated, heated and electric power. Just need to know how to use both my home and the Amish building for taxes. See I have custody of a mentally disabled girl and sometimes ( alot of times) I can't concentrate in the house.. so would love to do most the work in my SheShed and then in the evenings back in my home and eflie them. I am trying to understand the standalone system, what is needed to do this. Other wise I did buy 150 foot ethernet cable I could run inbetween buildings.. and carry my tower back and forth.. LOL Any and all help would fully be appreciated.

George4TacksAnswer

Level 15

Do you have a strong wifi signal to this gorgeous building? Otherwise the ethernet cable is a good choice.

I would not lug a desktop computer, screen etc between locations. A good laptop would be a better choice. You can have two desktops and simply transfer files between them with a memory stick.

Standalone allows the program on any number of computers, but they can not be networked. The data must be on one drive of each of the computers. It is strongly suggested that all finalizing be done on just one of the computers, i.e. final review and transmission and printing.

Answers are easy. Questions are hard!

dascpa

Level 11

I use a different method - keep main computer with all data in it. Secondary location (2nd office, home, etc.) use remote software to log into main computer. Used to use GoToMyPC before they quadrupled their price. Last five years have used Splashtop. For $60 per year it's the best remote access software I've ever seen.

Skylane

Intuit Community Champion

@dascpa

I'm using GoToMyPC for remote access, FTP, and a few other things to my office workstation. I started a conversation with a salesperson who didn't seem to know much about the product. So, I put in a support ticket with my q's Hope this doesn't turn out to be Groundhog Day?

If at first you don’t succeed…..find a workaround

Skylane

Intuit Community Champion

Thanks for the steer… their tech people responded to my question. Sadly, their product won’t fill my needs and I’m stuck with GoToMyPC for a while

If at first you don’t succeed…..find a workaround

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