Q. Are there data files that go with the Computer Accounting with QuickBooks 2006 text?
A. Backup data files are provided to the Instructor on the Instructor's Resource Guide CD. These data files are not necessary to complete the QuickBooks assignments. Instead these data files are used in case of an error in the student's data files or if you want to skip assignments in the text. Instructors may post the backup files on a course website or a network drive. If you are a student and need the backup data files, see your instructor.

Q. Do I need to use the backup and restore feature?
A. In a typical business environment, you would use the backup feature periodically, but then continue to use the company data file on the hard drive (File, Open Company). In the text, you use the backup and restore feature to avoid overwriting prior chapter's data files. If serious errors occur, this permits students to restore the last backup and avoids the need to restart at Chapter 1 to recreate their work. Copies of the backup files are included with the Instructor's Resource Manual.

Q. What steps should I take to order the trial version of QuickBooks 2006 from Intuit?
A. Often a free trial version of QuickBooks software is available from the web site: http://www.shopintuit.com:

• Click QuickBooks at the top of the screen.
• Under QuickBooks Trial Version, select Order your free trial.

Q. How many uses are allowed with the trial version?
A. Users are allowed 15 uses with the free trial version.

Q. How do I obtain a QuickBooks educational site license?
A. Get the educational site license information from the QuickBooks web site at: www.quickbooks.com (Click the "Training" tab, click the "Students and Educators" link.) Or call 1-888-246-8848.

Q. Intuit issues various releases of QuickBooks Pro. Are these releases compatible with each other?
A. Intuit issues versions (QuickBooks Pro 99, QuickBooks Pro 2000, QuickBooks Pro 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005) and releases (R1P, R4P, etc.). Sometimes releases for the same version are not compatible. This means that a student creating a QuickBooks data file in one release (R4P for example) may not be able to use that file with a previous release (R1P for example).

Q. How can I find out the release number of QuickBooks software?
A. To view the release number, when QuickBooks is running, press CTRL and 1 at the same time. The release number is located near the top of the Product Information window that appears.

Q. How do you deal with a situation where the student has an earlier release of QuickBooks Pro than the release installed in the college lab?
A. If the release numbers are not compatible, you may not want to update your releases in your college labs. However, if you update your lab, students may not be run these later releases on home computers. Another option is to use the backup files that come with the instructor's manual.

Q. How should I respond when the QuickBooks program asks if I want to update the software now?
A. QuickBooks has an automatic update feature that automatically downloads updates. When you exit QuickBooks, the program will ask you if you want to update now. If you want to update, click yes. If you want to continue using the same release, click no. However, keep in mind that if you update, then you may not be able to use the updated files on computers with prior releases.

Q. Can I use QuickBooks Pro 2006 for payroll?
A. QuickBooks Pro 2006 provides two different options for processing payroll:

1. Enter payroll amounts manually.
2. Subscribe to a QuickBooks Payroll Service (either Basic or Deluxe). You must have Internet access to use the payroll services.