Mac & PC

[Drummin' Mama]

Hello,

We have been using PC+ for several years, just the Contributions module. 2 months ago we set up the Accounting module and are using that on a different computer. Both of these computers are P.C.'s and are used remotely (at individual's homes).

The church office uses Mac's. We would like to set up PC+ on the Mac and have the Admin. Asst. use the Membership and Events modules.

We would also like the office's Mac to be the "hub" for PC+ if it's possible. Is it possible for the individual PC users to back up a copy of their work on a flash drive (one person on Contributions and the other on Accounting) and upload them to the mac computer in the office? Are there any problems with this due to them being different operating systems?

Thank you,
Nancy

[NeilZ]

Hello,

We have been using PC+ for several years, just the Contributions module. 2 months ago we set up the Accounting module and are using that on a different computer. Both of these computers are P.C.'s and are used remotely (at individual's homes).

The church office uses Mac's. We would like to set up PC+ on the Mac and have the Admin. Asst. use the Membership and Events modules.

PCPlus is a Windows program. The only way it would run on a MAC is by using one of the Windows emulators available for the MAC. An alternative is to move to Powerchurch Online, this will enable users to access the system anywhere they are using a connection program on their local PC or Mac.
https://www.powerchurch.com/products/pconline/

We would also like the office's Mac to be the "hub" for PC+ if it's possible. Is it possible for the individual PC users to back up a copy of their work on a flash drive (one person on Contributions and the other on Accounting) and upload them to the mac computer in the office? Are there any problems with this due to them being different operating systems?

Thank you,
Nancy

You could possibly get away with using the Accounting module in that way, as Accounting is really not integrated with the rest of the system in the same way Contributions and Membership are.

You really need to have Membership and Contributions on the same machine, its very hard keeping the Membership database in sync, when you have someone in the office doing updates, and someone doing Contributions on a standalone machine adding new contributors at the same time.

The reason, any membership data entered on the office computer, would be overwritten by membership data updated on the Contributions machine. Its not so much the operating system at this point, but more a problem with data being overwritten.

I would definitely consider moving to Powerchurch Online for the following reasons:

1. Eliminates the issue of different operating systems. There is a client program for Windows, MAC and even Linux.
2. Eliminates the issue of overwriting data. You're accessing a single database 'in the cloud', thus what is changed by the church office, is seen by the person doing Contributions and vice versa.
3. Eliminates the issue of updating Accounting with the Contribution posted transactions. What would normally be a 'sneaker net' update from the Contribution machine to the Accounting machine, is a single button click.
4. PCPlus Online has the same type of security system where you can assign users access to certain areas. Only want the Admin Assistant access to update Membership and Events, no problem. Don't want the Treasurer to see what people Contribute, and only have access to the Accounting modules?? Easy as clicking a button.
5. Makes it easy if the volunteer who is currently the Contributions Secretary or Treasurer can no longer (or no longer wants to) do the job and you need to replace them. Simply delete their UserID from the system, then add the new person's UserID, grant them the proper access, and have them download the client from the Powerchurch website.

Yes there is a cost differential, but considering the headaches you will NOT have by going to PCPlus Online, its worth the extra.

[Drummin' Mama]

Thank you for your informative reply. You've given me the answers I needed and something to think about.

Nancy