AMAS System Requirements & Recommendations

System requirements for AMAS are usually satisfied by almost ANY Windows computers available at retail. In fact, almost any Windows computer made since 2002 with XP (not recommended though) or newer would probably be OK.  At this time (May 2016) we still prefer Windows 7. Windows 10 is fine, but may have learning curves for those familiar with XP or Windows 7. Anything you get new today should probably start with Windows 10.

AMAS standalone Windows computer or network workstation requirements*

Processor (CPU)

Most Windows (Intel or AMD) sold since early 2000’s is minimum – 2+ Ghz. or higher recommended

Memory (RAM)

1 GB Minimum for AMAS, but any computer today should start with 4 GB Minimum

Hard Disk

AMAS does not require more than 1GB of hard disk space, however, you should really have a minimum of 100 GB, but should not consider less than 300GB if new purchase.

Monitor

19″ flat panel minimum, 21″ or larger is recommended. Older picture tube monitors certainly can work, but may have compatibility issues with graphic cards and bulky for most retail counters.

CD/DVD Drive

DVD/CD Writer DVD drive recommended, CD drive is minimum requirement for installation of AMAS. External CD/DVD drives can be purchased for about $25 if you do not have a working CD drive.

Operating System

Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.  32-bit or 64-bit OK. Windows Professional versions are highly recommended if you plan to network two or more computer. Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft and should not be used.

Printer(s) – Laser or Ink Jet Printer is required for reporting.

A receipt printer highly recommended for printing receipts (cheaper + faster), but Laser or Ink Jet printer is required to print your reports. (more about printers below)

USB Ports

Minimum of 4 USB Ports on the back panel. Recommended 6+ USB ports on the back panel. New Computers, consider a few USB 3.0 ports. Avoid using USB HUBS or port extenders. Laptops and some cheaper (desktop and all-in-one) computers make poor choice when as they tend to have less USB ports. Not everyone nor every computer will have all of the following USB devices, but consider which YOU might be using: Mouse, Keyboard, Laser Printer, Receipt Printer, small Label Printer, Document Scanner, Bar code scanner, USB flash Drive, external CD/DVD drive, external Hard-Drive, Web Cam, Micro-phone, cell phone, tablet, etc.

Other Ports

Computer graphic card & monitor need compatible ports. Some older receipt printers may use parallel ports – 99% of today’s new computers are missing the parallel and serial ports. CAUTION: While it MIGHT be possible to add a parallel port or find a parallel/USB converter I highly discourage trying to salvage 5-15 year-old printer – my experience is that you will likely loose both time and money, especially is you are paying a computer technician.

Graphics Card

Minimum for Windows version – No special requirements.

Network Interface Card

Fast Ethernet (100 mb/sec) is very minimum, but gigabit Network is MOST recommended for all computers, wiring, routers, switches, etc.

It very highly recommended that you DO NOT run AMAS over a wireless network.

* almost any NEW Windows PC will meet the requirements above, but you may have a difficult time finding Windows 7 machines at consumer oriented retailers like Best Buy. Try Dell.com, Amazon.com, Office Depot, OfficeMax and Staples to find computers with Windows 7.

AMAS Network Server Requirements

If you plan to run AMAS on more than one computer, you will need some type of Windows network. It is NOT required that you utilize a Windows Server Class Operating System, such as Windows Server 2012, and certainly not recommended unless you have some need or purpose beyond AMAS’s networking. You might want to consider a Server Class Computer & Windows Server Operating System if you desire a really faster server with fast SAS drives. This type of server will certainly require an experienced Computer technician to install plus maintain as needed.

Networks

AMAS is available as a single-user stand-alone program or a network multi-user version. About 35% of our customers use our network version with anywhere from 2 – 9 computers in one store. Most users will not notice any difference between multi-user and single-user versions. The multi-user version has coding that allows 2 or more computers to share the same data files.
AMAS is actually installed on each workstation and the data only resides on one computer (the server). Each user/workstation must have access (Read, Write and Create rights) to the directory on the server where AMAS is installed. For example, you might create a directory/folder named AMAS2000 on the C drive of the server. Today, most computers have hard drives and CD-ROMs , each workstation might connect to server’s C Drive using the E or F Drive letters. Choose a drive letter high enough so that each workstation may be use the same drive letter. We recommend using the letter Q.

If you plan to have 2 or more computers access the Antique Mall Accounting System, you MUST purchase a multi-user license from Programs Plus+.

Computer hardware tips, advice and warnings

Warning on buying used equipment

Caution should be taken on buying used equipment, especially if you are a novice. Older Point-of-Sale hardware may be obsolete, especially if it has parallel or serial interfaces. Old computer hardware might seem like a bargain, but you may experience compatibility issues plus spend more money trying to get things to work.

We charge additional support fees for assistance on any hardware support issues for hardware we did not provide.

Programs Plus sells Receipt Printers, Cash Drawers and bar code scanners.

32-bit or 64-bit Windows?

If hardware and software is going to be new, 64-bit Windows should be OK. 32-bit Windows may be needed if you have some older programs or maybe an older printer that does not have 64-bit drivers.

Windows XP no longer a choice

Windows XP Extended support expired in 2014. Due to security risks, you should no longer run AMAS on Windows XP machines.

Windows Vista should be avoided!

If you already have a computer with Windows Vista installed and do not plan to network computers, you can certainly run AMAS on that computer but not advised today. Microsoft Mainstream support expired in 2012. Microsoft Extended support expires on April 11, 2017.

Windows 7 is stable and solid

Windows 7 provides stability and familiarity, however Windows 10 is very stable and may need to be considered.

Windows 8 is OK, but should be skipped for Windows 10

AMAS does work well with Windows 8, HOWEVER WE DO NOT RECOMMEND WINDOWS 8 FOR BUSINESS REASONS. Windows 8’s interface is radically different and most users will be lost. If you do use Windows 8, make sure you have Version 8.1 or newer. I recommend skipping Windows 8/8.1 for Windows 10.

Windows 10 is most likely choice today

Windows 10 has been out since late July 2015 and it appears to be very stable. There is a small learning curve over Windows XP or Windows 7. Windows 10 has a much cleaner interface than Windows 8.

Windows Professional vs. Windows Home edition

If you plan to run AMAS on more than one computer, it is highly, highly recommended that you run Windows Professional on all of your computers. The Windows Home Edition is fine for a single computer. If plan on more than 5 computers, you must run Windows professional. If you plan on more than 10 computers, you need to consider Windows Server Operating System.

Windows Updates – WARNING: Several Lessons Learned

Upgrading to Windows 10 by accident – Since January of 2016, Microsoft has been very aggressive with trying to convince Windows 7 users to upgrade to Windows 10. Every week on each of my Windows 7 computers, I receive 2 to 3 pop-ups advertising Windows 10 Upgrade. One of the pops appears to only give users 2 choices: 1) Upgrade Right now or 2) Do it overnight in the background. Another unadvertised choice is to close the red X – which will cancel the upgrade – for now at least. Personally, I would stick with Windows 7 until Microsoft stops extended support in January 2020.
Windows 10 updates can take a very, very long time –  As a practice, when installing new computers for a customer, I always make sure the computers have the latest updates (for the Windows version they are using). I don’t like to finish a job, walk out the door, only to have the client call and complain the next day about the computer taking a very long time to perform updates when they are trying open their business. I recently installed 2 new HP desktops for a client in Austin that were loaded with an earlier version of Windows 10. IT TOOK OVER 7 HOURS TO FINISH UPDATING WINDOWS 10 TO THE LATEST BUILD (OR PATCH).  So, make sure your computer installers allow time for updates to be done overnight or on their bench, or they have plenty of other things to do. Another option is buy a new computer from Dell that is built to order with fresher Windows 10 Installs – vs. a retail PC sitting in warehouse with a 8 month old install of Windows 10.

Parallel Port?

If you have existing receipt printers (3″ paper tape type) that connect by parallel printer port you will need to have a parallel port. It almost impossible to find a new computer with parallel or serial ports these days, so you may need to have one installed. USB/Parallel converter may be an option, but they are expensive and can be very difficult to setup. Please determine if you will need a parallel port BEFORE you order or purchase new computers. We would recommend replacing Parallel or Serial Receipt printers with the newer Star thermal printers. Please call for help.

Serial Ports?

Serial ports also very hard to find on new computers today, but you will only need one if you have a serial barcode scanner. Our software can support some serial, keyboard wedge and USB scanners. We cannot guarantee or support scanners acquired from 3rd parties.

Laser Printers – Recommended

We recommend you use a laser printer for all your AMAS printing, except your invoice tickets. We highly recommend the Brother HL-2300D laser printer, which retails for $120, but can be found for $60 to $80 quite often. A similar model, Brother HL-2340DW retails for $150 (on sale for $80 – $100 often), also offers Duplex (2 sided) and wireless printing, which could be ideal to offer printing to your dealers. We test AMAS using the these Brother printers. These printer models change over time – for example the 2040 was replace by the 2140 then by the 2240, etc
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Dot Matrix Printers?

Are you kidding me? Just give it up! Although some dot matrix printers may be supported by Windows and may still work for AMAS, they are just too slow & too noisy. Get new checks printed if you have to. Even dot matrix receipt printers should be dumped for thermal receipt printers.

Ink Jet Printers

Ink Jet printers are OK, but they are not my favorite. Generally, Ink Jets are a lot slower than laser and ink usually costs a lot more that laser toner. Have a lot of dealers? Consider that an average Ink Jet will take 2-5 times longer than a $99 laser printer. If you plan to print bar code labels, laser will be better.

Receipt Printers

Receipt printers easily pay for themselves in short time frame. You must have another printer to handle checks and reports. Programs Plus sells Star Receipt printers. Some thermal receipt printers can crank out 30-60 lines/second (1-2 seconds/receipt). Many people do not like thermal paper, but you get a much better look plus your can print custom logo and coupons. Thermal receipt printers should have an automatic paper cutter. Star TSP100 ECO Printers must not be plugged into surge-suppressor power strips due to the power management features. Star TSP100 ECO Printers should be plugged into a UPS (battery backup).

Cash Drawers

The Antique Mall Accounting system can be interfaced with electronic cash drawers so that when an invoice is completed, the cash drawer will be automatically opened.
Programs Plus only sells MS Cash Drawers. We sell 2 types of Cash Drawers:
1) USB connection that works without a receipt Printer (very rarely do we sell these)
2) Solenoid-only Cash Drawer – Requires a Receipt Printer to be connected

Wireless Networking

We DO NOT recommend that you run AMAS over wireless network connections. Wireless is just not nearly as reliable or as fast as cable connected computers. If you absolutely must use wireless, only use it where you must and arrange it so that you’re more critical Point of Sales computers are not dependent on the wireless connection.
Please do not connect via wireless connections, two computers sitting just 10 or 15 feet apart.

Network Cards

Network cards should be Gigabit speed. Older computers with built-in 10 or 100 mbps network cards should have gigabit cards added. DO NOT USE POWERLINE NETWORK ADAPTOR CARDS – just too slow.

Network Routers/Switches

You should be using gigabit (1000 mbps) routers and switches. If you have to use a slower router supplied by your Internet provider, add a gigabit switch to connect all of your networked computers together and then connect the switch to your slower router. TIP: If you are running an older network (say prior to 2007), you may be able to boost network performance by replacing a combination of network interface cards (NIC) and/or routers or switches with Gigabit rated equipment.

USB HUBS

USB hubs, that enable you to add new USB ports easily, should be used with caution, especially connecting printers. Do not install USB Receipt Printers by plugging them into a USB hub. Having too many USB devices connected can cause power related problems.

Power Supplies

Make sure all of your computers are PROPERLY plugged into a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). All network switches, routers, and Internet modems need to be battery backed up as well. All computers and network stuff needs to be connected to the “Battery + Surge Protection” Side of the UPS. It’s important to not overload the UPS by plugging too many items into the battery side of the UPS. Laser and Ink Jet Printers should NOT be connected to the battery-protected side. Star TSP100 ECO Receipt Printers should be pluuged into the battery-protected side. Be careful not to plug in temporary devices that draw a lot of power on a UPS, such as space heaters, irons, power tools, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, curling irons and Electric Chairs.

Hard Disk Drives

Since AMAS is a database application, the speed of your computer’s hard drive is very important. Your drive should have a minimum rotation of 7200 rpm for the best performance. Faster drives, such as SSD or SAS drives will normally require customization. Since the AMAS database will not exceed 1GB, hard disk drive size by today’s standards is not important for AMAS’s requirements. You might want to consider replacing your computer(s) hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD) – they can be 4 to 5 times faster than most hard drives.

Notebook Computers

Notebook computers should be avoided for the following reasons:

• most have slower drives than desktops (except SSD)
• most have only a few USB Ports
• Can be easily stolen from a counter unless secured
• may have smaller screens
• have lousy keyboards and pointer devices (mouse)
• are often less reliable than desktops
• may not have a CD/DVD drive (for loading software)
• repairs usually take much longer and may need to be shipped to repair facility

If the warnings above still don’t discourage you from choosing a notebook computer, please make sure you increase the sleep delay, do not network AMAS wirelessly, and make sure you are diligent in protecting the computer from theft.

Point-of-Sales Hardware from 3rd parties

Programs Plus only sells MS brand Cash drawers and Star Receipt Printers. If you purchase cash drawers or receipt printers from a source other than Programs Plus, we may charge additional support fees to assist in the installation of these devices. We will provide detailed installation instructions for the Star TSP100 Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer.