Which files do you back up?

[Chippp]

terry dont have more then helios and virus scanner run for a few days .
see if it could be other software messing things up.
and also restart you system twice a day like morning and afternoon if you use 95- 98, it dosent release memory well, and will mess up.

[Teresa]

We sell packages by the minute--20, 100, or 200 and we use the line "our minutes never expire" to up-sale to the bigger package. We have lots of clients that haven't been in for years but still have 2,7,or some little number of minutes on their account so it keeps them as active. Our competitor around the corner from our 1st salon sells monthly and packages that expire and they lose alot of customers to us because of that. We have opened 2 more salons in the last 3 years, they still have one so I like to think it works. But what works in my neighborhood (the country folk from Iowa) definately may not be the best choice for everyone.

[Gene]

The Helios backup utility represents the best and easiest way to back up your data files. It combines all the data files into one very compressed file (saves space and time). If you need to restore, then you simply pick the restore tab in the Helios utility.

Helios dropping the backup and restore? That would be stupid and not a good service to its clients.

[gary_mcadams]

Gene,

You're partly right. It is the "easiest" and should be the best but, unfortunately, it's not consistently the best solution. And, as far as I know, after hearing it from someone at Helios who definately knows, they are planning on not including that feature in version 10. Of course, that decision may change.

Personally, I NEVER use the Helios backup utility and haven't for years simply because there have been too many inconsistentcies in it's use over various software and hardware platforms. Like I've said before I almost always configure Windows to back up any vital files, including Helios, automatically during the middle of each night.

On the other hand, if it's working for you, great.

Gary McAdams
FCA Consulting
847.757.3727
gary@mcadams.com

[Gene]

I'm not sure what you mean by "inconsistancies." I've heard the program gives some users trouble and can be unreliable. You don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. If there is a problem, then Helios staff should fix it.

My Iomega backup is far more buggy than the Helios utility. Regardless of what backup program is used, I prefer it be compressed.

You keep your computer on 24/7? I don't. I have my employees do a backup at the end of the day and Helios is the simplest for them to understand.

The Helios backup can be as reliable as any backup program if they give it the time. For me, it's always been foolproof.

[Chippp]

All the utility does is make a zipped copy of the 4 data files and combine the into 1 zip file.
This is safe and reliable.
Zip format files are the most common file type used to save , send or receive files.
Its not magic.

[terryberry]

Well, it looks like I'm gonna need a new computer! This morning it wouldn't even turn on. Thank god for those client status reports! Worth the wait on days like this. So, it looks like my computer guy installed the zip just in time!!

Next question, I noticed on another thread a lot of controversy on Helios working with XP. Should I see if they can send my new computer with Windows ME instead? XP seems to have been causing many problems lately.
Chipp, now I know how frustrated you must have been with no pos functions available. How did you get your data in once you were back up. My computer guys going to bring me a temp comp to use because there is a 12 Day lead time on getting my dell shipped. This sucks!!!

[gary_mcadams]

Helios should work fine with XP as log as it is the Professional version and not the Home version.

I don't suggest using Windows ME with Helios AT ALL. It is definately a consumer/home operating system and not designed for business use utilizing such vertical market software as Helios; especially if you combine T-Max timers, receipt printer/cash drawers, finger scanners, etc.

XP or Windows 2000 Professional SP2 should work fine as long as your computer guy knows what he's doing.

Gary McAdams
FCA Consulting
847.727.3727
gary@mcadams.com

[terryberry]

Should I request an update disk from Helios?
I currently have version 9.1.2
I like the software, but find their tech support to be a little weak. Forget the manual!!!

[gary_mcadams]

terryberry,

Yes, I would definately update to Helios 9.4. You can try to download the update from the Intetnet, but I would really recommend calling them and requesting they send you out the latest CD. I know the update itself is free but there may be shipping/handling charges. I'm not sure.

How long has it been since you talked to Tech Support? It's actually much better than it has been in the past.

As far as the manual, you're right; the on-line manual is lacking, although the on-line Help function is really pretty decent. When you have Helios loaded, choose Help from the menu and browse through or search that section.

I've talked to Tony T, advocating a more comprehensive, easy-to-understand manual for some time now. The on-line part is alright as long as it can be printed out easily (and with Adobe Acrobat, that's certainly possible), it just needs to be updated and re-written. Hopefully, in version 10 they will do a full revamp on the manul.

Gary McAdams
FCA Consulting
847.757.3727
gary@mcadams.com