Monthly Fee for Helios

[TANtalize]

I am a Helios user and on the monthly service and use plan. Can you explain to the subscribers on this monthly service what ramifications we will have if we say we want to stop at this time? What happens to the dongle?

Will we be able to operate as we are now and if our system crashes can we put our CD master back in and reload our back-up and continue on? Do you know what Helios is going to do/charge us to go back to their service someday in the future?"

I am paying the monthly fee, but I haven't needed any tech support to this point. I also receive assistance from this board and a few others who have used Helios.

I really would like to know why I need to keep paying the monthly charge?

[CHUNN]

I'm have not been paying the monthly fee for over 2 years now. I have saved over $3000.00 I have not needed Helios tech support during this time. Helios version 9 has been their most stable version to date.

[TANtalize]

I am on version 9. Are there any issues with the Dongle?


Another ?: Can I use my Helios disc and install Helios on my computer at home? I would like to have it on a back up system in case of a computer failure at the Salon? Would I have to have another Dongle to do this or just switch the one I have to my home computer when I want to use the program there?

Thanks for the info.

[Andy]

You do not need a Dongle at home, assuming you mainly wish to run reports etc.

With V9, the complete system operates (in Demo Mode) except for two things.

1. You can not add a client in Demo Mode (without a Dongle) after you have 25 clients in the system.

2. You can not process any POS transactions, make a sale etc, in Demo Mode (without a Dongle) after you have 25 clients in the system.

With the exception of the above two functions, the system is fully operational (at home) without a dongle.

Hope this helps

[TANtalize]

Thanks Andy for helping with the home issue.

What about my other questions concerning discontinuing the monthly user fee?

[Chippp]

Without paying the monthly fee, will you still get the software for free when new versions come out,,, is the software really free?

I was told you can't get a dongle with out paying the monthly fee.

I have been paying about $50.00 a month for the monthy fee. I am in Canada.

50.00 a month is too much and I never call helios for support.
The only time I did call them they could not help at all. {My data got corupted}.

Will version 10 reguire the dongle or some other form of security feature to fully use the software.


I currently keep a computer at home with helios installed on it and and update the data file daily from the work computer.
This provides me with a back up fully installed helios on a second computer, but with no dongle. If I need to replace the work computer fast (do to a break down} I can bring the home computer to work and just add the dongle from the work computer.

This is ok but would be better if i could have a dongle on each computer. I asked helios about this and was told I would have to pay for 2 service contracts to get 2 dongles.
That you can't just buy or order a dongle from them, that you only get a dongle with a monthly service contact.

Whats the story?

Chunn did you have service contacts for each computer or store to get dongles, then you just told them you didn't want the service and more and stopped paying?

Cunn I hear you are working to have your own salon software so you no longer will need helios.

[tangirl]

I would really like to know if anyone out there had a service contract with Helios and then cancelled it. I would also like to know if they were allowed to keep the dongle or required to return it to Helios. Anyone?

[TANtalize]

Chipp: Thanks for the info. You are doing exactly what I want to do. I want to have a backup, functional system at home that could be brought to the salon and plugged in, up and running if something happens to my system in the salon.

Could we not just take the dongle off the back of the salon computer and put it on the home computer?

This is an important ? and we need answers... especially if we continue to pay the monthly fee.

TanGirl: Yes, me too! Can anyone answer these questions?

[Chippp]

YES, just take the dongle off the back of the salon computer and put it on the home computer when you start helios it will see the dongle and unlock the software.
Thats the way i use the home computer as a full replacement system.

If the new version of helios {10} will not work with windows 98, [thats whats on the home computer] then that will be a problem.

I have windows 98 on the home computer and windows xp pro on the work computer.

[Andy]

As stated above, you can move the dongle to any computer system. Without the dongle Helios will operate in Demo Mode. Demo Mode is equal in all ways to Normal Operational mode EXCEPT when in Demo Mode (after you have 25 clients) you can not add a client or process a POS transaction. You can do all reporting functions without a dongle attached to the system.

I am aware of a number of clients that have cancelled their Helios Maintenance Agreement and have never had/or been asked to return the dongle. I understand that the $25.00 deposit that you paid to receive the dongle is refundable upon return. This would, of course, imply you are not longer using the Helios application. I personally have not had a client return a dongle for a refund, but I do understand that it was called a deposit.


The Helios Software Maintenance Agreement provides two services. Firstly, when in force you are to receive updates and upgrades to the Helios Application at no additional charge. Secondly, when in force you are to receive "FREE" technical support during normal business hours.

The decision to maintain or cancel the Helios Software Maintenance Agreement is one you would have to make for yourself.

I do provide support and training independant from Helios on a hourly and per diem basis.

Also - refer to separate thread - Helios Users Beware - other info regarding V10