APSCN has been informed that although Pentamation Financial Plus and Student Plus will operate fairly well with the Windows 98 operating systems, there are some known inconsistencies. The most obvious is that when using the Windows 98 operating system Financial and Student Plus may not be able to move a report into an Excel document, PDF, or email it to another user. There are also some screen size issues.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that users of the APSCN Pentamation Financial Plus and Student Plus either upgrade their systems to Windows XP professional or higher, or purchase a new computer with a higher operating system.
In order to upgrade to Windows XP Professional current computer hardware must meet the following specifications:
· 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233 MHz minimum required (single or dual processor system); Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athion/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended.
· 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended
· 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space
· Super VGA (800 x600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor
· CD-ROM or DVD drive
· Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
Upgrades may be purchased through any means. However, any public school district may purchase a license only Windows 98 to Windows XP upgrade off the state approved contract ST-02-0422 for $53.00, using item number E85-00351, Windows XP Professional All Languages UPG MVL.
To purchase a license and software assurance (SA) – which upgrades the computer to XP and gives the latest version prior to 1/31/06 – indicate item number E85-00350, Windows XP Professional All Languages Upgrade/SA Pack MVL Systems 2/1/05 – 1/31/06 - $68.00.
To order, contact the vendor, SHI, via email at Arkansas@shi.com and request a quote. Ensure the correct quantity of license upgrades is indicated and include contact information. Once the vendor sends you a quote, issue a purchase order and fax it to 888-394-5322, attn: Arkansas Team.
Please remember that the computer must meet the minimum specifications to accommodate the upgrade to Windows XP. If the computer does not, please consider replacing the entire computer system to a Windows XP or higher version as soon as possible.
Direct questions to Danita Hyrkas at 501-682-5199, or via email hyrkas@arkedu.k12.ar.us.