Technology, Point of Sale and Inventory Specialists
How To / Tips
Software: Windows – Optimize your computer for peak performance
Jan 24th
People think a pc is like a TV, just there, you click on the power button and it turns on, and that all you need to do. In fact that is wrong, a computer needs to be treated more like a car than a TV. You should be doing the pc equivalent of an oil change and tune up, so that you can get the most out of your pc.
The following tips can help improve your computer’s performance. These examples are for Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. However, you’ll find that these tips work for all versions of the Windows operating system.
By the way, it is not possible for you to blow up your computer or your files with any of these procedures. These tasks use utilities provided within the Windows operating system to help you to achieve the best system performance. This article does not address tinkering with the registry files
Microsoft at home has a great article with tips on what you should be doing. “Optimize your computer for peak performance”. (LINK) http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/optimize.aspx?WT.rss_f=At%20Work%20RSS&WT.rss_a=Improve%20your%20computer’s%20performance&WT.rss_ev=a (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/athome/setup/optimize NULL.aspx?WT NULL.rss_f=At%20Work%20RSS&WT NULL.rss_a=Improve%20your%20computer)
Hardware: (From Microsoft at Home) How to clean your computer
Jan 24th
As a tech I’m still surprised at what I find when I open up customers pc’s for upgrades or repairs. I have seen everything from enough lint to make a sweater all the way to small furry creatures (Keep in mind, the creatures have not all been dead). Microsoft at Home has a post out this morning with 5 basic how to steps to keep your machine clean, and happy.
Remember, a pc needs to be treated like a car, that goes for both software and hardware. These 5 steps are just one more thing you really should do to your pc, just like taking your car in for an oil change or to rotate the tires.
The following is from “How to clean your pc”
I have a dirty secret. I’ve never cleaned my computer. Sure, I’ve dusted my monitor, but I haven’t taken off the cover or tried to reach the crumbs lurking inside my keyboard. And I honestly don’t know the difference between pressurized air dusters and compressed air cleaners.
“Your computer could fry if you don’t keep it clean,” says Jonathon Millman, chief technology officer for Hooplah Interactive.
Whether it’s a desktop or laptop/notebook computer, dust and lint can clog the cooling vents. This can cause your computer’s brain—the central processing unit (CPU)—to heat up. And heat is the biggest cause of component failure in computers. Regular cleaning could save you costly maintenance fees down the road.
Follow the five simple steps (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/athome/setup/cleancomputer NULL.aspx#3) in the cleanup and maintenance routine below to keep your computer and accessories looking shiny and new. It’s an easy, do-it-yourself solution to help them run smoothly and last longer.
To read the complete post go to Microsoft at Home (LINK) http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/cleancomputer.aspx#3 (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/athome/setup/cleancomputer NULL.aspx#3)
Tip: Retail Pro v8 – How to Apply Promo Pricing
Apr 19th
Go to Merchandise > Inventory:
To set up promotional pricing:
1. From the Retail Pro Inventory screen, click Options –> then click PROMO PRICING (both on the side).
2. Select ADD.
3. Enter the name of the promotion that you are creating in the Promo Name column.
4. Navigate to the lower pane. Enter the discounted unit price in the Price column and the minimum quantity of items that must be purchased to qualify in the Quantity column.
Example:
Quantity Price
1 $25
2 $22
4 $20
5. Select CLOSE to exit the Promotional Pricing window.
To assign a promotional pricing to an item or style:
1. In either Item View or Style View, highlight or display the item or style to which you want to assign a promotion.
2. Select EDIT from the main toolbar.
3. Navigate to the Promo # field. (You will need to add this to your screen layout if it isn’t already there)
4. Enter the promotion number you want to assign to that item.
OR
Select to open the Promotional Pricing window, select a promotion, and then choose SELECT.
5. Repeat the previous steps for any other items to which you would like to assign a promotion.
Ringing up Promotional Pricing
When an item is put on a receipt with quantities that quality for promotional pricing, click Apply Promo. (Version 8 Only: When you click Tender, you will get a window showing the promotional pricing.) You will select the item and click Apply to apply the promotional pricing to the item.
Tip: How to Fax from Retail Pro v8
Jan 19th
We have received many calls about being able to fax from Retail Pro. The following steps will allow you to fax directly from Retail pro v8.
REQUIREMENTS:
Operating systems; Will work with Windows 2000 professional, Windows XP professional
Hardware:
A working modem
Suggestion:
The windows Faxing utility works very well with Windows Address Book, or Microsoft Outlook. To access the Windows Address Book Click > Start > All Programs > Accessories > Address Book. If you find the Windows Address Book useful, you will want to create a shortcut to the address book on your desktop. The Windows Address Book is easy to use and most questions could be answered by using the Help Menu.
Also, the default windows fax utility is a good option, however Retail Pro will work with other faxing software utilities, such as Symantec’s WinFax software. Or, some Multifunction printer/faxes have the ability to fax directly instead of printing the document. However, these directions do not reflect those options.
How to fax from Retail Pro v8:
1) Make sure The Retail Pro Printing preference for your documents allows you to change the printer at the time of wanting to print the document.
2) After creating the document click on the print button.
3) Choose your Document design.
4) From the “Print Document” dialog box click the “Preview” button.
5) After the document’s preview is shown, click the “Print” icon along the tool bar.
6) From the Print Dialog box, pick the “Fax” as the printer type.
7) Retail Pro will attempt a print. The Send Fax Wizard window will come up. Click “Next” to continue.
Fill in the “Recipient Information” or, use the Address Book to find your contact information.
9) You may want to use a Cover Page.
10) You can Schedule the fax to be sent out or you can choose to send it at that moment
11) After clicking on next you have completed the wizard. Click on “Finish”
TIP: “Workstation already in use”, "polling in use", "workstation locked," or "workstation in use" error when using Retail Pro
Jan 15th
There are times when you may see one of the following messages during your use of Retail Pro
- Workstation already in use
- Polling in Use
- Workstation Locked
- Workstation in use
Some of the most common causes are:
1) System shut down while in RPRO accidently, intentionally or due to power outage.
2) Someone enters system preferences when other workstations are in Retail Pro.
3) Process in/out takes places when Retail Pro is open on other workstations
4) Retail Pro locked up and was forced to shut down using CTRL-ALT-DEL.
The following steps will normally resolve these error messages (Make sure everyone is out of Retail Pro during the time you are trying these steps):
In Version 7
- Click on “Preferences”, then “System”.
- If “Remove Locks” message appears, select “Yes”.
- If message above does NOT appear, Click on “Preferences”, then “Workstation”.
Version 8
- Click on “Tools”, then “RproDB”, then click on OK to accept the changes.
If that does not clear the issue, contact the IMS Support Desk (800-882-0627) for additional assistance.