Specific requirements and recommendations
If you will run this application in the Virtual Office CS or SaaS environment, please refer to the Virtual Office CS and SaaS requirements, because local workstation requirements are reduced significantly.
| |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| Processor |
Intel or AMD 2 Ghz 64-bit processor |
Intel or AMD 64-bit multi-core processor |
| RAM |
4 GB |
8 GB or more |
| Monitor |
15” monitor with a resolution of 1024x768 |
Multiple 17" or larger monitors with a minimum resolution of 1280x1024 |
| Operating System |
The 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 11, Windows 10, Server 2022, Server 2019, Server 2016, or Server 2012 R2.
|
| SQL Server |
The 32- or 64-bit version of SQL 2022, SQL 2019, SQL 2017, SQL 2016, or SQL 2014 (any fully licensed edition or Express edition).
Note: The Express edition has a database size limit of 10 GB. Your data needs will determine which edition is right for your firm. For guidance, see SQL Server best practices for CS Professional Suite applications.
|
| Disk Space |
800 MB for the program files. Actual space requirements will vary based on licensed modules, the size of your clients, and the amount of historical data you retain. The initial database size is 190MB. |
| Internet Connection |
A broadband or persistent, high-speed internet connection is required to download software installations, updates, and licenses and to access user bulletins and our Help & How-To Center. We recommend a dedicated, high-speed connection. |
| Browser |
Any one of the following browsers.
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Google Chrome
|
| Microsoft Office |
The 32-bit version of Microsoft 365 Office, 2021, 2019, 2016, or 2013 is required to take advantage of integration with Office applications and other features.
Note for Office 365® users: Our applications integrate with Microsoft 365 when the Office desktop applications are fully installed on the local computer.. |
| Printer |
A Windows-supported printer capable of data compression and a minimum 2 MB of memory is required; we recommend 16 MB of memory. For the extensive printing requirements of tax software, we recommend high-speed laser printers. We also recommend that you enable the duplex printing option for your printer, if available. |
| Email |
A MAPI-compliant email client is required to take advantage of some program features. |
| Adobe® Reader® |
Accounting CS requires Adobe Reader DC or higher to view PDF files. |
| Scanner |
A TWAIN or WIA compliant scanner is required. |
Accounting CS Client Access
If your clients use Accounting CS Client Access, there are two additional requirements for your firm.
- Because Accounting CS and Accounting CS Client Access share a common database, both must be run in a hosted environment, either through Virtual Office CS or SaaS or through your own terminal server environment. For details on running the applications through your own terminal server environment, see Setup Instructions for Firm-Hosted Client Access.
- You must purchase a license for NetFirm CS.
Network installations: You must use a supported Windows server, and it must be a full installation. We don't support core installations, because they don't install .NET components. Additionally, we don't recommend wireless networks for use with any CS Professional Suite application.
Unless they allow for a Windows host control, we don't support network attached storage (NAS) devices as file servers, because they don't meet the requirement of using a Windows operating system. NAS devices often use proprietary operating systems that may not handle file locking properly and may cause data corruption and/or performance issues.
For Terminal Server or Citrix Server recommendations, see Terminal Server Best Practices for CS Professional Suite Applications.
For Microsoft SQL Server recommendations, see SQL Server Best Practices for CS Professional Suite Applications