Question 1

Which is better:  Download or CD?

Accepted Answer

It's personal preference; I chose the download method because I wanted the product immediately and didn't want to wait for the CD to be delivered.  I kept a backup copy of the downloaded file in case I ever need to re-install (although you can download again from Newegg or direct from Intuit, as long as you have the product key).  You will get an email from Newegg with the product key after you purchase the download.

If you're the type that likes to have physical media backup, then order the CD; however, if you don't have a CD drive (I didn't), or you want the product immediately, then do the download.

There's no difference between the two formats; both are identical programs.

Question 2

For how many users does this version work?

Accepted Answer

The official Quicken site says up to 3 users at the same time, though that doesn't necessarily mean that's the maximum number of licenses/installs; for that you'd need to read the EULA. Practically speaking, this software is not robust enough to handle a business much larger than that, or one with complicated accounting needs such as tracking WIP inventory.

However, I purchased to convert data from Quicken, and have not yet been able to do so successfully. It cannot convert directly from a Quicken 2013, and the Intuit conversion utility does not work for 2013 data files. I purchased Quicken 2014, and converted data files to the updated format. Quickbooks now recognizes the format, but crashes at the end of the conversion. $350 later I am still frustrated and unable to use the software for its intended purpose. If you are considering this for conversion, research carefully to determine if it is truly capable of handling your conversion first.

Question 3

just ONE user included with this box?

Accepted Answer

One user only.  As stated in a difficult-to-find corner of the Intuit website, (quickbooks dot intuit dot com/pro/compare) "QuickBooks Pro includes one user license: Requires purchase of a license for each additional user up to a maximum of 3 user licenses. All copies of QuickBooks must be the same version-year."  More than 3 users requires Quickbooks Premier (up to 5 users) or Quickbooks Enterprise Solutions (up to 30 users).

Question 4

Does this require internet connectivity to use the product or is it only needed for activation/updates?  Do you also have to pay a yearly subscription or is this a one time cost?

Accepted Answer

While you need an internet connection to initially download, activate, and update the product, an internet connection isn't necessarily required to use the product on a day-by-day basis, assuming you are saving your company files on a local machine.  The product may give errors, as Intuit has included some advertising in the product, and these items may not be able to "call home" without an internet connection, but that shouldn't affect functionality (with the exception of payroll services...I think you need internet for that).  Some of the help features are also internet-based, so you may not be able to use those items either.

This is a one-time purchase, no annual subscription is required.  They do have versions that are annual/monthly subscriptions, but this version is a one-time purchase.

Question 5

If I purchase a download version - can I only download it on one computer.  I need to upgrade my laptop and desktop?

Accepted Answer

This can be downloaded and used on up to 5 machines at a time, however they are only allowed to be used by one user. The license can be transferred to different machines however, so if you sell or stop using a machine, you can deactivate a license and move it to another PC or Mac.

Question 6

I have Pro 2013 and my accountant just gave me an updated data file with the instruction to upgrade to 2014 before putting in the file.  But now I see that 2015 is out and am wondering if I should just buy it instead.  Will my back up file be compatible with the new version?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  All new versions of Quickbooks will upgrade/convert your existing company file to that version.  We have never had any problems opening older quickbooks files with newer versions.

Questions & Answers