Disclaimer
The notes below are general guidelines with respect to computer hardware you use. We strongly recommend you find a local IT Support Professional group which can make specific recommendations to the exact hardware you should purchase and provide support for you and your business. It’s important to have local IT support that can assist with hardware networking issues. The local relationship will provide long term stability for your business and the software it runs on.
Hardware, printer setup, and networking is not serviced by White Light Computing.
Computer Speed, Memory, & Processor
Antiques SOS for Windows is a Windows product. It runs on any version of the Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 operating machines (desktop or laptop), as well as Windows XP and Vista.
Windows 7 , Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11: standard memory with 4 GB or more.
Windows XP or Windows Vista: standard memory with 2 GB or more.
Apple and Linux operating systems: SOS will not run on these.
Tablet or cell phone technology: SOS is not designed to run on these yet.
SOS is a Windows product, and is not designed for Apple Macintosh or the Linux operating systems. SOS is not yet designed to be utilized on tablet format technology. While SOS runs on the Home versions of Windows, White Light Computing recommends using the Professional versions of Windows in business environments because they have more robust networking capabilities.
Processor
Recommended: Minimally an i5 processors, preferably i7 processors.
NOT Recommended: i3 processors
More details on processors here in the article by Rich Edmonds, “Intel Core i3, i5 and i7: Which processor is best for you?” on WindowsCentral.com:
“Intel’s Core i3 is ideal for people who don’t require much power. These processors are more affordable, and they have hyper-threading for improved performance under load but aren’t powerful enough for advanced gaming or intensive applications. This line of CPU is best suited for PCs that will be used for email, word processing, light gaming, communications and web browsing.”
https://www.windowscentral.com/intels-core-i3-i5-and-i7-processors-which-best-you
Anti-virus
We do not recommend having McAfee on your computer whatsoever. However, it is important to have a good anti-virus program. Consulting your local hardware technician about removing McAfee and what antivirus is best for you is a smart decision before installing SOS.
Server Notes
If you have purchased Antiques SOS for Windows LITE or PREMIUM, you have the ability to network multiple computers to work simultaneously out of SOS. To do so, the main computer is considered your server computer. Talking with a local hardware technician to have the best understanding of your server needs and hardware requirements.
Printers
SOS should be able to print on almost any printer you choose to use. We have always had superb performance and longevity from modern laser printers. However, please note that for the end of day reports, Laser printers will be much more economical to operate than ink jet printers.
SOS can print customer receipts on the “receipt printers” which use approximately 3” wide rolls. You’ll still need a larger printer to run reports and seller payouts. Most users choose either a Star TSP143 thermal printer (which can print two single copies back to back very quickly) or a Star SP512 impact printer which prints a white and yellow carbonless copy. The thermal printer is faster and quieter and has an option for you to print a store logo or other image at the top of each receipt. Both model receipt printers can be purchased through our company – for $245 (includes shipping and tax*).
Electronic Cash Drawers
Users can keep their money in any container they wish. SOS can work with most electronic cash drawers so that the cash drawer pops open when you make a cash sale. SOS customizing questions in the Cash Drawer topic let you also specify if the cash drawer should open for a check sale or a credit card sale.
SOS works well with the electronic cash drawers manufactured by M-S Cash Drawer Company, Pasadena, California. We have been selling drawers from this company for more than 20 years and have never had any problems with them.
SOS may or may not work with cash drawers from other manufacturers. One problem is that cash drawers do not have the manufacturer name written upon them. Even if the manufacturer is known, it’s not always possible to know the character sequences required to be sent to make that drawer open. So if you have a cash drawer other than one made by M-S Cash Drawer company, it may or may not work with SOS. Cash drawers can be purchased through our company – for $265 (includes shipping and tax*).
All hardware sales are final. Exceptions allowed for extremely rare circumstances including defective/damage upon delivery.
*Shipping/sales tax included Applies to Continental US. EXCLUSION: Shipments to Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Tennessee, or Canada are subject to sales tax and/or freight charges, destination dependent. Fright charges for AK and HI also destination dependent.