I will likely need to replace every computer in my network to meet the minimum requirements to upgrade from 6.3.3. to 6.5. I would like to go about this in a more intelligent way than when I first started out with AC several years ago with 1 staffer / 1 provider, and then added new computers one by one as my staff grew to 3. As a result, I have 5 different computers in my network running 3 different versions of Windows (7, Vista, XP). Updating OS and other software is a nightmare as it has to be done machine by machine rather than on a single machine and installing that updated image on all other like machines.
What combinations of desktop and laptop computers have worked well for others for V6.5? And have you been able to update Windows/Java/Flash/Reader more efficiently and imaged updated computers successfully to other like computers in the network? Do you need to buy your Windows OS separately from your computers so you have some sort of license and can mount the same image on multiple computers, or as long as Windows came with the computer does it somehow know it is ok to mount an updated image from another computer to a different laptop? Do you need some sort of Server OS on the Main computer to push out updated images of the client computer OS/software to client machines, or do you just walk around with a external hard drive to mount the updated images?
Here is what I am hoping to design:
Office:
Desktop (Main ? all data files for AmazingCharts and general practice use reside here, for all users ? no one stores data files on their clients)
Laptop (Reception ? this could be a desktop, but would simplify update imaging if it was a laptop)
Laptop (Doctor ? moves from office to two exam rooms)
Laptop (Nurse ? moves from nurses station to vitals room)
Laptop (Manager/Biller ? this could be a desktop, but laptop preferred to interchange with others as laptops have been less durable than desktops to date)
Home
Desktop (for software updates to image to other Desktops, and as Test Machine for upgrades and setting changes ? also used as personal computer and to LogMeIn to work)
Laptop (for software updates to image to other laptops, and as Test Machine for upgrades and setting changes ?also used as personal computer for my wife who is Manager/Biller and works half day from home)
I'm hoping all Desktops would have same software so only one needed updating and other could be imaged from it, and all Laptops would have same software so only one needed updating and others could be imaged from it. Because updating Windows/Java/Flash/Reader generally takes the computer out of use during patient service hours and takes me 4-8 hours, I would prefer to do it at home and only once for the Desktop and only once for the Laptop, and then copy the images to the other like office computers. I know it is not good practice, but I generally update Windows, etc once every 12-24 months due to the huge time required the way I am set up now, and the to date inevitable several days of tracking down setting changes to get it all to work again after updates and to downgrade incompatibilities (e.g. Reader XI back to v9 for AC6.3.3).
Any suggestions appreciated.
