Who should be the system manager? FIt's a fact that most system managers didn't volunteer for the job. Most fell into it because no one else would do it, they were the most technically-minded person at the shop, or they happened to know Clients & Profits the best already. For whatever reason, the qualities you should look for in a system manager are listed below. If you're considering (or are being considered for) the job, here are some traits that every great system manager should have: Passion If there is no enthusiasm, you will not get the most out of Clients & Profits. Control If the information that is entered is not accurate, the reports from Clients & Profits are useless. Logic Makes it easier to understand the relationships between the parts of the program. Also, helps in understanding setup and maintenance. Dependability Since all of your company's accounting and production data is in Clients & Profits, you must be able to depend on that data and the person administering it. Thoroughness Closely linked with control and dependability, this will ensure good use of Clients & Profits as a tool as well as accurate data. A technically-inclined mind If there are problems with the database or your computer hardware, being technically minded gives you an advantage over others who can't troubleshoot these kinds of situations&emdash;and usually panic Bravery In many companies, administering Clients & Profits is no small task. It takes courage to take it on, get the work done, and stick with it.

By John Duffy

It's an age-old myth, fueled by years of platform loyalty, that Macs and PCs don't work well together.

It's time to set the record straight. More than ever, Macs and PCs work on the same network seamlessly, increasing your productivity and communication&endash;while taking some heat out of the desktop wars.

No matter what the platform mix, the heart of your cross-platform network is the server. Luckily, cross-platform networking has been integrated with newer Mac and PC servers, creating unprecedented stability, usability, and affordability.

Also, a server-based setup decreases the potential for network instability.

(While many third party networking programs advocate peer-to-peer networking, third party solutions have become the unstable and potentially costly alternative to a server-based setup.)

Cross-platform networking is easily set up, but there are a few issues to consider.

First, the file access privileges must be set up correctly, and Clients & Profits users need to have access to the database file.

Third, ascertain that your network hardware is solid&endash;that way you'll have one less thing to troubleshoot if you have problems.

Whether you already have a cross-platform network, or are considering installing one, spend a few minutes on the Clients & Profits Cross-platform FAQs page. (Follow the links for Mac, Windows, and Cross-platform FAQs from the System Manager Resource page. You'll find current information to help get your network running smoothly, plus dozens of other helpful tips.