These requirements apply for EQ (versions 17 and older).
For requirements for accessing EQ Flex (versions 18 and newer), read this article: EQ Flex Requirements for browser access.
Before installing EQ on your computers you need to check these minimum system requirements for your hardware. These requirements apply to installing EQ on a local PC (desktop or laptop) and on a local network where the software and data is installed on your premises.
When installing licences on a local area network (LAN) EQ requires a wired connection. WiFi is not sufficient.
Printers (including label printing)
Internet Connection & Email Sending
For requirements of using EQ on Microsoft Terminal Services (with Remote Desktop) read this article.
Computer Hardware (desktop or laptop)
| Processor | Intel Pentium 4 or above or equivalent |
| Memory (RAM) | Minimum 6GB RAM |
| Screen | 1366 x 768 minimum screen resolution |
| Hard Disk Space | Depends on the number of catalogues you install. Minimum 20 GB required initially. |
Operating System
Windows 10, Windows 11 & Windows Server 2012, 2016 & 2019
Windows 10 users on a network: In May 2018 a Windows Update changed a network setting that can affect EQ when connected to other copies of EQ. Please see this article for details.
Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 on 14th January 2020 and Windows XP on 8th April 2014 so these operating systems are considered insecure and are not supported.
EQ cannot run on macOS directly. A virtual PC can be used on Intel based Macs. More information in the article Requirements for Apple macOS. Consult your I.T support for further assistance. Note EQ support cannot support macOS.
Local Area Network (LAN)
EQ can be installed standalone on individual computers or with shared data using a file server.
Hard wired networking is required.
For a network with more than 5 users, it is recommended to use Gigabit networking cables and infrastructure for the best performance.
Not supported:
- No wireless connections are suitable when sharing EQ data.
- A network attached storage (NAS) device is not supported, data should be on a PC or server.
- A virtual private network (VPN) over broadband is not supported as data cannot be supplied at sufficient speed over the broadband connection.
- Running synchronisation software (to local or cloud storage) is not supported. Read this article on Synchronisation Software.
EQ do not offer network advice or support your network hardware or network settings in Windows. Please refer to your own I.T. support.
Printers
Any Windows compatible printer, inkjet or laser.
For label printing: Zebra GK-420d with label size approx 8.8cm wide x 5cm tall
Other label sizes can be catered for by having a bespoke label template created. Email templates.eq@compusoftgroup.com
Internet Connection & Email Sending
Internet access and e-mail address required.
Connection does not need to be constant (e.g. laptop users who may sometimes be disconnected is sufficient).
Email sending can be configured in 2 ways (optional):
1. Direct SMTP sending via EQ - You need a compatible SMTP server and your server and user details.
2. MAPI via local client requires compatible mail software e.g. Microsoft Outlook or Thunderbird).
Exclusions: The built-in mail client in Windows 8 is not MAPI compatible, you should choose an alternative email client.
A 64 bit installation of MS Outlook or MS Office is not supported and therefore Office should be installed as 32 bit if it is required to work with 32 bit software such as EQ.
Further information from Microsoft:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/choose-the-32-bit-or-64-bit-version-of-microsoft-office-HA010369476.aspx
Word Processing
Microsoft Word 2002 – 2011 for Word merge documents and letters (optional).
Microsoft Word 2013 functions with merge fields (for letters) but not bookmarks (for product listings and tables) so an alternative bundled word processor (EQ WP) can be provided in this instance.
Exclusions:
- Word or Excel Starter Edition are not sufficient.
- Other word processors of Office suites are not compatible with EQ.
- Spreadsheet/CSV EQ can export data from various points into an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file.
- Microsoft Excel 2002 - 2008 will work directly, or EQ can be configured to export as a CSV file which can be opened in other spreadsheet software.
Backups
For backup options, including integrating your EQ data into any of your existing backups, please read the Backup topic.
Remote Access
For short term remote access you can use a screen sharing application (without a dedicated server).
For long term remote access:
- Consider EQ Flex, the browser accessible version of EQ available from version 18 onwards.
- For on premise solutions read the article on Terminal Services with Remote Desktop.
EQ System Requirements
EQ Flex requirements for browser access
EQ requirements for local and network PCs
EQ requirements for Apple macOS
EQ requirements for terminal servers (Remote desktop)