I have an old computer running Windows 2000. Should I install Windows XP?

NO! (And the same goes for XP users who can't wait to switch to Vista, which by the way is not significantly different from XP.)

You should switch only if a) you want to use an application that requires it, and b) you've ruled out buying a new computer. Otherwise stay with what you have. In fact, we wouldn't recommend changing your operating system at all -- even if you're still using Windows 98. Installing a new Operating System (OS) isn't as safe and simple as installing a new software application.

If your computer runs an older operating system, it's an older computer, which means that the newer operating system probably won't run as advertised.

We're using Network Neighborhood (four workstations). Someone has suggested converting to a Windows 2003 server. Should we?

Let's put it this way: If system security is a big issue, then you should look into it. Or if you're one of those who mows your suburban-sized lawn with a riding mower, then you'll probably enjoy the expense, complexity and panache of a dedicated. Otherwise, your Network Neighborhood will work just fine, particularly if Filpac is the only common, shared database you're regularly using.

The main reason for switching to a server from a "peer-to-peer" is convenience. By configuring a server for Internet access, antivirus and security, you don't need to set up the other computers, which can, in effect, "hide" behind the server. Just make sure that you have someone who can properly set up and troubleshoot your server. (Be careful: there are many pretenders out there.) If your server goes down, you're out of business.

Smaller networks can be linked to the Internet and to each other with an inexpensive (about $100) router that provides some "firewall" protection. But you'll still need to install antivirus and "firewall" software (such as ZoneAlarm) on each computer.

What happens if our state or the FEC changes their forms?

Any mandated changes in FEC forms are provided free of charge to users with current support contracts. State changes are provided free of charge to users in states where there at least ten Filpac users with current support contracts. For other states, we will make the changes at our regular hourly programming rate, or you can submit the generic state disclosure form that is included with Filpac.

Is there any limit to the number of "help" calls that we can make to your support line?

There is none within the first 30 days after your Filpac purchase. After that, non-warranty telephone support is $1 per minute. That's the official policy. Unofficially, we've never billed for calls lasting less than five minutes. That's what we call our "Five Minutes Free" courtesy to our customers with current warranty agreements.

What do I do -- or, rather, what are YOU going to do -- if the software doesn't work properly?

Filpac is guaranteed against malfunctions for as long as your support contract is current. If something does go wrong, we'll have the corrected software posted to this web site within 24 hours.

I want to load the entire voter list from my district into the Filpac master file. How much disk space will I need?

You'll need about a megabyte for every thousand names.

I just received a list of 100 names that I want to add to my system, and presumably several of the names are already in my system. What's the quickest way to enter them, to make sure I'm not entering duplicate names, and then to be sure they are marked for easy retrieval?

First, you must establish a Code which describes the file you're copying. You can do this in Support Codes File Maintenance. Then go to Data File Maintenance->Individuals. Use the F3 search key to see if the name is already in your system. (If not, then you can hit to add the person.) Click Action and then List to add the list code. Once you are finished, you can print a list of these names, whether or not they are new additions to your file, by choosing LISTS from the File Search screen. You can also go to the Letters menu and general mail merge letters from the same list. (No need to worry about duplicates: when you generate a merge file from the Reports menu, the system marks each record processed so that you can avoid sending a duplicate letter in future mail merge sessions.

Since Filpac includes a letter-writing program, do I need to use an external word processing program such as Microsoft Word?

Only if you require features not included in the basic (but very functional) Filpac letter-writing program, which is the easiest, fastest way to get out a mail merge letter. We even added a spell-checker.

I have 20,000 people in my master file, but I want to send a letter to just 20 of them. What's the quickest way?

You should set up List Code that describes what those twenty people have in common, and then you should go to Data File Maintenance->Individuals, call up each person and attach the code. Then go to the Reports or Letters menu to produce a mail merge file of all records with that code and date. By using the List code system, you can attach an unlimited number of code entries to a master file record.

I used Filpac on another campaign that lost last year. The fellow is no longer running, but I'm going to help the new candidate for that seat. Can I use the same copy of Filpac for the new committee?

If your campaign goes out of business because of an electoral loss or retirement, you can transfer your software license to another political committee. The fee is $100 plus the annual warranty fee. There is no free support for the new committee other than our assistance in moving the software and data files from one computer to another. Candidates who wish to change their Filpac license to a new campaign committee under their name (i.e. Joe Smith for State Rep. To Joe Smith for Congress) can do so free of charge.