This is honestly probably a question you should direct at Quicken.  As a general rule though, programs need to be installed on all machines for which they will be used (and would require seperate lisences).  As to whether each Quicken client computer could then share a central data file (on the desktop) is beyond my knowledge.  Some programs are great at letting multiple users share the same resources across a network -- some are less so.

 

An alternative is that you could remotely connect to and controll the desktop from the laptops.  This would be like working from the desktop except you would be at your laptop.  Likely only 1 user could do this at a time, and no one could physically use the destkop at this time.  Quicken would only need to be on the destkop.  If the Desktop has XP PRO (or MCE) or Vista Business (or Ultimate), then it can host such connections already.  Otherwise, you will need to find software to allow such remote connections.

To do what you want to would require the program to reside on all machines and the database in a location accessable by both machines.  Only one copy could be open at a time.

 

A networked attached storage (NAS) device would be an ideal location for this type of issue.  You would however, need to be careful that you always backup the file to a different location.

 

How much assitance do you need with the physical networking part of thie issue?

Thank you and I believe that is correct which may mean getting a multiple user license or purchasing additional copies of the software ($$$). Although I don't understand why the laptop cannot simply be used as a terminal in this case where it becomes just a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and actually runs the host computer remotely, security issues notwithstanding. Even if it can be done, it needs to be a simple process which I'm guessing it's not.

 

As far as the physical networking part goes, we haven't decided exactly how we're going to configure this yet. We're leaning toward getting an inexpensive host computer with an NAS device as you suggested that we would probably leave on all the time. We can tuck this away in a central location and it would be connected to the modem (DSL), wireless router, and shared printer. (Will the mainstream internet security products, such as Norton or McAfee, adequately protect our data under these conditions?) The two of us would have our own laptops configured to the network. I don't understand how that all works though I noticed Windows has a Network Wizard that I'm guessing steps us through it. Although if it's like most MS software it's probably not very intuitive! We intend to stick with Windows XP at this time if that makes a difference.

 

I appreciate your input and especially appreciate your efforts in Iraq!

 

 

Again, if the host computer (the desktop) runs XP Pro, XP Media Center, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate, then it supports remote desktop  (which is very easy to use) -- it's worth checking out as it may do what you want without needing to buy more copies of the software.

 

Otherwise there is a free version of VNC that should work well for your internal network (though I've never used it personally).   http://www.realvnc.com/vnc/features.html

 

You'd still likely be limited to one user at a time.

Unless you have an old PC laying around, the NAS device by itself would be a lot "greener" to use.  All you would need would be a network drop and AC power.  Ah yes, 110v power.  I seem to remember that!!

The only thing you need to consider would be to reverse the backup roles Quicken likes to use.  Use the file on the NAS as your everyday copy and then backup to one of the PC's.

Great, unless the client is not being used.

Ah, "Remote Desktop". Who knew?! We are in fact running XP Pro and I see the instructions of how to set this up. When I get a chance I'll give it a try with a laptop we have that's on its way out but still works. Thanks for the heads up.