FAQ's

What operating system do I need ?
Will GB Pro run on Vista and XP?
Do I need an Internet connection?  
What about address verification software?
Can you supply a computer system?
What is the latest version?
Can I network GB Pro?
Can I connect to my computer from home or out on the road?
What options have I got for printing invoices?
How long have you been in business?
My Country My Currency My Tax ?
Where can I get help from if I get stuck?
Why use one of our systems?
I'm not sure what computer system to install?
When is the right time to install a computer?
What is a 'Forever' licence?
What paper do I need to print invoices on?
I don't run a garage business but still need a  management system ?

What operating system do I need to run GB Pro

GB Pro will run on any computer with an operating system running Windows Vista - XP. Even the most modest of today's computers will be more than adequate to run GB Pro. Nearly all computers built in the last 5-7 years are capable of running our software. GARAGEbase is designed as a standalone application, with everything included to be up and running in around 15 min's.

Will GB Pro run on Vista and XP

Yes, GB Pro will run on Windows Vista and XP (with SP2) without any problems. Its been fully tried and tested with each version of Vista.

What is the latest version of GB Pro

The latest version is V2.14 which was released in Jan 2009. We release updates on average every 6 months. Updates add extra features to the software and are not technical upgrades (with the exception of V2.8 onwards which is now fully compatible with the new Windows Vista operating system it also works with all previous versions of Windows from W95 ). You don't have to use an upgrade if you don't want. We listen to feedback and endeavor to incorporate whenever possible new features and functions that are asked for by our users.

Can I network GB Pro

Yes you can, you can network either from the start or later on - whichever way, its ready when you are and networking at a later stage does not interfere with any data already entered. The ability to network is built into GB Pro from the start. Depending on how you are going to network you might need an additional user licence. Broadly speaking if you want to use GB Pro fully on more than 1 PC (other than taking data home with you) then you are going to need this additional licence. See the networking page

Can you supply a computer system

Yes we can supply a full PC system (UK only)either a single PC or a complete networked system. Its a 'one stop out of the box' solution with GB Pro installed with all your company details entered ready for you to start using it - just plug it in! For more details on this system please go to our PC systems page.

Do I need an internet connection to use GB Pro

No you do not. GB Pro is a totally standalone system that does not require any connection to the Internet. If you want to use the Text (SMS) system then you will need an internet connection.

What about address verification software

We can supply QuickAddress Rapid from the market leader QAS.com. By using QuickAddress Rapid your customers address will be entered into the relevant fields within GB Pro with complete accuracy and speed - just from their postcode. You can view a demo of QuickAddress Rapid from this site. If you are in the UK you can purchase QuickAddress Rapid from us with our special price offering a significant discount on the RRP.

If you are located outside the UK you can contact QAS in your country from this site.

How long have you been supplying Garage Management Systems

We have been designing Garage Management software for over 10 yrs. GB Pro V2.1 was initially launched in 2004 and was based on the success of our previous garage management systems. By purchasing GB Pro you can be sure that you are in 'safe hands' joining a substantial number of garage businesses using GB Pro. The current version of GB Pro is V2.14.

My Country My Currency My Tax

GB Pro was originally designed for use in the UK and this continues to be our biggest single market. However, over the years we have adapted the software so that it works in every english speaking country. The currency that GB Pro uses is set by your own computer in regional settings (this currency will then be displayed on the invoices that GB Pro produces).

Other areas of the software allow you to enter regional wordings. We have users in the UK - Ireland - Australia - New Zealand - Nigeria - South Africa - USA - Malaysia - Canada - India and 1 user in The Falkland Islands. If you'd like to see GB Pro working then please call us and we can arrange to install GB Pro on your computer for a trial period. We have incorporated 3 sales tax bands which you can rename to suit your country and adjust the tax rates accordingly.

Where can I get help if I get stuck

Once you have purchased GB Pro we want to ensure that you are up and running with the minimum amount of fuss, so we provide a priority free telephone support service for this. Support in this period can be either via telephone or email whichever you prefer and is free of charge. We are confident that you will find GB Pro easy to install, easy to use and a great time saver for you, however, if you get stuck we are there if you need us.

You will also receive a second training version of GB Pro - which is ideal to ' play around' with and understand how all the functions work - without having to worry about messing around with your 'live' business data. It has pre-entered data to help get you started.

Our help number is a normal rate phone line.

GB Pro has been designed for installation by businesses installing a computer normally for the first time. With this in mind we have a simple set up procedure that involves nothing more than following plain language instructions. Part of our service to you involves helping at any level and stage with GB Pro.

After the initial free period you can opt to go on an annual support package and join our GB Pro Tech club. All packages give you the added benefit of free upgrades - email support - User Forum and BackUpWizard

I am not sure what PC system to install

The quick answer to this is to contact us for advice before you buy or purchase a system. You can also purchase a system from us with GB Pro already pre installed. Not sure what it all means - go to our PC equipment page for more information.

Some businesses spend more money than they maybe need to when buying a computer. GB Pro will run on any entry level PC, you will not see much difference in performance when using GB Pro between an entry level PC and a top of the range PC. Please note that if you intend to use your PC for other applications such as CAD design or graphics then this might require you to use a PC with a higher specification. The reliability of your PC is more important than speed.

When is the right time to install a computer system

As soon as possible of course! Your new computer installed with GB Pro will serve you for many many years to come. Installing a computer system will not be as bad as you think and within a short time you will wonder why you hadn't installed one sooner! The total cost of ownership is a minimal amount compared to the time and money saved, together with the additional income that can be generated using our mail shot facility

What is a 'Forever' licence

A 'forever' licence means you can use GB Pro - forever. There are no additional fees - charges - time restraints or contracts, you can use it for as long as you wish.

What paper do I need to print invoices on

GARAGEBase Pro is designed to use either blank A4 or Letter size paper. You can use any printer using these sizes provided it will print onto A4 or Letter size. This includes dot matrix (impact printers) provided they will print out A4 or Letter size.

What options have I for printing invoices

There are several options for printing invoices:

1.
Using our 'system headings'. This allows you to use blank paper with your company details printed in the top right hand corner of the invoice.  This prints in black and is the most popular option.
 
2.
Use your own logo. You can create your own logo (bmp) and insert this into the system. When using this invoice design please ensure that within your logo you insert your company address and phone numbers.  This will print a colour logo (if you have a colour printer) in the top right hand part of the invoice.
 
3.
Use your own pre printed stationery.  With this option you can have you own pre printed stationery and then print onto this. This is the less popular option and does require you to match the space reserved on our invoice layout to the design of your letterhead.
 
4.
We have left the first 2.5" free at the top of an A4 page for your own preprinted letter head. Nothing on this first page is printed in this area.When you print each invoice you can choose which of the above options to use. You do not need to make a 'one off' decision that cannot be changed later
 

Can I connect to GB Pro from home or on the road

Yes you can, call us and we can advise on the options that are available (and very affordable).

I don't run a Garage business but still need a management system

We have a sister product called TRADESBase which is ideal for most other business that require a management system but is less vehicle orientated. Please click here to visit this website