FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 007 (28/05/96)

FLOPPY FINANCES

I own a small accountancy, specialising in incomplete records for sole traders. My computers are becoming unreliable so I am looking for both software and PCs that will give direct input into the Inland Revenue computer. I know nothing whatsoever about computers and cost is a major consideration.

J.D.C., Dartford

A

From next April accountants -- with Inland Revenue approval -- will be able to submit their clients returns from a desktop PC, via modem and telephone line, to the Revenue computer network using the Electronic Lodgement System or ELS. Several ELS software packages are being developed for accountancy practices. One of them is Taxman Family for Windows from CSM Ltd,. It’s based on Taxman II, currently the leading professional accountancy package, and it will run on any moderately fast PC, though a 100Hz Pentium is preferred. It will be fully configured for ELS and should be available in early Autumn; prices are expected to start at around £1000.

The Inland Revenue are also planning to issue tax returns on floppy disc to individuals, handling their own accounts. Initially it will only work on IBM and compatible PCs. The software, which will be free, is currently undergoing trials. It includes guidance notes on how to complete the return and the on-screen forms have basic calculator facilities built-in. Once the return is completed the computer prints out a completed hard copy. This has to be signed and sent to the Revenue. They tell us there have no plans at the moment to allow returns to be submitted by e-mail.

Contacts: CSM Ltd., (Taxman), (0121) 377 6366. Inland Revenue (Self Assessment helpline) (0345) 161514.

MILITARY INTERFERENCE

I live a few miles from the US air base at Marham in Norfolk. Is there any chance that the military radar installations there could be causing an intermittent fault on my Power Mac. Every so often the display disappears for a few seconds, then it comes back on. If they are responsible is there anything I can do to stop it? 

D.F., Swaffam

A

It’s very unlikely radar signals are the cause of your problem. PCs are very well screened against RF (radio frequency) emissions, primarily to prevent them from producing harmful radiation or interfering with other pieces of electronic equipment. This works both ways, and external interference -- even strong signals from radar equipment -- would have great difficulty penetrating the casing, let along causing such a dramatic effect. It's far more likely you have fault on your machine, that needs expert attention.

GOING LOCO

I’m sure there are many thousands of people like me, with Amstrad PCW8512 word processors, who would like to purchase an up to date IBM PC, but are holding back because they have no way of transferring files from the 3-inch discs used by the Amstrad machines. Do you know of any solutions?

A.L.R., Walsall

A

The simplest and most reliable method is a piece of software called Locolink, from Locomotive software. This comes with the necessary cables, to connect your PCW to a Windows PC, it costs around £70. It can be used to copy across PCW files, saved in ASCII text-only format, that can be read by most popular Windows word processors. If you can’t bear to be parted from Locoscript then there’s a version available for the PC. You will still need the Locolink connecting cables though. On their own they cost £20; cables and Locoscript Professional 2 for PC together cost £80. If you can get access to an Internet PC it might be worth your while having a browse through the huge amount of Amstrad related information on the net. There are a number of other solutions, including several companies offering PCW to PC disc copying services. The Amstrad Home Page is a good place to start. You can find it at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/

homepages/amstrad/homepage.htm.

Contact Locomotive Software, telephone (01306) 740606