Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
Menu (click on link below):
Program Installation
Program Activation
Moving the Program to a Different Computer
Getting Free Program Updates
Moving Client Folders from Previous Years to the New Program
VISTA Compatibility
Windows 7 Compatibility
Macintosh Compatibility

Installation
Please follow this procedure to install the program:
  2012 (version 12) Benefits Calculator, Click here
  2011 (version 11) Benefits Calculator, Click here
  2010 (version 10) Benefits Calculator,
Click here
  2009 (version 9) Benefits Calculator,
Click here
  2008 (Version 8) Benefits Calculator,
Click here
  2007 Benefits Calculator,
Click here
  2006 Benefits Calculator,
Click here

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Q. I purchased a single copy of the Benefits Calculator. May I Install the program on more than one computer?
A. No. The program is licensed to a single user for use on a single computer. Install the program only on the computer that will be used to run the program
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Q. How do I move the program to a different computer?
A. You are entitled to do this at no cost.
Click here for details.
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Q. Does the program run on a network?
A. No. The program will only run on a stand-alone computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, notebook, etc.)

Activation
Q. What is an Activation Number, and how do I get my Activation Number?
A. We distribute five editions of the CSRS - FERS Benefits Calculator in one installation file: Personal FREE, Personal PLUS FREE, Professional, Professional - GOLD, and Professional - PLATINUM. After purchasing the Professional edition of the program, we provide a code (activation number) to our customers that makes accessible the features ordered (Professional, Professional - GOLD, and Professional - PLATINUM). In addition, we provide a FREE activation code for our Personal PLUS users.

Please follow this procedure to get your activation number:
  2012 (version 11) Benefits Calculator,
click here
  2011 (version 11) Benefits Calculator,
click here
  2010 (version 10) Benefits Calculator,
click here
   

Q. What is the purpose of your activation system?
A. (1) We distribute five editions (Personal FREE, Personal PLUS FREE, Professional, Professional - GOLD, and Professional - PLATINUM) of the CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator in one installation program. After purchasing the Professional edition of the program, we provide a code to our customers that activates the features ordered (Professional, Professional - GOLD, and Professional - PLATINUM). This greatly decreases our marketing and distribution costs, and results in a lowered product cost to our customers. In addition, we provide a FREE activation code for our Personal PLUS users.

(2) Software piracy is unfortunately pervasive in this country and around the world. See the
Microsoft study concerning software piracy. Since the activation code will work on only one computer, the activation system keeps the nonpaying customer from gaining access to the PLUS and Professional features of the software.

(3) Microsoft states, "Pirated software hurts everyone from software developers to retail store owners, and ultimately to all software users. The illegal duplication and distribution of software has a significant impact on the economy, costing the United States billions of dollars a year in job losses, retail dollar losses, and governmental tax losses money that would have gone back into local communities. In addition, companies facing loss of revenue due to piracy must pull resources from the development of new technology, and devote it to protecting both their software, and its legitimate users. In the end, software piracy is unfair to everyone."

Moving the Program to a Different Computer
Q.
I want to move the program to a different computer. What do I do?
A. The software license is for a single computer. Please, see the License message under the Legal menu in the Benefits Calculator program. If you would like to move the program from one computer to another,
click here to contact us and request the instructions by email.  The procedure is free and takes only a few minutes.
Program Updates
Q.
How do I get free program updates for the version I purchased?
A. When the Benefits Calculator first starts, you will see a popup form - Check For Program Update. Click on YES button in-order-to check for a free updates

Moving Client Folders From Earlier Programs to the new Version 12 program
Q.
How do I move all my client folders (professional version) from an older version of the program to the new Version 12 program (for example the 2011 client files)?
A.
 

VISTA Compatibility
Q.
Does your program work on a computer with Windows Vista?
A. Our program runs on 32-bit and 64-bit Vista computers.

Windows 7 Compatibility
Q. Does your program work on a computer with Windows 7?
A. Our program runs on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 computers.

MAC Compatibility
Q.
Does the CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator Run on a MAC computer?
A. Our software will run on a MAC in a Windows (XP, Vista, or Windows 7) virtual environment. Some of our MAC customers reported running our software using the following Windows (XP, Vista, or Windows 7) virtual environments:
     1.  VirtualBox is free and is excellent:

          
    Download Here: http://download.cnet.com/VirtualBox/3000-2094_4-145711.html?tag=mncol;1
          
    Setup Info:  http://mac.appstorm.net/how-to/virtualization/running-windows-on-your-mac-with-virtualbox/
 

VirtualBox on a MAC

    2.  Fusion is not free but is excellent: http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/
 

Fusion on a MAC
 

 
 

The CSRS and FERS Benefits Calculator and Retirement Planner is a product of:
Decision Support Software LLC
P.O. Box 2368
Granite Bay, CA 95746

www.FedRetireSoftware.com