Best Practice to move from QWin CA to QMac CA

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: Changing OS.

Merlin 3310

I also have a question that I hope goes along with the one of DinoBmb. I am currently using QCan-Win-2016 Home&Business. I have to begin using the subscription model (Canada) QCan-Win-2019 Deluxe. At home I use both Window and Mac computers and I am seriously considering switching over to Mac only. HOWEVER I do not want to loose specific Q functionality in moving to QMac. For me, the ideal way forward would be to:
1-Convert from QWin-Can-2016 to QWin-Can-2019 subscription and stabilize,
2-Install a QMac-Can-2019 subscription on my MacBook, convert a copy if the QWin-Can DB over to QMac-Can DB and consequently have an environment where I can compare both versions and assure the functionality I need is acceptable for me,
3-Decide which version QCan-Win or QCan-Mac is best for me and ditch the other one.

So my million $ question is: Does the QCAN subscription model allow me to concurrently install both QCan-Win-2019 and QCAN-Mac-2019 with my single Quicken ID Yes or NO?

Alain
Canada Quicken user

splasher

Merlin 3310 said:

…

So my million $ question is: Does the QCAN subscription model allow me to concurrently install both QCan-Win-2019 and QCAN-Mac-2019 with my single Quicken ID Yes or NO?

Alain
Canada Quicken user

The US and Canadian licenses are the same as far as using both/either OS version, just be aware of the caveat I stated earlier in this thread.

smayer97

Merlin 3310 said:

I also have a question that I hope goes along with the one of DinoBmb. I am currently using QCan-Win-2016 Home&Business. I have to begin using the subscription model (Canada) QCan-Win-2019 Deluxe. At home I use both Window and Mac computers and I am seriously considering switching over to Mac only. HOWEVER I do not want to loose specific Q functionality in moving to QMac. For me, the ideal way forward would be to:
1-Convert from QWin-Can-2016 to QWin-Can-2019 subscription and stabilize,
2-Install a QMac-Can-2019 subscription on my MacBook, convert a copy if the QWin-Can DB over to QMac-Can DB and consequently have an environment where I can compare both versions and assure the functionality I need is acceptable for me,
3-Decide which version QCan-Win or QCan-Mac is best for me and ditch the other one.

So my million $ question is: Does the QCAN subscription model allow me to concurrently install both QCan-Win-2019 and QCAN-Mac-2019 with my single Quicken ID Yes or NO?

Alain
Canada Quicken user

The answer is yes. To help you in that process read the following. If you decide to migrate your data, you do need to convert. Since your data is from QW2010 or newer, the mechanics are quite simple...copy data file over to Mac. Open data file with QMac. The built-in conversion process will step you through but there are a few things you need to know; here is the entire process:

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/7259795/faq-converting-from-quicken-for-windows-including-any-version-qw2010-to-quicken-for-mac

In your case, you can skip steps 1 and 2 but review all the prep and background info before:

https://www.quicken.com/support/things-do-converting-your-data-quicken-mac-2016

NOTE: Be aware that at this time, it is very difficult to convert back from Mac to Windows, as there are many problems with the reverse conversion process.

I also suggest that you make sure that Quicken for Mac subscription will meet your needs, since it was re-written from the ground up (first with Quicken Essentials in 2010, then again with QM2015 onward) and is not the same product as the Windows version, so there are some features that are still not there e.g. full loan amortization*, 2-line display, QuickMath, or are not as fully developed yet, e.g. Customized Reports, some investment performance reports and stats  (therefore some data may not carry over). You can start here:

http://www.quicken.com/mac/compare

https://www.quicken.com/whats-new-quicken

https://www.quicken.com/mac/upgrader-compare

*NOTE: Support for fixed rate loans has been released as of  QM2017 v4.5.x but there is no announced timing for support for variable rate or simple daily interest loans.

You may want to review the List of Obstacles and Hindrances for Migrating from QM2007 or QWin to Quicken for Mac. Add your vote to any features that are missing for you. Your VOTES matter!

Be aware of data that will and will not carry forward: 

https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over

(A couple more things to note: historical currency rates are not migrated AND currency conversions of transactions are not migrated).

Then look at the updates since the original release here:

https://www.quicken.com/support/20182019-release-quicken-mac-subscription-product-release-notes

You will also want to look at a more detailed comparison done by a SuperUser which also identifies nuances not mentioned elsewhere (and read on for comments from other users too on that same discussion thread): 

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/17308705#Comment_17308705

Take a look at the following videos to give you a better idea:

https://www.youtube.com/user/QuickenMac

Note that there are many differences that are rather subtle, that are not necessarily identifiable via documentation, for example, the 12-month budget feature does not allow including transfers, including investment income, selecting specific accounts,  or have rollover capability.

If you find that QMac subscription does not meet your needs, the alternative is to run Quicken for Windows in a virtual machine on your Mac. There are 5 popular products you can use: Parallels, VMWare Fusion, Oracle VirtualBox, Bootcamp or CrossOver. The first 4 require you to also buy a copy of Windows. The first 2 cost $50-80, the third and forth are free. CrossOver also costs about $50-$80 but does NOT require you to buy Windows.

If you plan to keep your PC & Mac, you could also run Quicken on the PC and use remote access (several free options, e.g. NoMachine and Teamviewer) to access Quicken from your Mac  (or even a tablet or phone) (see this great article for complete review of many options (most are free): http://machow2.com/rdp-for-mac/ ).

smayer97

BTW, one advantage that QMac has over QWin US or CA is that you can connect to BOTH US AND CA Fis/banks from the one product. QWin only connects within their respective locality.

On the other hand, QMac may not have as many connection points to US Fi/Banks as QWin-US version.