Posted on 11/10/2002 9:09:09 AM PST by Old Professer
My son just got a computer and wants a program to help him runhis business; we were looking at Microsoft Money and it doesn't require a lot of hard drive space (a big plus); I was just wondering if any Freeper has experience with this and would they recommend it to a non-geek such as my son.
His computer was purchased used and we "uninstalled" MS Works Suite which wouldn't work and installed a new, registered copy of MS Works from Best Buy last night (me on the phone, he on the keyboard); that seems to work okay with one eror message so far that said he might want to rerun the installation procedure.
He does iron work here in Nashville: rails, fences, supports, etc., and must give bid sheets and invoices. No employees right now, but who knows?
Since he lives 55 miles from me, I can't just run over there at any time so I would really appreciate any advice from you great people out there.
Thanks, Ken
A friend of mine recently upgraded from that version to the current version and he is not pleased. He experienced a lot of trouble.
All things considered, I think Quicken or Quick Books Pro are superior programs. If memory serves correctly, there is also a program out there called something like One Write Plus that my CPA quite likes. He ain't dumb by any means, so that might be worth a look.
If you want to go to a double-entry program -- which is what I think you should do -- I can recommend Peachtree. I have experience with that in a business setting, and I can't say enough good things about it.
There is definitely a learning curve, but you can start off simple. They give you several sample templates which can be used right away.
It is highly configurable, and it is not a program that you will ever outgrow. You could run a small business with it, and if that business grows, you could run a large business with it. It will do anything you want it to do. You could run General Motors with it. Alternatively, you could run a one-person janitorial service with it.
The single-entry programs are not, imo, appropriate for a business. They can be and often are used for that. But they cannot, for exampke, do a good job of handling a depreciation schedule.
Now, that may not seem like a big deal to you at this point in time. But it could become a big deal at some point in the future. A very big deal.
The thing is...
There are very few things in life that are more miserable than changing accounting software. I know. I've done it. It is pure, unadulterated hell. Water torture could not be worse.
So, you want to start out with a good program to begin with. It may cost a few more bucks and be a bit harder to learn how to use, but in the end it is a much better way to go. Infinitely better.
Peachtree.
If the kid needs a better computer, then get him one. Computers and software are cheap these days.
Time is not.
Don't be going and installing the cheapest accounting software you can find. You will regret it.
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