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| Software Review | 
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| Title: | QuickBooks Pro 2001 |
| Version: | Windows 9X |
| Manufacturer: | Intuit |
| Computer Tested On: | Generic 586-166 |
| Operating System: | Windows 98 |
| Reviewed By: | Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: | January, 2001 |
| Rating: | 
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OVERVIEW
For a number of years I used brand X accounting software for my own business. As an accountant I have had exposure to a number of different brands and versions of accounting software over the years from systems as cheap as $5.00 to systems costing well over $50,000. I had a little exposure to earlier versions of the QuickBooks software from computer consulting clients and decided to take the plunge and change for the 2001 season.
Now for the best part of the story: I procrastinated until December 31st to purchase the software! With great anticipation, I returned from the office supply store and proceeded to install the newest QuickBooks version.
Intuit has taken great pains to make the installation and setup of this product simple. Once the CD autostarts, the installation procedure begins and each step is explained to the user as it occurs.
Setup for this product is very easy, even for the accounting illiterate. The default setup procedure takes the user through an interview that asks basic questions about your business type and how you want to handle certain accounting situations. At each setup screen a help description is available that not only describes each option, but also explains the impact of making one choice over another.
A default set of accounts can be used that is designed for your particular business type, but the user can also enter their own if converting from an existing accounting platform. The interview guides the user through setting up existing customers and vendors, and shows how to set beginning balances for each.
Several sample companies are provided for the purpose of training with the software on non-live data. At the completion of the interview, the company information is saved and the user is ready to begin accounting.
There are a number of nice features included with this package. The software comes network and multi-user ready - an important option should your business grow! A button bar takes the user to many important tasks with a single click. Another wonderful feature is that account numbers are now only optional, making account insertion easier and more rational. Account order can be rearranged using a drag and drop procedure. One option displays a popup window with reminders of tasks that must be performed such as paying bills and printing invoices.
A number of opportunities are available for customization. Invoices, statements and credit memo formats are easily changed and can be printed to both pre-printed forms and plain paper. The plain paper forms and reports are all professional looking. The base criteria for most of the reports can be modified at the time they are run to get the required information with a minimum of fuss.
All of the important modules are included with this package. General Ledger, Receivables, Payables, Invoicing, Payroll, Inventory, Time Tracking and Job Cost are included. Each is fully integrated seamlessly into the data entry and reporting functions.
Some new features have been introduced that will be unfamiliar for users of older QuickBooks versions. Invoicing can now be sent using e-mail as well as traditional printing. The user can also select an online banking option to permit customers to pay directly to your business checking account using direct deposit. The installation manual describes how existing users can migrate their information to this latest version.
Although a little business and accounting savvy doesn't hurt, this package is among the easiest I have ever installed. In my case, it took about six hours for a complete installation, including setting beginning account balances, entering all customers and vendors, reconciling to the ending balances of my old system, and modifying the forms to my liking. Even non-accountants will find QuickBooks 2001 among the easiest and full-featured programs available for small businesses.
STRONG POINTS
Reliable operation - no program or system errors were encountered during installation or operation
Easy to install / Easy to understand - computer and accounting mumbo-jumbo are kept to a minimum as plain language instructions and explanations are available at all points of the installation and setup procedures
Customization - many features are readily customized to mold to the users needs
WEAK POINTS
Documentation - although a number of features are clearly described in the installation and operational manuals, a few setup details are only available in the onscreen help. By current standards, the program is well documented.
COMMENTS
I can only wish I had upgraded to this platform at an earlier date.
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