Computer software - Accounting

Kerry_Gavin

Hi all

Just wondered if anyone has heard about Businessware? I'm looking to buy an accounting package for our business and have been advised about Sage, but it's very expensive. When I looked on the internet I found a company called businessware who do the same sort of package but for a lot lot less (£69 + VAT). It seems to have loads on there, but I'm always concious of buying like this without knowing someone who has it already. Has anyone heard on them or tried it out of have any Advice?

Kerry

U've_been_framed

I've never heard of businessware, but Microsoft have just brought out their own package. You can read a review in the curent issue of PCW magazine. There's even a free version that you can download
http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/products/office/accounting/default.aspx#overview
If you are a small business it may be suitable.

markchadwick

There are some free (as in cost and freedom) Accounting Software packages out there. Two that spring to mind are GnuCash and Turbocash (I think its called). These are open source and so free and legal to download and use. GnuCash seems to be the more popular one I think - but I guess the choice largely depends on what you want to use it for.

Other options that may be worth considering are web-apps (applications online that run in your web browser) such as Wesabe and Mint. Wesabe is more for your household accounts in my opinion as it suggests ways to save money based on a community of users who have similar spending habbits. Mint seems to be rather like Quicken from people's comments.

Obviously, you have a difficult choice here: you put your accounts online which can be accessed from any computer on the net (nice and flexible and no need to carry them around with you), but you have to decide whether you're willing to put your sensitive information on the internet and trust in these companies. Have a look at their sites as they have youtube videos with a quick guide.

ormus

try "mind your own business" accounting SW. highly regarded for small businesses.
much cheaper than sage. about 79 quid. they do lots of add ons as you grow.
google it.