Wonder Why no one mentioned this before

[fattony]

I just found Microsoft have a accountancy package, yet everyone never seems to suggest it when people are looking for a free accountancy program.

Is is not that great?

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=BEC4B496-C629-4D40-A5D0-9D65FD7574EC&displaylang=en

[CassioAcc]

This is a good package but does use a lot of resources so make sure you have lots of RAM in your PC (Express 2009 is the latest http://www.msofficeaccounting.co.uk/Default.aspx)

If you are looking for a free / low cost package then I still think VT Cashbook/Transaction or Solar Accounts are a better alternative.

[fattony]

just found VT complicated, before anyone says anything it probably because it new to me, office is normal for me

[CassioAcc]

All these packages have a little learning curve but - VT is easier to use than MSOA . I have a quick start guide for VT cashbook - if you are interested send me a PM.

Why not trial MSOA with some dummy transactions and see how you get on. You can then try the same test in other software to get a feel for how each work.

Also trial Solar - http://www.solaraccounts.co.uk/ (if you like it I can get you a 10% discount)

[Williams lester]

Also worth a look at TAS Books http://www.tassoftware.co.uk/site/tas_accounts_software/tasbooks_basic_free

This is also free, and very easy to use.

[fattony]

thanks for the replies guys, I will check them out as Im always open to opinions

[David Griffiths]

I've got one client using MSOA on a network system. It runs very slowly and seems resource-hungry. Doesn't seem to offer anything startling that other programs don't

It's OK, but we've had problems working out where document templates are held. Even trying the obvious ploy of opening them (they are all Word documents) and looking at the Save As function didn't help. Their IT support company couldn't work it out either.

[Wild Goose]

One way to fall flat on your face with this free Microsoft program is to download the US version - that's right, dollars and sales taxes when you expected sterling and VAT!

Fattony, I suspect the link you have posted might be the US version. Cassio's link - the first reply in this thread - is to the UK version.

[Tom McClelland]

I've seen it suggested several times by people on these threads when someone is looking for free bookkeeping.

It is nice-looking on the monitor, but as others have commented it is very hungry of system resources for what it does, and takes a lot of technical setting up. Easy if you're IT-skilled, but less easy for casual PC users.

[frauke]

I have had a number of new clients, ask me to help them with it (they started using it before becoming clients), and every time they have set it up incorrectly. So its delete and start again ... all that work and time wasted. After which they are normally happier to use other accounting software.

I have a copy which I use, to remind myself how to use it, but given the choice I wouldn't use it if I didn't have to. There are easier to use programs out there.

The catch as an accountant - is clients can't send copies to unless the Accountant pay for the professional version. (There are ways round this, but its too complicated for most clients!).

[MyAccountantOnline]

I just found Microsoft have a accountancy package, yet everyone never seems to suggest it when people are looking for a free accountancy program.

Is is not that great?

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=BEC4B496-C629-4D40-A5D0-9D65FD7574EC&displaylang=en


Its not one I recommend because clients who have used it havent liked it and found it slows their PC's to crawling speed. I now have just one client who uses it.

I highly recommend VT cashbook to clients who want a basic free package to record income payments and receipts.

If you are happy to pay a small amount for software I'd actually highly recommend Solar Accounts. I have spent this morning reviewing the software in detail and must say I am really impressed. Its a great package and is very competitively priced.

[CassioAcc]

The catch as an accountant - is clients can't send copies to unless the Accountant pay for the professional version. (There are ways round this, but its too complicated for most clients!).

Accountants can sign up to the microsoft network and get the Professional version for free. I can't remember the link but thats what I did.

[CassioAcc]

Its not one I recommend because clients who have used it havent liked it and found it slows their PC's to crawling speed. I now have just one client who uses it.

I highly recommend VT cashbook to clients who want a basic free package to record income payments and receipts.

If you are happy to pay a small amount for software I'd actually highly recommend Solar Accounts. I have spent this morning reviewing the software in detail and must say I am really impressed. Its a great package and is very competitively priced.

Agree 100% on both packages. These are the two I usually advise.

[Alison Jones]

I used Microsoft Accounting express for a one off client for 1 years worth of backdated accounts, who did not provide any software, and I hated it. It was so unuser friendly.

I think though with this software some people like it others hate it, I have known people say they much prefer MS Accounting to sage. Would say if you have never used any other accounting software then it is easier to get on with MS Accounting because you don't compare it to other software.

Alison

[MyAccountantOnline]

Would say if you have never used any other accounting software then it is easier to get on with MS Accounting because you don't compare it to other software.

Alison

Definately - I'll second that:)