NolaPro 4 - free accounting software VS Microsoft Accounting Express - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

T P · Member

NolaPro 4 - free accounting software VS Microsoft Accounting Express

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi,

Nolapro is American as well. Is that one going to cause you any problems? (VAT and base currency considerations come to mind immediately). I assume that this is just for bookkeeping, not accountancy as the American rule based system is very different to the Principles based UK GAAP.

Have you considered things like VT Transaction+ (free download with 60 day trial)... Sound like an expert in it but I only downloaded it myself last week on the advice of someone else on the site and so far I'm lovin it.

Right, back to trying to find an understandable book on SAP (used previously but completely forgotten) before I start work for a new client.

Talk soon,

Shaun

T P · Member

Thanks very much Shaun.

Do you know what the difference is between VT transaction+ and VT final accounts?

Thanks again,

Tom.

Wella · Expert

Hi TP

Have you tried QuickBooks Simple Start, a free download is available, it's fully functioning and multi company. It does have it's limitation with the maximum number of customer & supplier accounts being limited to 20 and the chart of accounts isn't customisable. It does not have a time limit.

You can opt for a paid version which gives a bit more but if your clients are mainly cash based businessses it's not bad and is easier to use than Sage, once you get used to it.

It's a good loss leader for Inuit because I think once they've weaned you on it, there's a good chance you will upgrade.

Follow the link to have a look

http://quickbooks.intuit.co.uk/accounting-software/quickbooks-simplestart-free.jsp?iref=uk_download_learn_a

Bill

Tom H P · Veteran Member

Thanks very much Bill, I'll have a look at that.

smartin · Veteran Member

Hi and sorry to gatecrash your thread.
I am shortly to start practising and looking at what software to go with and seriously looking at Sage bookkeepers club - cost is holding me back though.
I saw you mention Quick Books Simple Start which I have just downloaded, but I cannot see how it is multi company can you advise ?
Thanks

Shirley

Zoe · Senior Member

Hi Shirley

I have the Premier version of Quickbooks so I'm not sure if it is the same for Simple Start but I simply click File and then New Company which starts a walkthrough of how to set up a new company.

I think you get up to twenty companies with the Simple Start version.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards

Zöe

Wella · Expert

Hi Shirley

As Zoe said go to File>New Company and there is a walk thru to create another company.

Not 100% sure on the number of companies. I got the impression it was practically limitless. What is restricted to 20 in total, is the number of account supplier/customers. Again, I am pretty sure that is for each company.

Bill

Zoe · Senior Member

Thanks Bill

I knew it was limited in some way.

Zöe

Wella · Expert

Hi Zoe

The simple start version is basic but functional. The CoA isn't customizable and I think there are also restrictions on some reporting designs.

Other than that, I think it works like the other QB products.

I have used earlier versions a few years ago and quite like QBs userbility, thought I'd try the freeby for a client that is mainly cash based to get the feel of their latest offerings and still find it more user friendly than Sage.

Not sure where they are going for the future though, because it looks like they may be turning to monthly subscription. They have already gone that way with their payroll software by the looks of things

Bill

smartin · Veteran Member

Great thanks - I think this might give me an option to start my business with, and I'll wait before using Sage

Wella · Expert

One things for sure Shirley

You got nothing to lose by trying it and it will be good experience getting to now a popular software package.

Bill

Amanda · Expert

Hi,

For thos QB fans (I;m one of them) QB PRO is cheaper than Premier and does more or less the same thing. PRO you can have upto 99 companies on there, lots of reports etc. Have used simple start at a clients and although OK, I wouldn't use it for myself as can't quite do as much with it and the COA you can't customised. PRO you can customise and is very easy to do. Certainly cheaper than SAGE.

I don't mind Sage and got SAGE instants on my machine and I would be more than happy to buy SAGE FC but the cost puts me off as can't justify that cost. Unfortunately SAGE is too costly, although I do think the SAGE product itself is really good.
PRO is cheaper than Premier.

If you are just starting out then QB is a good solution.

HTH
A

-- Edited by Amanda on Thursday 18th of February 2010 09:32:15 PM

semsley · Guru

I'm very much a Sage fan despite the expense, although I don't particularly like QB the reporting is far superior to Sage mainly because of the draw down facilities and the number of standard report available without having to create your own.

Gidon · Newbie

Hi all. Why not try one of the online accounting offerings like AccountsPortal. Feel free to try it out with no obligations whatsoever. There are many advantages to using online accounting services.

Have a look at www.accountsportal.com

Regards

Gidon

lor · Guru

I have downloaded the free quickbooks software and will use it soon! hopefully no complaints!