QuickBooks Pro 2007 from Intuit Inc.
By Howard Berenbon
In May 2004, I reviewed a QuickBooks Premier from Intuit Inc., which I found to be one of the best business accounting programs available. Well, I’m a bit overdue with an update, but better late then never. So, here’s a review of QuickBooks Pro 2007, the latest and up to date business accounting program from Intuit Inc (makers of the very popular Quicken personal accounting program). This new version has a new look and a new feel, plus it’s a bargain at $169.99 (it was $299 in 2004). And it’s better then ever with a new main menu, called ‘Home Page’ and some new features plus enhancements and improvements. So, if you’re a small business owner in need of a comprehensive accounting program, at the right price, then QuickBooks is for you. And, if you’re managing your books by hand (pencil and paper or spreadsheet) you desperately need QuickBooks. And this is a perfect accounting program for any home business.
Originally, the program was developed for the small business owner, but over the years, QuickBooks has evolved into a full-featured accounting program for any business, small or large. All the recent QuickBooks Pro versions allow you prepare estimates, create customizable invoices, track inventory, generate purchase orders, create sales receipts and customer statements, track jobs, create reports and graphics, track expenses and payroll and manage accounts payable and accounts receivable. A great feature is the ability to e-mail your estimates and invoices over the Internet. You can also write checks from any number of business checking accounts, track your business credit card usage, share your company files over a network in multi-user mode and track your sales and business taxes. And if you work with Excel or Microsoft Word, you can transfer data to and from those programs. QuickBooks Pro 2007 has some new features with a redesigned look including several improvements incorporated by Intuit from requests by loyal users.
Installation from once single CD takes about 20 minutes, which includes online updates, if any, and registration. Once registered, you’ll get 30 days free callback support. If you’re upgrading from an older version, QuickBooks will import your company database file so it will work with this new version. If you’re new to QuickBooks Pro, you’ll need to set up a new company file with all your pertinent business information, and you’re ready to go. Their improved setup tool speeds the process using a step-by-step interview. And, if you’re not sure what to enter, their help feature will answer your questions.
From the Welcome to QuickBooks screen you can view a tutorial, create a new company file or open an existing file. After selecting your file, you’ll enter into a new and improved main menu screen that looks like a flow chart with text and icons called the “Home Page.” The central screen is separated into five areas: Vendors, Customers, Employees, Company and Banking. In addition, you’ll find 3 new areas at the far right: Account Balances, Get Started and Learn About Services. If you’re familiar with QuickBooks, you can just jump in and create (and customize) invoice and sales receipts, manage your inventory, setup accounts receivables and payables and work on your payroll. All the functions are the same, but with improvements and added features.
New and Improved Features
Improved Setup and Form Customization
Better Sales Tax Management
New Search with Google Desktop
Google Maps and Google Adwords
Improved Main Menu—Home Page
Payroll Center Improvement
Enhanced Features for Accountants
Improved Item Management and Shipping Manager
Integrates with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
All financial features and functions are easily accessible from the main menu including bank accounts, checking accounts, credit card accounts, customers, vendors, lists (chart of accounts, price, items, customers, payroll) employees and your reports. And if you need help within a particular feature or page, they still have the “How Do I?” button for a step-by-step explanation. Or, just type your question into a box at the top of the page and click “Ask” for the answer. QuickBooks will search and find Help topics that match your question. If you market your products on the Internet, and have been uploading your information to the Google’s Froogle database by hand, you won’t have to anymore. QuickBooks Product Listing Service will upload your product descriptions, prices and images automatically. Another enhancement is the way the forms look and update. It’s 200 percent improvement over QuickBooks 2004.
QuickBooks Pro 2007 sells for the low price of $169.99 and will run on any multimedia PC, 500 MHz Pentium II or faster (recommended 1.8GHz), 256 MB RAM with Windows 2000/XP/Vista, 1 GB of disk space and a 2x CD-ROM drive. For more information, or to order, visit Amazon.com.
Software Companies Mentioned
Intuit Inc.
2632 Marine Way
Mountain View, CA 94043
1-650-944-6000
URL quickbooks.com
