First thing this first section covers is the Y2K solutions for Quickbooks. The versions of Quickbooks 6.0 and up are Y2K compliant. The versions 5.0 and lower must be upgraded. The 99 version does not need a patch and if you are comfortable and everything is working for you, then you don't need to upgrade. This 2000 version has minor differences, but works with Windows 98 SE and all the newer equipment.
The hardware and software requirements are as follows:
QuickBooks Pro 2000 will not work with QuickBooks Pro 6.0 or 99 in a multi-user environment. Pro 6.0 will not work with Pro 99 in a multi-user environment.
When installing Quickbooks 2000 you must have IE installed on your computer. If you are using other browers then the installation will not affect your browsers or their settings. If you have IE 4.0 or lower, then IE 5.0 will be installed. If you are doing a first time install and not upgrading then just install and follow the screens. Be sure to have the keycode ready. If you have multiple copies, each copy will have its own keycode. If you have too much trouble with the installation, call the Technical Support people and they will be very helpful. You can use QB up to 25 times before registering, if you don't register, then the program will not let you get back in without completely wiping out the program and starting over. That could be a real problem and pain especially if you have your accounting stuff entered and setup the way you want. Registering is one of the best things you can do for yourself and to save yourself problesm. Once registered you will be able to access the Inuit site and get all kinds of help and information you will need especially technical support.
QuickBooks 2000 does not work with Quick Payroll or Quick Pay (not Y2K compliant). You will need to retrieve print specific information from your QuickPay or Quick Payroll data before setting up QuickBooks payroll. Make sure you do certain things first before just assuming you can setup your books. As with all accounting procedures, you need to know all your information before start payroll. Reading the manual on this area first will help greatly. Your payroll needs are able to be handled in QuickBooks 2000. If you are starting out as a first time user, then just setup your books the way your accountant has indicated, otherwise you will need to make sure you have followed the instructions before getting your payroll started.
One of the other things your can do with Quickbooks is convert your older QuickBooks data into the newer program. You will need to follow the instructions on the screen and make sure to have backups of all your data at least in double or triple sets so if you make any mistakes, you will be covered. There are differences between the DOS and Windows versions of QuickBooks. You can convert your data, but here again, please read all the instructions and make back ups of your data.
If you are using Quicken and want to convert, make a copy of your Quicken data file. QuickBooks 2000 data file is not compatible with and cannot be saved as a Quicken file. Do not uninstall Quicken before installing and converting to Quickbooks completely.
All in all your conversion or startup with QuickBooks should not be hard. Next time I will try to cover the major features and some of the differences to the program. QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks both are easy to setup and start running your small business. Pro also has Scheduling and Tracking. These features are great for construction companies or general contractors.
Next month I will have part two of this review. Check out Inuit's website for information on pricing and system requirements. Watch your local stores for good deals and specials that might be running. This program runs $119.95 for QuickBooks or upgrade for $69.95. QuickBooks Pro 2000 runs $219.95 or upgrade for $149.95. You can get special deals if you look around the local area. Just keep watching your local paper and stores. See you next month.
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