Advantages: None Disadvantages: Poor in every respect and wastes lots of time only to find that it doesn't work
What an unfriendly piece of software. I run a small consultancy and bought this software on the recommendation of the shop assistant in Staples. Obviously he had not tried to install it or use it. This is a lengthy installation that is not helped by the lack of status reports and you could be forgiven for thinking that your computer has locked up. Once the installation is complete the first thing most law abiding folk do is register the product but the Sage website does not recognise Version 15 only Version 14 so you use that and lo and behold the software starts playing up and then shuts itself down. After that you can only access the practice and demonstration modes and your activation key is no longer valid. So you decide to use the "free" support hotline and it is not free because it is an 0845 number. Give this software and Sage ...
Advantages: Easily obtainable Disadvantages: Overly Complicated and geared to accounting professionals
As a small business owner and in an effort to reduce accounting costs I decided to look for an 'all round' accounting package that would take care of my day to day reporting and accounting needs and perform payroll processing for my small team of employees. After looking at the features of the various packages available to me and on the recommendation of a professional accountant, I purchased a copy of SageInstant Accounting at a cost of £199 + VAT - with the intention of purchasing the payroll module at a later date. I did not see the point in paying the extra for the 12 month support package, because I did not think I would need it - I am after all an IT professional - erm...big mistake!
Installation of the software was easy, but as soon as I tried to use it for the first time I had to connect to the internet and update it - a minor ...
Advantages: A cheap and very easy to use package Disadvantages: You do need some basic accounting skills though
Some of you may recall that I am a book-keeper by profession and that I keep accounts for a variety of Clients. In my humble opinion Sage beats other accounting packages hands down as far as I am concerned !
If you are not particularly accounts orientated but understand the basics then Sage is very easy to learn and use.
The Instant Accounting versions are the lower end of the Sage Accounting packages and you can purchase a copy for around the £100 mark. Each year a newer version is released but it is not necessary to purchase any updates to benefit from the package. Although it is the cheaper package this does not detract from it`s abilities and the reports and calculations are accepted by Accountants and Government officials (dreaded Inland Revenue and HM Customs) alike.
General Overview
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As with any ...
