Basic Accounting Software

I am finding Quickbooks 2008 complicated & difficult to use.What is the simplest accounting software available?

I need something that provides all basic accounting functions, but is simple and quick to use. Quickbooks 2008 is not as good as previous versions and I've found managing VAT in it. Any other suggestions would be most welcome!

Public Comments

1. I've used many, and for value for money, Quickbooks has been the best (although I'm using 2003 and haven't seen any other version). Other softwares you could look into: - Access Accounts - Sage - Mamut - VT Transaction+ There are many more software providers out there, but these are the ones I hear about regularly in Accounting circles.
2. You can try SelfAccounts software, you can download it from here http://www.shaplus.com/personal-accounting-software/selfaccounts/selfaccounts-features.htm It is very basic accounting package and simple to use.
3. I've been reading up about the xero online accounting package - it seems very good from what I have been reading. I gather that you can try it for free and see what it's like and if it matches your needs. There is a monthly charge depending on the level of use but compared to packages like Sage the price seems very reasonable (links in the source). I must admit that I have not used it (yet - I am waiting for my end of year in March so that I don't swap packages in mid-year) but am planning on looking at it in detail next month.
4. I would persevere with Quickbooks. I use it daily for mulitple companies and find it far easier than Sage. If you make a mistake it easy to void - in Sage it affects the audit trails and you really have to work it out, major head muck ups. VAT is quite simple in QB as long as you input correctly. The VAT button at the top will do everything for you as long as you have set it up correctly. The HELP button will also access a wealth of info for you and you can call the helpline if you have taken their monthly payment option. Any problems give me a shout. Freebies such as Turbocash are okish
5. If you're contracting or freelancing you might find inni accounts helpful - http://www.inniaccounts.co.uk. It's *free* online accounting software, plus they also offer an accountancy service (but you have to pay for that)