DSF

John G wrote:running a legit company without any glitches - even though its not supported now.

A free version is exactly that - on your head be it.

I don't want to start a war john but what do you mean by "legit Business"
If I were to start a business model , say as a university projec,t that gave away Open (free) Source software for other businesses to run say a stock control schedule, would I be any less legit?

Or if I ran a company that sold Linux computers that only used Open source would I be legit?

I don't think a business is any less legit for using software that is part of the OPen Source, Heck there's loads of SME's that I know who use Open Office rather than MS Office.

But the question of stock control is intetresting, surely there is only closed (has to be bought) source available as it is such a niche market.

The legit company mentioned refers to any company paying any taxes due to HM government and vat if over the theshold. If your running a company that doesn't comply with the above it isn't legit - its a cash in hand business that skates around paying taxes so is not legit.

Like I said before - it looks like a good accounting program - its whatever you feel comfortable with, or whatever your accountant can read.

John G wrote:The legit company mentioned refers to any company paying any taxes due to HM government and vat if over the theshold. If your running a company that doesn't comply with the above it isn't legit - its a cash in hand business that skates around paying taxes so is not legit.

Sorry John,
I still don't understand the relevance of your statement.

I pay taxes and VAT, but if I choose to use open source software will I be any less legit?

I'd be a bit nervous relying on a free software program to run a legit business, especially as it might not be totally bug free, but it does actually look quite good!

Still stand by my original quote - i'd be a bit nervous running a legit company using free accounting software. I never said it doesn't make a company any less legit.

Don't forget you have to keep these records for 7 years (could be more / could be less - not sure of exact timescale) who's to say that after 7 years your particular version might be unreadable apart from your own computer. I wouldn't be prepared to risk a companies future for the sake of a few hundred quid on accounting software. Just my opinion, and as said before, it does look good.

John G wrote:Don't forget you have to keep these records for 7 years (could be more / could be less - not sure of exact timescale) who's to say that after 7 years your particular version might be unreadable apart from your own computer. I wouldn't be prepared to risk a companies future for the sake of a few hundred quid on accounting software. Just my opinion, and as said before, it does look good.

I don't see how that distinguishes between paid-for and open-source/free software.

I have my own experience of this because I use some databases that were made on Lotus Approach in 1996-1998. That software was paid for. Where is Lotus Approach now? The company that bought Lotus is IBM - they're still around, but forget about Lotus Approach. It's gone. I have to run Windows 98 in a Virtual Machine just to run the software properly. If there'd been a free/open-source version around at the time, I wouldn't be in this fix.

Likewise, I have many CAD files drawn in AutoCAD LT (various versions paid for from 1995-2000). How do I open these files without AutoCAD to send to another CAD software if, for example, I want to run Linux? If I'd used free CAD software, it'd be saved in a non-proprietary format and I could open the files in other software.

How has paying for that software ensured that I can still access/edit the files several years later?

On the grounds of whether data would be accessible in several years, I would feel safer with free/open source software. Companies that produce paid-for software use proprietary formats to tie you into their software. Free software houses are not monetarily invested and so don't need to tie you in using proprietary formats.

Still, we each have our own methods that work for us.

Bloody hell I didn't realise I couldn't have my own opinion - there we go, shot down in flames again. I think next time anybody asks for advice i'll keep stum.

John G wrote:Bloody hell I didn't realise I couldn't have my own opinion - there we go, shot down in flames again. I think next time anybody asks for advice i'll keep stum.

You're not shot down in flames. I know what that's like. I've been watching Rawhide and Bonanza on TCM...

It's just different opinions making a discussion. I'm done with my viewpoint on the subject anyway (I do use both free and paid-for software, despite what impression I may have given...).

Always good to have a debate on things - and it makes an interesting post to have different points of view.

Anyway, John G - I have been looking around and seeing as though you have used 'Quickbooks' stuff you are probably the best person to ask.

I am looking at QuickBooks SimpleStart ([url="http://quickbooks.intuit.co.uk/small-bu ... estart.jsp]http://quickbooks.intuit.co.uk/small-bu ... estart.jsp[/url]) and I have downloaded the free version to have a look at it. Unfortunatly, the only thing that doesn't function on the free version is the stock control utilities (which is mainly why I need something). Do you think this would be ok for me?

I only ask as it's £99 plus VAT and although it's cheap compared to other finance software, it would be a waste of over £100 if it doesn't fit my needs!

Many thanks

Adam

Hi Adam,
No sure - i don't know much about the simple start version and whether it tracks stock.
Cheers John