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Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum
Accounting, Bookkeeping, Marketing, and Small Business Resource
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charliemcc
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 10:13 am Post subject: Computers, software and a new UA Student. |
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I am considering taking UA's bookkeeping, tax prep and quicken software courses. of course my ultimate goal is to start my own bookkeeping business . I don't have a computer. I know I will need to get one eventually . Should I wait untilIfinishthecourse or should Igetone now before I start? I know the computer needs to handle Quicken Software. Can I assume that if it handles Quicken Software that it can handle the tax prep course software? Or, does software come with the tax prep course?
I am reading Buying A Computer For Dummies. The book teaches that you shop for software first. Then you buy a computer that can use the software that you have chosen. I know that I will need Quicken Software. What other software will my computer need to use? Can I assume that if can use Quicken, it will be able to use any other softwareImightneedfor my business? |
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Richard Noot
Joined: 20 Aug 2005
Posts: 912
Location: Minnesota
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| Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: Computers, software and a new UA Student. |
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charliemcc wrote: I am considering taking UA's bookkeeping, tax prep and quicken software courses. of course my ultimate goal is to start my own bookkeeping business . I don't have a computer. I know I will need to get one eventually . Should I wait untilIfinishthecourse or should Igetone now before I start? I know the computer needs to handle Quicken Software. Can I assume that if it handles Quicken Software that it can handle the tax prep course software? Or, does software come with the tax prep course?
I am reading Buying A Computer For Dummies. The book teaches that you shop for software first. Then you buy a computer that can use the software that you have chosen. I know that I will need Quicken Software. What other software will my computer need to use? Can I assume that if can use Quicken, it will be able to use any other softwareImightneedfor my business?
Quicken was NOT designed for businesses but for personal use. Like the Dummies say you buy the sofyware first. I would suggest that you talk
to your computer seller and let him know exactly what it is that makes you think that it is necessary for you to buy a computer. |
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Roger
Joined: 05 Aug 2005
Posts: 146
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| Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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The training that you mention (accounting, bookkeeping, and tax) offered by Universal Accounting do not need a computer to complete as the courses are each done in DVD format.
The QuickBooks training is different as it is on CD's which would be watched on a compter as well as the related homework.
Based on that I would suggest starting with the Professional Bookkeeper and Professional Tax Preparer programs before getting the PC.
Best Wishes
Roger |
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charliemcc
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 1:11 pm Post subject: so I don't need a computer to take bookkeeping, and tax cour |
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| So, I don't need a computer to take bookkeeping course and the tax prep course. That makes getting started a lot easier, Financially and intellectually. Can I run this business without a computer? But once I get my business going will I need to get a computer? When if ever would I have to get a computer for my business. To be compeitive, would I have to get a computer and use Quicken? |
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Roger
Joined: 05 Aug 2005
Posts: 146
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| Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:52 am Post subject: |
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Great questions and ones that I am willing to take a stab at.
A computer is not necessary when studying accounting or tax. Think of it this way. When we send our children off to elementary school and they do their math long hand (a page for a single addition or subtraction question) and they ask to use a calculator the answer is "no". First we learned the practical appliactions of the math principles and then we can start taking short cuts. Once someone has that sixth sense for the answer can they start using a calculator.
Consider this, have you ever typed in the calulator two numbers that you were adding together and instead hit the minus button. Right when you saw the answer you knew it was wrong and problibly knew what you did in less than a second.
It is the same with accounting. It has not changed in over 500 years. Some of us may even be old enough to remember "T" accounts, actual ledgers etc. The point is that the Professional Bookkeeper and Professional Tax Preparer programs are taught so that the principles are learned and then when it comes time to use a computer software program it doesn't matter which one you choose because they will be like a fancy calculator. Does it matter which calculator you use now to do a mulitplication problem? No, because you learned the principle first.
You can run an accounting practice without a computer and accounting software but I would not personally recommend it. The software is what makes your billable time worth it. Compare the time to do a mulitplication problem like 4382 x 16 long hand and then with a computer. you get paid the same for the right answer but the method you choose to get the answer will determine your earnings (not your billable rate)
I would suggest you consider strongly using QuickBooks for the simple reason that 80% of your potential clients may expect it. (personal preference aside)
Best Wishes
Roger |
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