Thursday, July 29, 2010

Repost...

As a second post, I am cheating a little. I had written this for my website about QuickBooks 2010 release, and thought it would be nice to have it preserved in my blog for future reference. So, slightly altered, here it is:

Also new is QuickBooks 2010 version. As always, Intuit has included some pretty neat features, some of which I am still discovering. A few that fall into my 'that is really neat' category are:
  • An option to have your signature print on your checks as you print them. I really like this one. You can choose whether or not to include it each time you print checks, and I have found it very convenient. I have been using it mostly for 'routine' payments, such as checks for utilities, rents, and have continued to hand-sign any checks for large amounts or one-time payees. I advise a bit of caution and controls if you use this feature.
  • I don't know about you, but designing forms has always been sort of a drag for me. Well, that particular chore has been made much simpler. You can now choose a 'style', and not only apply it to, let's say, your invoice, but you can also apply it to any other forms you choose, giving you a coordinated set of forms. When you set it up, you also choose a font, and all of the form is consistent. I have really been pleased so far with this feature, and my invoices no longer have that QuickBooks standard look.
  • This version includes Document Management, that will allow you to scan a document, and 'attach' it to certain items in QuickBooks. For example, you could scan in a Bill, and attach it to the Bill you entered in QuickBooks, so you could review it before paying the bill. Or, scan in a contract and attach it to the vendor, so you could review it when reviewing transactions or billings. The jury is still out on this one. I think it is has great potential, and am trying it on a limited basis, but am not sure I like the fact that the document is uploaded to their storage, and that a limited amount of storage is included free, with additional space available for a fee.

One falls into the 'Really Great' category - Lists. Some lists can now be worked with in a spreadsheet mode. I don't know if you have ever had to change a particular piece of information that is contained in each and every item in a particular list, but I can attest to the fact that it can be mind and finger numbing, not to mention time-consuming. Now, using the new feature, if you had to change, let's say the area code field for every single vendor from 407 to 321, you can accomplish it in a few key strokes and minutes. This one is the 'prize' in this year's crackerjack box for me. Thank you Intuit.

So, that is all for new. If you have suggestions for improvements to this website you would like to see, please go to contacts and email me from there. Bye for now, and thank you for visiting.

So, that was it. I will be following up in the next couple of days with a 'fresh' post.

No comments: