Direct Sales ABC6 Accounts (v6.2)

ABC6 is built around accounts software for non-accountants, targeted at self-employed, small businesses and start-ups to SME's. It aims to be a run-your-own-business package, and for many people it will genuinely provide all that they need. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet and database applications that resemble cut-down MS Office apps. The usefulness of this is considerable, since mail-merge and custom reports can access accounts files. ABC can also import and export Office files.

I used DOS versions of ABC from 1987 on and was a big fan. Until recently I was still using ABC5 (DOS) for accounting, but I didn't much take to early Windows ABC. It was a bit clunky, lacked Office compatibility and offered no special advantages. That has all changed. The UI is now more logical and it is now an amazing suite of programs of good versatility and power.

The core strength remains ABC6's accounts modules, which require virtually no knowledge of proper accounting terminology and practice, yet "under the hood" is a full double-entry system to keep accountants happy. A printed manual, dummy accounts data to play with, and online help make for a tolerable learning curve for mere mortals, unlike most accounting software that seems to be an excuse to sell training courses. I'm a photographer who used a cashbook and a biro and had no trouble setting up ABC. I suspect a lot of people would be a great deal happier with ABC than the Sage that their accountants invariably recommend (mine did too). I later dispensed with my accountant, just didn't need him anymore. I seemed to be paying him to simply copy out ABC totals.

The final ABC6 ace is support, which is consistently excellent. Bugs get fixed the same day usually, and there are no phone queues or unanswered emails, you get a direct answer from a real human. My only reservation is that it has grown a little expensive now, at £440. But considering that you probably won't need any other software to run your business, and that you will not need training, it's good value for money.