Jane E. Kelly - Sage Instant Accounts for Dummies

Sage Instant Accounts For Dummies

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This edition first published 2013

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Chapter 1

In This Chapter

Introducing the Sage software range

Considering SageCover

Installing the software

Getting help from the wizard

Navigating around Sage

In this chapter, I introduce you to Sage Instant Accounts. I show you how easily you can install the software and give you a guided tour, so that you can get up and running quickly essential for busy people!

Sage works on the principle that the less time you spend doing your accounts, the more time you can spend on your business, so makes each process as simple as possible.

I also discuss SageCover, an optional technical support package, which is an addition worth considering. If you experience software problems, SageCover can help. For small businesses, this support is like having an IT department at the end of a phone.

Sage offers two versions of Instant Accounts:

• Sage Instant Accounts: The entry-level program. Sage Instant Accounts provides all the features you require to successfully manage your accounts. You can professionally handle your customers and suppliers, manage your bank reconciliations and VAT returns and provide simple reports, including monthly and year-end requirements. This basic version is suitable for small businesses with a simple structure.
• Sage Instant Accounts Plus: Contains all the features of the entry model, but in addition includes a simple stock system and also the ability to have up to two users.

I recommend that you install Sage Instant on a Windows operating system. Windows 8 or 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, Small Business Server 2011 or Server 2003 are all recommended by Sage.