Customer Reviews

QuickBooks 2006 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

To say that I was very disappointed in this book is a major understatement. I wish there was a zero star category or a negative star category.

I have come to depend on the "for Dummies" books to bring me up to speed on various interests. Perhaps because I am an accountant, this book isn't meant for me; however, though I know accounting, I don't know much about QuickBooks and I wanted to learn what it could do.

This book was not the place to learn. I actually learned more abut QuickBooks in the book, "Bookkeeping for Dummies". "QuickBooks 2006 for Dummies" spent more time telling me I didn't need to know how to use a feature than it did explaining the feature and how to use it. I came away from the book feeling like I was being told to use QuickBooks 2006 as a very expensive electronic checkbook register, and that "my accountant would take care of the rest". Well, I am the accountant, and if I relied solely on this book, I wouldn't know how to "do the rest".

I am also disturbed by the advice given the reader. For example, reccommending the small business owner use cash basis accounting and his accountant would convert his books to accrual (I got the impression that the aim of this book was to drum up business for CPA's). I've been an accountant for over 30 years, and this is the 1st and only time I've had an accountant recommend cash basis accounting. It just isn't done. The book also said that the small business owner doesn't need to know anything about accounting. I disagree strongly: a business owner must know something about accounting in order to understand how his business is doing and what decisions must be made and what choices there are. Example, I knew an owner of a small construction company who thought that when he was paid $30,000 for a job, he could go out and spend $30,000 on whatever he wanted. He didn't realize that expenses had to come out of that $30,000.

I felt that the information that came with the QuickBooks2006 software was very good to get started. To follow up that information, I would reccommend "Bookkeeping for Dummies", "QuickBooks: the Missing Manual" and "QuickBooks 2006: The Official Guide".

Please do not waste your money buying "QuickBooks 2006 for Dummies".

This is one of the better 'For Dummies' books that I've read.

To be sure most of the book is exactly what you would expect. It's a complete introduction to the QuickBooks accounting system. Being a 'For Dummies' book the othewise rather dry how to use a computer are livened up with a bit of humor here and there. I appreciate this as it tends to help me from going to sleep.

It's the extras in this book that make it easily worth the money, in fact possibly worth several times its cost. The author is a CPA. He has seen what really happens in the business world, and once in a while he provides a simple rule or two. For instance, 'Sign all your own checks.' Simple rule, but it tends to keep people honest. Another rule, 'Review canceled checks before your bookeeper does.' Obvious.

Then there's the discussion on fixed and variable costs vs. revenue. If your rent doesn't go up, selling just a little bit more can yield substantial increases in profits.

These are things that you just don't see in the normal how-to computer book and once again, could be worth far more than the cost of the book.

I was very disappointed with QuickBooks 2006 for Dummies because it did not deal with the issues of "when" and "why" one should use certain capabilites of QB. One can know all about how to manipulate the menus but not know when or why to do it. This is a very shallow product and I seriously thought about requesting a refund.

I did not find this book helpful. Each question I had, was not covered in the book. There are no "problem solving" sections, just staightforward information which you can get from the help area in QB. DON'T BUY!!

The Good: This book will give you a basic outline of how QuickBooks works. When you have completed reading through, you will be somewhat familiar with navigating through QuickBooks, and you will find yourself frequently going back to the book to find the exact instructions to take you through the necessary steps.
The Not-so-Good: Steve Nelson is an accountant. This is the main theme of the book. His suggestions that you speak with your CPA about this and about that, to use a CPA for payroll and to show you how to set up QuickBooks is somewhat strange. Why buy the book if you need to ask an accountant to show you anyways? He does give a basic beginners guide to using QuickBooks, but if you are looking for advanced instructions, all you get is his constant refrain, "Ask your CPA." "Consult the online help at QuickBooks.com" There is no mention of anything with regards to importing data, or preparing quarterly income tax filings. The instructions regarding the initial set up of QuickBooks are somewhat skimpy. This is definitely not the bible for QuickBooks........ for that, you'll need to see your CPA or consult online help.

I thought the section on setting up a chart of accounts was very limited and superficial and the ability to print out your chart of accounts was most confusing. I use quickbooks on line and setting up my accounts using QuickBooks for Dummies was not much help.

Like most of the "for Dummies" books, this is supposed to approach and explain the topic casually. Normally, I enjoy this kind of thing. However, this book/author leaves the reader with no details and little more than a summary of the what all the menus do. The author attempts (very bad) jokes in spots where I am expecting more detail.

If you're looking for a thorough understanding of Quickbooks, you'll be frustrated with this book - look somewhere else. If you're looking for self-effacing quips by the author, this is the book for you.

I agree with everything Keltic Kat said. I've never written a book review before, but this book annoyed me so much that I felt compelled. Maybe it's helpful for those who have no accounting knowledge. Personally, I thought it would be much more informative; as I'm reading it, I'm getting frustrated with the "you don't need to know that" crap. I bought the book because I DID want to know that crap. Ugh.

OK, I guess I am a dummie. This book is a help but it still did not answer all of my questions and I had to call an accountant. It is a MUST HAVE if you are trying to set up Quickbooks for a business.

I love the Dummies series of books, they always do a good job of laying things out for the non-expert (which is why most of us buy them right?)

This book is no exception, it does a very good job of getting you into and using QuickBooks. I doubt the book will make you an expert but if you need to get started right away, maybe you have a job interview on Monday for example, then this book is the way to go.