Available only for disc-based BBC B micros, the disc supplied
my be 40- or 80-track and comes with a user manual. The press
release accompanying the well-packaged product says it's the
best home accounting system for the BBC B. Well, how did it live
up to this ambitious claim?
First, let's look at the user manual. Its style is, to say the
least, difficult to follow. It may be straightforward to a
qualified accountant, but not to a mere computer user. It runs
through more jargon than any computer manual, with six box cycles,
four box cycles, debtor account codes, cleardowns etc...
It would be better to rewrite it - or arrange a short training
course. On running the program I found the system difficult to
follow and overly complex for a simple task.
The package may be the answer for the small businessman, though he
would need to be a blend of accountant and computer enthusiast. The
package is also over-priced. I realise professional software
costs much more, but this is the home market after all.
27th March 1984
