Posted by JanetK_CA on 12/29/09 3:16am
Msg #315938

Anyone using QuickBooks Pro 2009? Thinking of upgrading...

I'm still using an old version of Quicken, but I think it's time to add more capabilities. I've read some very mixed reviews about QB Pro 2009 - that it's not as good as earlier versions. Also, people have apparently been forced to upgrade when they use online services, such as banking, because they go through the Intuit servers. Intuit decides they don't want to support that version anymore, so they actually disable that feature on people's computers! The user is cruising along just fine and all of a sudden it no longer works unless they upgrade. Don't like the sound of that... But there aren't too many choices out there and I can live without the online services. (I don't like the idea of some other company's server being between me and my bank accounts!)

I'd appreciate any insights and if you have strong feelings about certain versions. It looks like
QB Pro 2010 is available now, too, but i read 2009 was full of bugs when it first came out. I don't usually like to be among the first to buy any new software... (BTW, if anyone knows of some exceptional deals available, I'd be interested in that, too. I've found a few good deals online, but would rather not have to wait for shipping.)

Many thanks in advance, all you software and/or accounting gurus out there!!

Reply by PAW on 12/29/09 7:26am
Msg #315941

Yes, I'm using QB Pro 2009. I upgraded from an older version because I was told that the version I was using would no longer be supported. This is not an unusual situation and makes the point that registering your software is very important. Without the registration, the company doesn't know what you've got and therefore can't warn you of impeding issues, such as discontinuation of support. You can't blame manufacturers for stopping support on older products, especially when they're two or three (or more) versions behind the current version. So, imo, it's not the manufacturer's fault that your version "just stopped working". (Even if you don't register, usually you can sign up for bulletins and emails about upgrades and changes to products.)

As for disabling a feature on a user's computer, I think you have the scenario a bit askew. The servers no longer support the user's version, so therefore, the user can't use the service any longer. Intuit doesn't change anything on the user's computer. (At least I've never run into that, except when installing updates, which I approve or disapprove prior to the update process being started.) Intuit releases new versions almost every year. So, if you upgrade to the "latest and greatest", you'll be on the bleeding edge whether you like it or not. But, Intuit's software is nowhere near a buggy as other software, like Windows, MS Office, etc.

I use both Quicken and Quickbooks. Had older (2002/2003) versions installed and upgraded both to 2009 versions. I've been using both products and TurboTax (also from Intuit) for many, many years. I've had no problems with either product (2009 version), though there was an installation problem with QB when it first was released. That was addressed and the 'fix' worked just fine. I've had no other issues since.

I bought my versions at Sam's. Watch the sales at Walmart, Office Max, Staples, etc. as very often they have good deals that's even better than Sam's regular discount.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 12/29/09 3:13pm
Msg #315990

Thanks, Paul. I just read so many reviews from people who didn't like the newer versions, rated them very poorly and wished they could stay with what they had before. Guess I won't worry about that, but I may try to find a 2009 version instead of being on the "bleeding edge" - unless I can find some reviews on the 2010 version that have something good to say. The other side of that coin, I suppose is that a newer version will give me more years of support if I do decide at some point to use the online features.

BTW, I get that they actually didn't disable anything in the users' pcs, but in their servers. I just misstated that. (That's what I get for posting so late at night!) I'm just not thrilled about having to go through their servers for banking, but I guess that's the only way they can make it work. I never really thought about that angle before or the implications, but for now, I think I'll pass on that feature.

Thanks again!

Reply by PAW on 12/29/09 5:28pm
Msg #316011

You only need to go through the Intuit servers if you use the QB or Quicken online services. I do online banking, but I do it directly with the bank, not through QB/Quicken. Of course that means that I must post things myself to the register instead of downloading, same with bill payment. I can set up a bill in QB, pay it online with my bank, then back to QB to post the bill as paid. Just like writing a check and manually having to enter the information. That way I stay in control of both sides of the coin and manage it myself. Just the way I prefer it.

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 12/29/09 4:14pm
Msg #316000

Have you researched Quicken Home & Business?

I do more than notary work and have found that this program is just the ticket for my other business. I added the rental property manager component as well last year and have found it to be extremely helpful, too.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 12/30/09 12:52am
Msg #316069

Re: Have you researched Quicken Home & Business?

I have used Quicken Home & Business for over 7 years and like it. I have also used Quick Books for a few years as treasurer for a franchise association .

Quick Books is truly an accounting system and Quicken Home & Business is user friendly to a business that is not needing to run a complete accounting bookkeeping system.

I read in a magazine, this year, ( I think it might have been Intuit magazine) the CEO of Quicken said that "Quicken Home & Business" was not very popular and was their's poorest selling software. I happen to love it and think it is simple.

I pay my bills online as many people do so I don't use Quicken on-line program for bill paying or stock reports.