There are well over 50 accounting software packages from which to choose. For small businesses, the two most popular are QuickBooks and Peachtree Accounting. We’ve both used QuickBooks, but Peachtree Accounting is certainly a strong alternative you should consider. Your best choice will be the one your accountant recommends. You’ll find it much easier to coordinate with your accountant if you use the same software or an accounting software package that is compatible.

There is a QuickBooks 2010 edition, and if you are buying it for the first time, we definitely recommend that edition, but if you already own an earlier version of the software there is no reason to upgrade unless your accountant recommends that you do. You can try out QuickBooks online for free at http://quickbooksonline.intuitcom. . QuickBooks lets you match your business by business type, either service-based or product-based. You can import data from Excel, Quicken, or Microsoft Office Accounting. The program accepts credit card payments directly, and up to five employees can work on QuickBooks simultaneously. Its navigation toolbar helps you find your way around quickly.

QuickBooks provides an excellent help section. Its terminology is more user-friendly if you’re not an accountant. For example, the Customer Section is where you’ll find Accounts Receivable, and the Vendors Section is where you’ll find Accounts Payable. There are also sections for Payroll, Inventory, Banking, Time Billing, Job Costing, General Ledger, and Fixed Assets.

We agree that for most small businesses QuickBooks Pro, which can be bought for half the price of the premier version, about $120, would be sufficient to meet your needs as long as sophisticated forecasting is not important to you. You can use QuickBooks over a network with up to five users able to access files simultaneously.

The biggest negative for QuickBooks is the cost of its technical support. You can get free help with installation, but if you have technical questions after setup you have to pay for support. The best deal is $349 for the year, but you can also pay on a monthly basis. The first month is $79 and every month after that is $39.

Your other key accounting software alternative is Peachtree Complete Accounting. Peachtree Accounting can be simple to learn if you are familiar with basic accounting rules. It has a navigation aid to help you move around the program. The program includes sections called Sales (Accounts Receivable), Accounts Payable, Payroll, Inventory, Time Billing, Job Costing, General Ledger, and Fixed Assets.

Peachtree Accounting does offer 30 days of free technical support. After that, if you still want support you’ll have to pay some hefty fees. Its basic plan is $259 for a single-user product and $349 for more multi-user products.

As your business grows, you probably need to look at more sophisticated accounting software, which you can find at www.business.com/Accounting.asp. You may want to talk with people in your network to see which accounting software they prefer. After hearing their pros and cons, you’ll have a much better idea of what software would work best for you.